White Willow Bark

In ancient Egypt, white willow bark was used to reduce pain and inflammation. Greek philosophers Hippocrates and Dioscorides touted willow bark as a remedy for rheumatic joint diseases and gout. During the Middle Age, white willow bark lost its popularity in Europe. Today, the bark is adaptable to diverse climates. It may be cultivated in the Amazon to the state of Maine.

Amongst Native Indian healers, the herb was noted for its analgesic properties. In the mid 1700s, the therapeutic value of the bark was rediscovered and used to relieve the following ailments:

Back pain
Headache
Menstrual cramps
Rheumatic pain
sore throat
Toothache
Upper respiratory tract infections

In the 1890 willow bark was replaced with the development of synthetic acetylsalicylic acid. As a result, scientific studies have not evaluated the efficacy of the analgesic and antipyretic. Willow bark has not been assessed for the treatment in preventing myocardial infarctions, strokes or colorectal cancer. Over the centuries, herbalists have continued to recommend white willow bark extracts as the better substitution of aspirin.

Verisimilar to birch, white willow is a native of Europe, North America and Asia. In its appearance, the outer surface of the bark might vary in color. White willow bark may have the tones of brownish-gray to yellowish-green. While the inner surface of the bark is white to a pallid yellow or even sienna brown, it garners an ultra level texture to faint longitudinal striations. During the early part of Spring, the branches aged two to three years old are generally harvested.

Even the popular weight loss product Thermadrol contains white willow bark!