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What Are the Benefits of Willow Tree Bark?

Willow bark from willow trees has been used for centuries as a way to reduce pain. Aspirin uses chemical components similar to the compound found in willow bark. Willow bark is available in health food stores and from retailers who stock natural health products. It is available as a dried powder, a dried herb, and as a tincture.

  1. Processing Tree Bark

    • Willow trees are commonly used as a landscaping plant for their grace and beauty. More than 300 different varieties of willow trees and shrubs are in the Salicaceae family, the largest of which is the white willow which can grow as tall as 75 feet with a girth of 20 inches. Willow trees are fast growing and thrive close to lakes, rivers, and streams. Bark from the white willow tree is collected, dried, and processed into teas, tinctures, and powders. Most of the collection of willow bark takes place in the spring and summer to take advantage of the higher potency of the sap that is in the bark.

    Pain Management

    • Willow bark or products made from the bark will reduce headaches, low back pain, pain from osteoarthritis, and reduce discomfort from inflammatory conditions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, blind studies have proven the painkilling properties of willow bark when compared to the placebo controls.

    Skin and Scalp Treatments

    • Some skin creams and hair shampoos contain salicylic acid, a derivative of willow bark used to treat psoriasis, dandruff, and acne. People can also buy tinctures of willow bark and add them to their skin or hair products to enhance the medicinal effects of these products.

    Warnings

    • People who are allergic to aspirin should not use willow tree bark products, since they are chemically similar. People taking Dilantin should not use willow bark supplements, since willow bark increases the activity of this drug in the body. When using blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, curtail willow bark usage. Using willow bark with beta blockers or diuretics may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Pregnant or nursing women should not use willow bark, because high concentrations of the chemicals in willow bark can pass from mother to child.

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