How to Use Willow Tree Bark

White willow tree bark has been used as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory and fever reducer since the time of Hippocrates. Used today to treat pain and inflammatory conditions such as lower back pain, osteoarthritis, bursitis and tendinitis, its active ingredient is salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin. In fact, willow bark is used for many of the same ailments as aspirin but does not cause the stomach upset that aspirin sometimes can. Along with salicin, white willow bark contains other chemicals that researchers believe may offer antioxidant, immune-boosting and antiseptic qualities, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered or chipped willow bark
• Water
• Grain alcohol, cider vinegar or distilled water
• Airtight container
• Cheesecloth

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Instructions

Tea

• 1

  Buy bulk white willow bark in chipped or powder form online or at your local health food store. Some health food outlets also offer ready made willow bark tea bags for your convenience.

• 2

  Add 2 tbsp. of bark to 8 oz. of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Allow tea to steep for 30 minutes. Because willow bark has a bitter taste, you may want to add honey, sugar or lemon for flavor.

• 3

  Drink three to four cups of tea daily for pain relief, fever reduction and relief from inflammation.

Tincture

• 4

  Place chipped willow bark in an airtight container such as a large mason jar.

• 5

  Add a menstruum, or solvent, such as grain alcohol, cider vinegar or distilled water. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests using a 1:5 ratio, meaning 1 oz. of bark to 5 oz. of alcohol or other menstruum. They recommend a 30 percent alcohol menstruum for best results.

• 6

  Seal container and store in a dark place for two weeks. For best results, shake mixture once a day.

• 7

  Pour mixture through cheesecloth, straining out the bark. Store in clean, air-tight containers until needed.

• 8

  Take three 4 to 6-millimeter doses per day. Mix with tea or juice to dilute the taste.