Willow — Salix alba
White
willow (Salix alba) is a short-lived tree species,
native to Central and South Europe but also cultivated in
North America. White willow belongs to the Salicaceae family.
There are over 300 species of willow, but only a few species
are used medicinally: white willow (S. alba), purple
willow (S. purpurea), violet willow (S. daphnoides),
and crack willow (S. fragilis). The tree takes root
best near streams, rivers and rich moist lowlands, and grows
to a height of 35–75 feet. In the spring the slender
branches first sprout tiny, yellow flowers, then long, thin
bright green leaves.
Some of the first medicines were made from a different salicin-containing
herb — meadowsweet — but work in essentially the
same way. From salicin, salicylic
acid and finally acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) are derived.
The inner bark of the willow contains tannins, flavonoids,
phenolic glycosides, and anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing
salicylates. Salicin is probably the most important extract
of the willow tree. The bark of the tree is removed, and the
salicin glycosides extracted.
When ingested, salicin is converted into salicylic acid in
the intestine and liver. Although salicylic acid was known
in ancient times to relieve pain, it caused severe stomach
and mouth irritation. That all changed on the August
10, 1897 when a man named Felix Hoffmann, working for Friedrich
Bayer et Compagnie, a maker of fabric dyes, produced the first
100% chemically pure form of acetylsalicylic acid (an altered
form of salicylic acid). This pure form of salicylic acid
is known today as aspirin.
White willow's analgesic effect works to inhibit the
production of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that
are produced by the body in response to injury and that cause
aches, pains, and inflammation. Thus, white willow is beneficial
in treating acute and chronic pain and inflammation in conditions
such as painful menstruation, arthritis, and neuralgia. White
willow is best when used over long periods of time and can
take days to improve conditions.
When used topically, salicylic acid is a very effective peeling
agent. Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of
skin.
Principal Authors: DermaHarmony Editorial
Department
Date of Initial Publication: 01/22/2007
Article Last Updated: 08/26/2009
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