(Salix alba) aka - Willow, Red Willow

The White Willow tree is one of nature’s greatest gifts to man because its bark contains the glucoside ‘salicin,’ an effective pain killer related to aspirin from which acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) was first derived. The Salicin is excreted in the urine as salicylic acid and related compounds. This renders this herb useful for kidney, urethra and bladder irritability and acts as an analgesic to those tissues. White Willow has an ageless reputation for reducing inflammation, and working as an astringent. When synthetic aspirin is taken internally, it causes the stomach to hemorrhage. It is estimated that we lose one to two teaspoons of blood each time aspirin is taken. White Willow does not cause the loss of blood through the stomach walls each time it is taken. It is used to reduce fevers, inflammation, and is an excellent herbal source of magnesium to calm the nerves, and may also be used for first-aid (wounds and abrasions). White Willow is also a valuable nerve sedative.

Primary uses:  Here are just a few of the maladies White Willow may provide relief for:

• Bladder Inflammation
• Fevers
• Headaches
• Joint Inflammation 
• Nerves/Anxiety
• Rheumatism
• Pain
• Kidney Issues
• Ulcerations
• Wounds