Derived from the bark of the white willow tree, white willow bark is a medicinal supplement valued for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient in white willow bark is salicin, which is similar to the pain-reliever aspirin. Treatment with white willow bark may be particularly beneficial for people who experience chronic pain due to headaches, arthritis or lower back discomfort.
Warning
The amount of white willow bark you need to take to alleviate your pain and inflammation may vary depending on your age, weight and health status. Consult a doctor who knows your medical history before taking this herbal supplement to ensure you take the correct dosage of white willow bark. Additionally, do not give children age 16 and younger white willow bark. Treatment with this herb may increase a child's risk of developing a rare, serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Tea
Using dried white willow bark, you can prepare a medicinal tea. Health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center recommend boiling 1 to 2 tsp of dried white willow bark with 8 oz. of water for 10 to 15 minutes. You can drink the medicinal tea after allowing this herbal mixture to steep for approximately 30 minutes. Adults can consume three to four cups of white willow bark tea each day.
Capsules or Liquid
Encapsulated or liquid preparations of powdered white willow bark are available over-the-counter. Typically, adults can take a daily dose of white willow bark capsules or liquid that contains 60 to 240 mg of standardized salicin. Higher doses may be appropriate for certain people, but only at the discretion of a doctor.
Tincture
To alleviate pain, adults can take 4 to 6 mL of a 30 percent alcohol white willow bark tincture up to three times daily. Pregnant and breast-feeding women shouldn't used medicinal tinctures because alcohol can harm a developing fetus or baby.
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