Traditional Uses

• Headache
• Neuralgia
• Arthritis
• Gout

Mode of Action

• The body converts the salicin in willow bark to salicylic acid, the basis for Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or AspirinŽ)
• White willow bark has the same action as ASA but with a longer duration of action

Drug Interactions

• Do not use at the same time as oral anticoagulants ("blood thinners")
• Do not use at the same time as methotrexate, phenytoin or spironolactone
• Do not use at the same time as other salicylates

Cautions

• Precautions associated with salicylate therapy are equally applicable to White willow bark; avoid in cases of:
  • Asthma
  • ASA (AspirinŽ) allergy
  • Pregnancy / breast feeding
  • Diabetes
  • Hemophilia

Recommended Dose

• 1000-3000 mg of dried bark three times a day for a total of no more than 120 mg total salicin per day. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Chevallier, 1996; Blumenthal, 1998