Scientific Name/Common Name:Salix alba / White willow
Part(s) Used:Bark
Constituents/Active Ingredients:Phenolic glycosides; salicin, picein, and triandrin, with esters of salicylic acid and salicyl alcohol, acetylated salicin, salicortin, and salireposide. Miscellaneous; tannins, catechin, p-coumaric acid, and flavonoids.
Overview:White willow, Salix alba L.
Traditional Use/Benefits/Body Systems:Used in Herbal Medicine for short-term relief of low back pain, relief of minor joint pain, to relieve fever associated with the common cold and to relieve headache pain. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever reducing.
Clinical Studies/Scientific Research/References:
Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.
Wichtl M, editor. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis. 3rd edition. Stuttgart (DE): Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 2004.
Gagnier JJ, van Tulder M, Berman B, Bombardier C. Herbal medicine for low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD004504.
Disclaimer:This information in our Herbal Encyclopedia is intended only as a general reference for educational purposes. It is not a replacement for medical advice. This content does not provide dosage information, cautions/contraindications, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Please consult any relevant product labels for detailed information on use and with a medical practitioner for individual health advice.