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 Salix alba (Salicaceae)
WILLOW, WHITE WILLOW
Willow bark contains salicin, the
chemical that led to the discovery of aspirin. Herbalists prescribe the bark
for rheumatic disease, gout, fever, food poisoning, and dysentery.
An ancient remedy, willow bark was one of the original sources of salicin,
the chemical that led to the introduction of aspirin, the most widely used pharmaceutical painkiller.
A native of Europe, this graceful tree has a silvery-grey bark and long, gently curved, pointed leaves with a slightly downy surface.
The flowers appear in early summer.
PARTS USED
Bark.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Phenolic glycosides, including
salicin, picein, and triandrin with esters of salicylic acid; tannins; coumarins; flavonoids.
ACTIONS
Relieves pain; anti-inflammatory; reduces or prevents fever; tonic.
MEDICINAL USE
Used in the treatment of rheumatic
diseases and gout, and in the management of fevers and aches and pains of all kinds. It is also given for food poisoning and dysentery.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture.
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