Barking up the Right Tree

Why don’t Native Americans get headaches? No, this isn’t the opening to a politically incorrect joke, and the answer is actually quite simple: willow bark! Native Americans have long chewed the bark of willow trees as a remedy for headache and muscular pain. The same is true about ancient Egyptians and Greeks. Now, while many ancient remedies don’t have great success rates (cough bloodletting cough), willow bark has shown up in multiple cultures and has stood the test of time. This article talks about the role willow bark has played in both ancient civilizations and as well as in the life of plants. So, is there any truth to willow bark’s salutary effects?

There sure is! Willow bark (particularly that from the white willow tree) contains a substance called salacin. The prefix, sali-, even comes from the Latin word salix, meaning willow. When salacin is ingested, the human body converts it into a new compound called salicylic acid. For the full process on how the body converts salicin to salicylic acid, look here. Salicylic acid is one of the main constituents of acetylsalicylic acid, more commonly known as aspirin.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid and aspirin have similar structures and similar effects on the body. Both help reduce inflammation and mitigate pain. Thus, chewing some willow bark and gulping down an aspirin are going to have comparable results. However, there are notable differences. The effects of willow bark have been reported to be much slower than those of aspirin. The effects of willow bark have also been shown to last longer. Both treatments can cause an upset stomach, but willow bark has been reported to cause this side effect less frequently.

Willow bark is definitely a viable treatment for minor aches and pains. However, the amount of salicylic acid you can get from willow bark is relatively low, and chewing willow bark or drinking willow tea means you have to deal with their bitter taste. If you need quick relief, or you’re just not in the mood for an attack on your taste buds, then aspirin is probably the way to go. But if you’re looking for a natural source of pain relief that has hard science backing it up, then willow bark is a pretty good option.

Just couple of warnings. If you intend to remove bark off a willow tree, try to avoid taking it off the main trunk if you can. I mean, causing permanent damage to a tree is no way to say thank you! Also, remember that taking willow bark is a lot like taking aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin or are not able to take it, you shouldn’t be taking willow bark either. The University of Maryland Medical Center has info on the dosing and usage of willow bark and is a recommended read to those interested in willow bark as an herbal therapy. Despite the trouble of finding a willow tree, the flavor, and a couple of other issues, I think you’ll agree that when it comes down to it, willow bark is a lot better than its bite.

If you’re interested in making some willow bark tea yourself, check out this site for a nice, simple to follow recipe.

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My name's Vivek. I'm a mountain biker, a card player, and an aspiring scientist. I'm a Michigander and a dog lover. Enjoy the post!