- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe and western and central Asia, along rivers. Salix alba
- Other names
- Schietwilg
Europe · Herb · № 91
Salix alba
Herb · Europe
White willow
Salix alba
The bark contains salicin, which the body partly converts to salicylic acid. There are hints of a moderate effect on low back pain and joint pain.
Safety notes
Avoid with aspirin sensitivity, stomach ulcers, alongside blood thinners, or in children and teenagers with fever (risk of Reye's syndrome).
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not with aspirin allergy.
- Natural skin and hair care: Not with an aspirin or salicylate allergy.
Preparation
The bark as decoction or in standardised extracts. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Willow bark appears in Egyptian and Greek medical texts. In 1763 Edward Stone described its use against fever; salicin later led to the development of aspirin. Willow is also a Bach flower remedy.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, reduces sweating, pain-relieving, antiseptic, astringent, bitter digestive tonic.
Preparation and amount
Liquid bark extract for rheumatism, headache and nerve pain; tincture up to 15 ml for fever (with boneset or elder); bark powder up to 10 g with honey for fever and headache; decoction for feverish chills and arthritis; leaf tea after meals.
Caution: Not with aspirin allergy.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Willow bark contains salicylates, related to aspirin; used in skin care for blemished skin.
Preparation and amount
External: willow bark essential oil or extract in a toner for blemished skin (see the recipe).
Caution: Not with an aspirin or salicylate allergy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Lets go of grief, attracts love and the right partner, protects the home, heals body and mind, love, calm, harmony, protection, healing, communication, eloquence, dreams, growth and renewal.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with mourning and comfort, love and healing.
Preparation and amount
Willow bark was already mentioned by Hippocrates and Dioscorides against pain and fever. In the nineteenth century salicin was extracted from it, the forerunner of aspirin. In European folk culture the weeping willow is a tree of mourning and lost love, and willow withies were used for baskets and wickerwork.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Flexible twigs for wickerwork.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTinctureSyrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Witch hazel toner