Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT · ES · DE · FR

← All supplements
Moderate evidenceJoints & skin

White Willow Bark

Willow bark standardised to 240 mg salicin per day probably beats placebo for short-term low back pain, but the best-conducted osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis trials were negative. It is a weak, slow salicylate — not a natural aspirin equivalent.

View on iHerb Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

What the science says

  • Short-term low back pain Moderate evidence

    Cochrane rated the evidence moderate quality: two trials (261 participants) found 240 mg salicin/day better than placebo for pain and rescue medication use over 4 weeks, with 120 mg/day giving a weaker, less consistent response.

  • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis Limited evidence

    Two randomised double-blind trials published together in 2004 (127 patients with OA, 26 with RA) gave 240 mg salicin/day for 6 weeks and found no significant benefit over placebo, while the diclofenac control arm did separate from placebo. An earlier smaller positive OA trial has not been reproduced.

  • Not an aspirin substitute for cardiovascular protection Limited evidence

    Salicin doses used in trials deliver far less salicylate than low-dose aspirin, and a 51-participant comparison found willow bark had only minimal effect on platelet aggregation versus a cardioprotective aspirin dose. Do not use it in place of prescribed antiplatelet therapy.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseExtracts standardised to salicin content: 240 mg salicin/day is the dose with the best support (commonly 1-2 capsules of a 15-25% salicin extract); 120 mg/day is weaker. Trials lasted 4-6 weeks.
SafetyWillow bark is a salicylate source and carries salicylate risks: avoid in aspirin allergy or salicylate-sensitive asthma, and do not give to children or teenagers with viral illness because of Reye's syndrome risk. Additive bleeding risk with anticoagulants, antiplatelets and NSAIDs; stop before surgery. Gastrointestinal irritation and rare hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant kidney disease. Salicin can produce a positive result on salicylate assays.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter; take it consistently through a 4-6 week course.
With food?With food — salicylates irritate the stomach lining.
Worth knowingTreat it as aspirin: if aspirin is off-limits for you, so is this, and it must never be given to a child or teenager with a viral illness.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel and NSAIDs

    Willow bark is a salicylate source, so bleeding risk and gastric irritation are additive. do not combine, and stop before surgery

  • methotrexate

    Salicylates reduce methotrexate clearance and can raise it to toxic levels. do not combine

With other supplements

  • fish oil, ginkgo and garlic

    Additive antiplatelet effect on top of the salicylate. avoid stacking, especially before a procedure

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does white willow bark work for back pain?

White willow bark standardised to 240 mg salicin/day probably beats placebo for short-term low back pain, with moderate evidence from two trials over 4 weeks. A 120 mg/day dose gave a weaker, less consistent response.

Does white willow bark help arthritis?

Probably not: two randomised trials in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis found 240 mg salicin/day of white willow bark no better than placebo, while diclofenac was. The evidence for arthritis is limited.

Is white willow bark a natural aspirin?

No. White willow bark delivers far less salicylate than low-dose aspirin and had only minimal effect on platelets, so never use it in place of prescribed antiplatelet therapy. It still carries salicylate risks, though.

Who should avoid white willow bark?

Avoid white willow bark if you are allergic to aspirin or have salicylate-sensitive asthma, and never give it to a child or teenager with a viral illness because of Reye's syndrome risk. Do not combine it with blood thinners, NSAIDs or methotrexate.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Nutricost, White Willow Bark, 600 mg, 240 Capsules

View on iHerb

Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

Related in Joints & skin