Willow Bark Tea: how to
- 4 tsp white willow bark
- 2 -3 cups water
To properly extract the salicylic acid: raise to a rolling boil for 10 minutes. keep covered. Do not let steam escape.
Remove from heat. Steep for additional 30 minutes – 4 hours, keeping covered. Longer is better.
Willow bark tea is primarily known for its analgesicproperties and is used quite often to treat headaches. A 2014 report in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggests that daily doses of white willow bark, equivalent to 120 mg to 240 mg salicin, are better than placebo for short-term improvements in pain and rescue medication. Also, willow bark extracts are included as an ingredient in sports performance and weight loss products for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Reduces Arthritic Pain
According to a 2015 Phytotherapy Research report, a small number of clinical studies have been conducted that support the use of the bark extract in chronic lower back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis.
Antipyretic (Fever-Reducing) Properties
Research on the history of antipyretic therapy reveals that willow bark was used by the early Romans, ancient Chinese, as well as the early Native Americans to reduce fever. Also, Hippocrates also recommended the use of extracts of willow bark to alleviate the pain of childbirth and to reduce fever. This is how the use of aspirin for fever management came into practice.
