White Willow Bark Tea: Nature's Aspirin
The original source of aspirin, still effective in its natural form for headaches and mild pain.
Aspirin was originally derived from salicin, a compound found in white willow bark that has been used as a pain remedy since ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks chewed willow bark for pain relief, and modern research confirms that white willow bark extract provides meaningful relief for headaches, back pain, and mild inflammatory pain.
Willow bark works more slowly than aspirin because salicin must be converted to salicylic acid in the body, but it also tends to be gentler on the stomach. It should not be used by people with aspirin allergies, and it should not be given to children (same reason children should not take aspirin).
This tea is best used for mild to moderate pain and headaches — it's not appropriate for severe pain that requires medical evaluation. I use it for mild tension headaches and find it effective without the stomach upset I sometimes get from over-the-counter pain relievers.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 teaspoons dried white willow bark
- 2 cups water
- Optional: cinnamon stick and honey for palatability
How to Use
- 1Bring water to a boil and add white willow bark.
- 2Reduce heat and simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes (bark requires more extraction time than leaves or flowers).
- 3Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- 4Add cinnamon stick during simmering and honey after straining, if desired.
- 5Drink one to two cups per day for pain management.
- 6Do not use if you have aspirin allergy, are pregnant, or are taking blood thinners. Consult your doctor if pain is severe or persistent.