White Willow
Updated Mar. 09th, 2022
The salicylates in white willow are the basis for the pharmaceutical drug we call aspirin. Therefore the medicinal properties of white willow are similar to those of aspirin. White willow bark is an antipyretic (fever reducer), analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory. It also thins the blood and decreases mucus secretions.
Natural health practitioners for headaches, arthritis, gout, muscle injury, joint injury, other inflammatory conditions and fevers recommend white willow.
White willow can be used as encapsulated bark or dried bark. Better quality supplements are standardized which is an assurance that the product contains white willow and has some active properties. Products that are made with only the bark are stronger than supplements that use the whole tree. White willow is found as a component of pain relieving and anti-inflammatory formulas.
White willow contains compounds that are similar to aspirin. They decrease your blood clotting ability therefore those with active bleeding, or those who use blood thinners, aspirin or NSAIDs should use caution. For the same reason, stop using white willow 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental procedures. White willow also interacts with numerous other medications so it is best to consult with a health professional before using it. Do not use white willow if you have liver or kidney disease. Do not give white willow to children because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Do not use white willow if you have an allergy to aspirin or are pregnant.
It is so cool that white willow has asprin-like qualities. I wonder if there have been any randomized clinical trials directly comparing the two's effects in pain relief & effect in fever. I also wonder if there have been studies that compare the degree to which each induce blood thinning. Seeing the effect of reducing mucus secretions, I wonder-does asprin do this too? Thank you so much for an interesting article that made me curious. I'm going to be turning to the literature for some answers!
Hello Rachel,
We're thrilled our article has elicited so much curiosity that you can now research further, knowledge is health! White willow is great to consider during this cold season due to its mucus reducing properties. You can actually find other supplements that are great for the cold & flu season here, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/cold-and-flu/
Have a healthy day