botanical name(s): Salix nigra, Salix alba, Salix discolor
synonyms: black willow, white willow, pussy willow
part(s) used: bark, berries
qualities: bitter, cool, dry
affinities: central nervous system, muscles
actions: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antiseptic (Hoffman), astringent
dosage:
» decoction: 1-2 tsp. herb to one cup water. Drink 1 cup per day
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
» powder: 1-2 g
therapy: spermatorrhea, nocturnal emissions, ovarian pain, arthritis and rheumatism, connective tissue inflammation (Hoffman), headaches, muscle aches, fevers, chronic diarrhea, dysentery
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1
toxicity: 2; see salicylate toxidrome
» treatment of overdose: activated charcoal and alkaline drinks such as sodium bicarbonate in water; fruit juices replace lost potassium; rectal administration of bicarbonate and potassium may be necessary; hydrotherapy is suggested to produce and maintain normal body temperature; caffeine stimulants are recommended for use in cases requiring respiratory stimulation and maintenance (Theines and Haley, pp. 80-85)
» not recommended for use before surgery
» caution is advised regarding use in patients with history of recent surgery, diabetes, hypoglycemia, nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract infections, acute infectious hepatitis, leukemias, Graves disease, or related genetic disorders (Langer and Greer, pp. 66-67)
constituents: salicin, tannins
footnotes
Hoffman, D. 1994. The Information Sourcebook of Herbal Medicine. The Crossing Press, Freedom, CA.
Langer, P., and Greer, M.A. 1977. Anti-Thyroid Substances and Naturally Occurring Goitrogens. New York: Karyer, Greer.
Thienes, C.H., Haley, T.J. 1975. Clinical Toxicology. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger.