White Willow Bark (Salix alba Longwood Herbal（白柳树皮(柳属阿尔巴洛伍德草药）.pdfVIP

The Longwood Herbal Task Force (/herbal/default.htm) and The Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research (/holistic/) White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Ellen Silver Highfield and Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH Principal Proposed Uses: Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory Other Proposed Uses: Wart remedy Overview White willow bark has been used throughout the world as an antipyretic and analgesic. Since the development of synthetic acetylsalicylic acid in the 1890’s, willow bark has fallen into disuse and has not undergone rigorous scientific evaluation. The concentration of salicin is actually much lower in willow bark than in other Salix species. The high concentration of tannins in willow bark (8-20%) usually leads to gastrointestinal toxicity before therapeutic concentrations of salicylates are achieved. Willow bark does not appear to affect coagulation and has not been evaluated for use in preventing colorectal cancer, strokes or myocardial infarctions. Its topical use as an analgesic and wart remover appear safe. Caution suggests avoiding willow bark in children with influenza or varicella to minimize the risk of Reye’s syndrome, and in patients with asthma, allergies to aspirin, active peptic ulcer disease, diabetes, or hepatic or renal disorders. There are no data evaluating its safety during pregnancy or lactation. Historical and Popular Uses Ancient Egyptians used the bark of the white willow to treat pain and inflammation 1. Hippocrates and Dioscorides recommended willow bark as a remedy for gout and rheumatic joint diseases, but it fell into disuse in Europe during the Middle Ages. Kuan-Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is often depicted holding a willow branch as a symbol of healing. Native American healers also relied on willow for its analgesic properties2. The English Ellen Silve