White Willow Bark for Lower Back Pain

While white willow bark may take more time than aspirin to relieve low back pain, but its effects may be longer lasting. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that white willow (saxa alba) bark contains the chemical salicin, a synthetic form of which is now marketed as aspirin.
Little research has been done on the effects of white willow bark, but aspirin-related risk of Reyes syndrome means it should not be given to children under 16.

White Willow Bark as Tea

• You can purchase dried white willow bark at a health food store, online or from a practitioner of holistic medicine. To make tea, bring 8 ounces of water to a boil, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried willow bark. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the bark and release its salicin. Remove the tea from the heat, cover it, and allow the bark to steep for 30 minutes before discarding it. Drink three to four cups of tea per day.

White Willow Bark in Capsule or Liquid Form

• The University of Maryland recommends taking enough daily doses to provide between 60 and 240 milligrams of salicin. Speak to your doctor before taking more.

White Willow Bark as a Tincture

• You can purchase a 1:5, 30 percent tincture of white willow bark or you can make your own. The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine says you can prepare a 1:5 tincture by adding 200 grams, or about 7 ounces, of dried white willow bark cut in small pieces to one quart of 70- to 80-proof vodka. For a non-alcoholic tincture, substitute glycerol or vinegar.
  Place the willow bark in a large, sterile glass jar and cover it with the liquid. Close the jar tightly, label and date it, shake it vigorously for one to two minutes and store it in a cool, dark place for between 10 and 14 days, shaking it every one to two days.
  After 10 to 14 days, place a muslin bag large enough to hold the contents of the jar in a wine press, pour the liquid into it, and transfer the liquid to a jug. Extract the remaining liquid from the willow bark with the wine press, add it to the jug, and discard the bark. Take a funnel and pour the liquid into sterilized dark glass bottles, seal them with corks or screw tops, and label and date them. Store in a cool dark place for up to two years.
  When you're ready to drink it, add 1 teaspoon of the white willow bark tincture to 5 teaspoons of fruit juice or water and take two to three times per day.