White Willow

Willow bark is the bark of several varieties of willow, including white willow or European willow, black willow or willow, cracked willow, purple willow, and others. The bark is also used for medicinal purposes.

Willow bark is very similar to aspirin. It is most commonly used for pain and fever. But there is no good scientific evidence to show that it works like aspirin for these conditions.

How does white willow bark work?

Willow bark contains a chemical called salicin similar to aspirin.

Possibly effective for

Back pain. Willow bark appears to reduce lower back pain. Higher doses appear to be more effective than lower doses. It may take up to a week for significant improvement.

Precautions in the use of white willow

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): some experts warn that willow bark may interfere with the body's response against COVID-19. There is no strong data to support this warning. But there are also no good data to support the use of willow bark for COVID-19.