Summary

Willow bark has been used for thousands of years as anti-inflammatory and analgesic to reduce pain associated with arthritis and myalgia. It contains salicylic acid, which is used as a precursor to make Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX) involved in making prostaglandins that stimulate inflammation and fever.
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Caution: Willow bark can be toxic when not used properly. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Indications

Musculoskeletal
• chronic rheumatic conditions- arthritis- gout- myalgia
• lumbago (low back pain)
• carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Immune
• fever

Actions

• Antiinflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Analgesic
• Diuretic
• Antipyretic
• Anticoagulant
• Astringent

Constituents

• Simple Phenolics (E.g. Salicyclates: Salicin)
• Tannins
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 25% EtOH): 3-6 ml tid
• Decoction (dried herb): 1-2 tsp tid

Safety

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation; safety has not yet been established with respect to salicylates.

Cautions: Salicyclate (aspirin) sensitivity, children (Reye's syndrome).

High doses: May lead to metabolic acidosis with compensatory respiratory alkalosis.

Interactions

• Anticoagulants (Coumadin) • Caution: theoretically it may increasing bleeding time due to salicyclates.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002