Native to North America, northern Asia, and much of Africa, the willow is a low-growing deciduous tree bearing long, green, tapering leaves and catkins in spring. Bark is stripped from young trees in the spring. Native American healers used willow bark long before Columbus or the Vikings landed. The conversion of willow bark to aspirin began in 1828 when German chemist Felix Hoffmann isolated the active ingredient and named it salicin. In 1899, the Bayer company began manufacturing and selling a modified form of the willow bark chemical acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. This first of the modern miracle medicines has been a mainstay in the treatment of joint pain ever since.
White Willow Bark: 16 oz
Add 1 oz (30g) of dry herb to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Let simmer 30 min-1 hour until liquid reduces by 3/4 to 1/2.
Pour through a strainer into a glass container; squeeze/press out every last bit of liquid.
This makes 1 day’s dose. Drink throughout the day for pain relief every 2-4 hours*, alternating with your prescription pain medications. You may make a larger batch and store in refrigerator for at least a week.
Do not use if allergic to aspirin or other salicylate-containing drugs. Do not administer to children or adolescents with viral infections due to the possibility of Reye's syndrome.