Willow in Herbalist: Property of the Willow

Scientific name

Salix alba ; Salix purpurea ; Salix fragilis

Family

Salicaceae

Origin

Asia, Europe

Used Parts

Drug consisting of the bark of the plant

Chemical constituents

• Phenolic glycosides (salicin, populin, salicylic alcohol);
• aldehydes;
• Aromatic acids;
• Flavonoids (isoquercetin);
• Tannins.

Willow in Herbalist: Property of the Willow

The bark of the willow is mainly used for anti-inflammatory activity, mainly due to the inhibition of cyclo-oxygenases.

Biological activity

Willow is a plant with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. These activities are due to its salicin content which, once ingested and following intestinal and hepatic metabolism, is converted into salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid carries out its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities through the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, that is of the enzyme delegated to transform arachidonic acid in prostaglandins responsible for the onset of inflammation, fever and pain. Salicin, therefore, can be considered as a sort of pro-drug.

In truth, in the medical field the internal use of salicylic acid has been abandoned because of its marked irritant action against the gastric mucosa and, currently, it is preferred to use its acetylated derivative: acetylsalicylic acid, certainly one of the most known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs).

However, in the phytotherapic field, willow and its preparations are nevertheless used for the treatment of rheumatism and pain in general (these uses, among other things, have been officially approved).

Furthermore, salicylic acid is part of the composition of various medicinal specialties - alone or in association with other active ingredients - such as: eye drops for the treatment of blepharitis (thanks to its anti-inflammatory action) and ointments or ointments for the treatment of warts, hyperkeratosis, eczema, neurodermatitis and psoriasis (thanks to its keratolytic activity).

Finally, the keratolytic properties of salicylic acid are also exploited by the cosmetic industry.

However, for more information about the uses and properties of salicylic acid and its derivatives, we recommend reading the dedicated articles "Salicylates and aspirin" and "Salicylic acid in cosmetics".

Willow against rheumatism

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity performed by the salicin contained in the willow, its use has been officially approved for the treatment of rheumatic pains.

Generally, for the treatment of these disorders, we recommend taking about 6-12 grams of drug per day, corresponding, indicatively, to 60-120 mg of salicin.

Willow against mild pain

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities exerted by salicin can also be useful for the treatment of minor pains of different origins and nature, such as headaches, pains of inflammatory origin and pains associated with the common cold.

For the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, if the willow is taken in the form of a liquid extract (ratio drug / solvent 1: 1, using ethanol 25% V / V as extraction solvent), generally, it is recommended to take 1 -3 ml of product three times a day.

However, for more detailed information about willow-based preparations and the dosage to be used for the treatment of minor pain, see the article on "Treating yourself with the Willow".

Willow in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, willow is used to treat various disorders, such as gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, toothache and gout, as well as being used as a remedy to promote wound healing.

Willow is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of granules, mother tincture and oral drops. In this context the plant is used in case of arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis and menstrual pain.

The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken may differ from individual to individual, also depending on the type of disorder to be treated and the type of homeopathic preparation and dilution that is intended to be used.

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Side effects

Following the use of willow preparations or extracts, irritation of the gastroduodenal mucosa may appear, although the appearance of side effects is very low (1-5%) and includes general disorders such as nausea, dizziness and skin rash.

Contraindications

Avoid taking willow and its preparations in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components, in case of allergy to acetylsalicylic acid or salicylates in general, during pregnancy and during lactation.

Pharmacological Interactions

Willow and its preparations can establish drug interactions with drugs, such as:

• NSAIDs, since the willow can increase the side effects at the gastric level;
• Naproxen, since salicylates can decrease plasma concentration;
• Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, since an increased risk of bleeding may occur;
• Methotrexate ;
• ACE inhibitors ;
• Oral antidiabetics ;
• Alcohol and barbiturates, as these drugs can mask an eventual salicylate overdose and can increase toxicity.