White Willow Bark, Salix alba

Description

White willow, also known as European willow, is a species of willow tree native to Europe, Asia and eastern North America.

Native Americans commonly stripped the inner white pith of the bark to make topical ointments. Whole pieces of white willow bark are also tinctured, or decocted to make infusions and teas.

For centuries the white willow bark has been used as an analgesic. In fact, there is recorded evidence that the herb was used for this purpose in China as early as 500 B.C. The herb was also used extensively by Native Americans for fever and pain associated with arthritis. Today, we know that its effectiveness is due to a chemical called salicin that is converted in the human body into acetylsalicylic acid, a compound better known as aspirin.