White Willow – The Original Aspirin

The use of willow bark dates to the time of Hippocrates (400 BC) when people were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation. 

Willow bark has been used throughout the centuries in China and Europe, and continues to be used today for the treatment of pain (particularly low back pain and osteoarthritis), headache, and inflammatory conditions, such as bursitis and tendinitis. 

The bark of white willow contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). In combination with the herb’s powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds (called flavonoids), salicin is thought to be responsible for the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of the herb. In fact, in the 1800s, salicin was used to develop aspirin. White willow appears to bring pain relief more slowly than aspirin, but its effects may last longer.

Today it is best known to bring relief for rheumatism, gout, headaches, cystitis, inflammation and arthritis.  White Willow’s pain relieving qualities makes it useful for allergies, lower back pain, joint pain and menstrual cramps.  For menstrual cramps I find the combination of White Willow and Lady’s Mantle particularly helpful.