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One of the most common OTC drugs in the pharmaceutical world is known as aspirin, which is a close relative of the active principle in white willow bark. White willow bark has been used historically as antipyretics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and astringents to treat headache, debility of digestive organs, dandruff, eye problems, malaria, chills, influenza, eczema and nosebleeds. The glycoside salicin, from which the body possesses the ability to split off salicylic acid, is a source of the anti-inflammatory and pain relieving actions of white willow. Although white willow may be a little slower to react to the pain, it does not have all of the side effects of aspirin. Furthermore, white willow’s relief from the pain tends to last longer than aspirin as well.
A tree, 75-80 feet high or a shrub. The deeply fused, dark gray bark is rough. The twigs are reddish brown. Ashy-gray leaves are alternate, lanceolate, serrate and silky on both sides. The male and female flowers occur on separate trees, appearing in catkins on leafy stalks at the same time as the leaves. Found throughout the U.S. in moist places.
It is a anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, and tonic. The bark, from the new, smooth barked branches is used to alleviate pain, reduce fever, inflammation, internal bleeding, heartburn, stomach ailments, and food poisoning. Soak 1-3 teaspoons of the bark to 1 cup cold water for 2-5 hours, bring to a boil. Take 1 cup a day, unsweetened, a mouthful at a time. A decoction is used as a gargle for gum and tonsil problems or a footbath for sweaty feet and to remove corns.
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