Plantelemedicinale. (2014). Salcie – tratamente naturiste salcie. Retrieved from: http://plantelemedicinale.info/p-s/salcie-tratamente-naturiste-salcie/
Botanical Name: Salix alba
Common name: White willow (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935)
Family: Salicaceae (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579)
Parts used: Bark (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579)
History/Folklore: Generally considered to be the natural form and original source of aspirin (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579).
Constituents: Phenolic glycosides (incl. salicin and salicylic acid); tannins; catechin; p-coumaric acid and flavanoids (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579)
Actions
- Analgesic (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579; Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935)
- Anti-inflammatory (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579; Bone & Mills, 2013, pp. 935, 937)
- Tonic (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579)
- Antipyretic (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935; Natural Standard, 2014)
- Antirheumatic (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935)
Indications
- Lower back pain (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935; Natural Standard, 2014)
- Temporary relief of acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935)
- Rheumatism (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579)
- Gout (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579)
- Fevers (Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579; Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935)
- Headache (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 935; Natural Standard, 2014)
Dosage & Preparation:
- Tincture (1:5 in 25%): 3-6mL/tds
- Decoction: 1-2tsp dried bark/1 cup water/tds
(Hoffmann, 2003, p. 579)
Cautions
- Willow bark cannot be substituted for asprin in the prevention of stoke or myocardial infarction (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
- Use cautiously in inflammation or ulceration of the gastro-intestinal tract (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
- Iron deficiency anemia due to tannin content (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
- Severe constipation (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
Contraindications
- Sensitivity or allergy to salicylates (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
- In individuals with glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
- Children with chickenpox or other viral infections due to association between salicylates and Rene’s Syndrome (Natural Standard, 2014)
- Pregnancy and lactation (Natural Standard, 2014)
- Congestive heart failure (Natural Standard, 2014)
- Individuals with elevated serum calcium due to presence of cadmium (Natural Standard, 2014)
Interactions:
- May potentiate effects of anti-platelet medication (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
- Warfarin and other anti-coagulant medication (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 940)
