What is white willow?
White willow (Salix alba) is a majestic tree belonging to the Salicaceae family, found mainly in Europe, Asia and North America, near rivers and wetlands. Used since ancient times in traditional medicine, it is nicknamed "nature's aspirin" because of its high salicin content, a precursor of acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in modern aspirin.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and febrifuge properties, white willow bark is an effective natural remedy for joint pain, fever and headaches.
What are the benefits of white willow?
White willow is a versatile medicinal plant, used for its analgesic and soothing effects:
How to use white willow
White willow can be consumed in various forms according to need:
As an infusion or decoction of white willow bark
For joint and muscle pain → Drink regularly as a cure.
For fever and headaches → Can be taken as a replacement for a conventional analgesic.
Recipe:
Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried bark in 250 ml of water for 10 minutes.
Filter and drink up to 3 cups a day.
White willow capsules or extracts
As a dietary supplement → For a more concentrated and prolonged action on joint pain.
As a preventive treatment → Helps limit chronic inflammation.
White willow bud glycerol macerate (gemmotherapy)
Regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect → Ideal for osteoarthritis and chronic pain.
As a poultice or external lotion
To soothe muscle and joint pain → Applied locally as a compress soaked in infusion.
In a relaxing bath → Added to bath water for a soothing action on body tensions.
Is white willow effective against osteoarthritis and joint pain?
Yes, white willow bark is recognized for its natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, particularly useful in cases of :
Is white willow a natural alternative to aspirin?
Yes, the salicin contained in white willow bark is the natural precursor of modern aspirin. Unlike synthetic aspirin, it :
Does not cause gastrointestinal side effects in normal doses.
Has a milder, more prolonged action.
Is well tolerated by the body, with a reduced risk of adverse effects.
However, it should not be taken in excess, especially by people on anticoagulant therapy.
What's the difference between white willow and meadowsweet?
White willow (Salix alba) → More concentrated in salicin, it is recommended for chronic and inflammatory pain.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) → Also contains aspirin precursors, but with a more targeted action on fever and transient pain.
The two plants are complementary and often combined in phytotherapy.
Where can I buy quality white willow?
White willow products are available in :
Pharmacies and parapharmacies → In the form of capsules, liquid extracts and dietary supplements.
Herbalists and organic stores → In dried bark, powder or herbal tea.
Stores specializing in gemmotherapy → For glycerol macerates of buds.
Certified phytotherapy sites → To guarantee optimal, organic quality.
Choose organic products from environmentally-friendly crops for optimum effectiveness.
Does white willow have any contraindications?
Although natural, white willow should be used with caution in certain cases:
