Description
White willow, also known as European willow, is a species of willow tree native to Europe, Asia and eastern North America. Has a slightly bitter taste, which is improved when combined with ginger or cinnamon when prepared as tea.
Native Americans commonly stripped the inner white pith of the bark to make topical ointments. Whole pieces of white willow bark are also tinctured, or decocted to make infusions and teas. cosmetic Decoct and use the liquid in oral rinses and skin washes.
culinary Prepare as tea, alone or with other herbs to enhance flavor. May also be tinctured.
safety Do not use if you have an allergy to aspirin.
For centuries the white willow bark has been used as an analgesic. In fact, there is recorded evidence that the herb was used for this purpose in China as early as 500 B.C. The herb was also used extensively by Native Americans for fever and pain associated with arthritis. Today, we know that its effectiveness is due to a chemical called salicin that is converted in the human body into acetylsalicylic acid, a compound better known as aspirin.
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