White willow bark

Traditional Uses & Why Herbalists Value It

European herbalists use willow bark for aches and fever, preparing the dried bark in measured medicinal forms. It combines a bitter taste with salicylate-related constituents. Defined bark extracts have their own dose and standardization, distinct from ordinary loose-bark tea.

What Modern Research Has Found

Clinical studies of standardized willow-bark extracts have reported relief of lower-back pain with particular preparations. The EMA assessment distinguishes established use of specified extracts from traditional bark uses. Species and salicin content matter to the comparison.

Plant Part, Preparation & Natural Constituents

Salicin and related salicylates occur in the bark. Aspirin sensitivity, blood-thinning medicines and use in children are important considerations.

White willow in Formulae

Deep Heat Muscle Ointment uses willow in an external botanical blend; studies on oral standardized bark extracts do not establish this ointment's effect.

Products Containing This Ingredient

• Deep Heat Muscle Ointment (5 oz)

Sources & Further Reading

• Willow bark >