White Willow Bark (Loose Herbs)

This herb contains salicin, the compound from which commercial aspirin was originally extracted. The analgesic actions of the bark are slower acting than synthetic aspirin, but results last longer. In addition to its pain-relieving properties, it is an anticoagulant, assisting in the prevention of  blood clot formation and thickening of blood that may lead to stroke or heart failure. It has also been credited with the alleviation of acute back and joint pain, as well as osteoarthritis. Native Americans simply chewed the bark from the tree for natural pain relief.