White Willow Bark
The plant aspirin originally came from. Salicin-rich bark for pain and inflammation — gentler on the stomach than aspirin, with similar bleeding caveats.
Moderate for lower back pain (Chrubasik trials), osteoarthritis, headache. Effects: hours to weeks.
Salix alba bark contains salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid — the same compound aspirin was developed from. Slower-acting but somewhat gentler on the stomach lining than aspirin. Used for centuries for fever, headache, lower back pain, and joint pain. RCT evidence supports back pain and OA relief at standardised doses. Carries most of the same risk profile as aspirin (bleeding, Reye's syndrome in children, allergic reactions).
- Form
- Standardised white willow bark extract to 15% salicin (delivers ~120 mg salicin/dose).
- Dose
- 240 mg salicin daily (~1,600 mg extract), split into 1–3 doses.
- Timing
- With food.
- Schedule
- Daily or as-needed for pain.
- Side effects
- Same as aspirin: GI upset, bleeding risk, allergic reactions, tinnitus at high doses. Reye's syndrome risk in children with viral illness.
- Interactions
- Anticoagulants, antiplatelets — additive bleeding risk. NSAIDs — additive. Methotrexate, ACE inhibitors — interactions. Diabetes medications — additive glucose lowering.
- Contraindications
- Aspirin allergy. Bleeding disorders. Pre-surgery. Children with viral illness (Reye's risk). Pregnancy (third trimester). Active peptic ulcer.
- Lab markers
- PT/INR if on warfarin. Symptom tracking.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
Curcumin, boswellia (anti-inflammatory stack). Generally avoid stacking with aspirin / NSAIDs.
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