Herb

Willow – Salix alba

Willow information and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as to break and bring down fever, rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.

Botanical Classification: Family Salicaceae

Genus and specie: Salix alba

Other names:

White Willow or osier.

Description of the herb willow:

This large tree with its deeply fissured bark and hanging branches are a well-known site in river and wetland areas.

Parts used:

The bark is normally used, although the leaves can also be used.

Properties:

It is a bitter, astringent herb with cooling properties, which relieves pain, lowers fever and reduces inflammation.

It contains phenolic glycosides, such as salicylates (salicortin, salicin, tremulacin), syringin and triandrin, as well as phenolic acid (chlorogenic acid) and oligomeric proanthocyanidins.

Therapeutic uses:

Internal use:

The bark and leaves are very effective to break and bring down minor fevers and colic.

The bark is most helpful to treat rheumatism, arthritis and gout, as well as diarrhea and dysentery, headache and neuralgia.

The pain relieving action as analgesic is due to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by the salicin derivatives, which cause sensitization of peripheral pain receptors, and “natural aspirin” from the willow bark seems to have far less side effects than the synthetic aspirin made by pharmaceutical companies.

External use:

Willow bark extract has shown excellent results when dealing with acne and problem skin. This also works as a beta-hydroxy acid, and is included in various cosmetic products for this purpose.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use:

None noted.

Safety precautions and warnings

No parts of the willow should be used by people who are sensitive to aspirin (salicylates) although the natural aspirin contained in willow is deemed to be less irritating than synthetic aspirin.

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