White Willow Bark

Salix alba · Willow bark · Willow bark extract · Salicis cortex

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Low back pain^1–4 Osteoarthritis pain^{5, 6} Minor articular pain⁷ Fever with common cold⁷ Headache⁷	Salicylate hypersensitivity⁷ Active peptic ulcer disease⁷ Children under 18⁷ Coagulation disorders⁷ Pregnancy or breastfeeding⁸

White willow bark (Salix alba) is the bark of a deciduous tree whose salicin is a salicylate precursor, used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic⁹. Salicin and the bark's polyphenols act on inflammatory signaling without aspirin's acetylating action¹⁰. Adults with low back or joint pain who want an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the typical users.⁷ The European Medicines Agency (EMA) herbal monograph lists traditional use for minor articular pain, fever with the common cold, and headache⁷. Sports and weight loss products also contain it, with no human studies of those uses⁹.

A Cochrane review found moderate-quality evidence that standardized Salix alba extract relieves short-term low back pain better than placebo^{1, 11–13}. In osteoarthritis one trial found a modest analgesic effect, but results across trials conflict^{5, 14}. A rheumatoid arthritis study showed no significant effect and was underpowered³. A 2026 narrative review of salicin in diabetic complications reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects drawn mostly from cell and animal studies, with limited clinical investigation¹⁵. The United States (US) label database lists many products containing white willow bark, mainly liquids, capsules, and powders; see Form comparison.

The main caution follows from the salicylate content: the EMA monograph contraindicates use in salicylate hypersensitivity and under age 18 because of Reye syndrome risk⁷. Platelet effects are far smaller than with acetylsalicylate¹⁶. Health Canada labels ask for a health care practitioner's advice before use with anticoagulants or other salicylates⁸.

Last updated October 17, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

48 sources, 33 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources