White Willow root

Healing properties

• The plant has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic, diaphoretic, analgesic, tonic, diuretic, astringent and hemostatic effects.

White willow has long been used in folk medicine to treat joint diseases. One of the first anti-inflammatory drugs to be used to treat rheumatism was aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid. Salicylic acid and its derivatives get their name from the scientific name of the willow tree, since they were first synthesized from its bark.

The main component that explains the therapeutic effect of willow bark is salicin. Salicin is able to block the formation of prostaglandin, which is one of the main factors in maintaining inflammation. Due to this, willow bark extract has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, similar to the mechanism of action of synthetic salicin analogues. But unlike the latter, willow bark extract has fewer side effects. In folk medicine, willow bark extract is used for rheumatism, gout, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, various infectious and gynecological diseases.

For the treatment of rheumatism and as an antipyretic agent, it is recommended to take a decoction of willow bark. Due to salicylates, tannins, white willow helps to reduce pain and swelling of the joints. The antipyretic and diaphoretic properties of white willow make it useful for colds and flu. Its analgesic effect appears later than that of aspirin, but lasts much longer.

Method of application

A decoction for colds, gout, malaria, arthritis, joint pain, menopause, inflammation of the stomach, intestines, diarrhea, colitis, pleurisy, kidney, heart and liver diseases: 2 tbsp. willow bark is crushed and poured into 400 ml. mountains. of water, boil for 20 minutes. and then insist for an hour. Strain and drink a spoonful (canteen) three times a day half an hour before meals: the course should last at least 1 -1.5 months.

Tincture for rheumatism, arthritis: 50 gr. The bark is ground in a coffee grinder and poured with 40% alcohol or high-quality vodka (1 liter). Insist for two weeks in a dark place, shaking the vessel daily. After straining this tincture, take one fourth of a glass twice a day.

Contraindications

In case of pregnancy, individual intolerance.