White Willow Bark is most commonly known for its use in herbal medicine. A natural pain reliever, and anti-inflammatory, White Willow Bark owes its infamous properties to a component named Salicin. The use of White Willow Bark for medicinal purposes dates back to the time of Hippocrates, when he is noted to advise the chewing of White Willow Bark to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. The herb gained popularity again during the early 1800’s. At that time, the active ingredient, Salicin, was discovered, and later synthetically reproduced, creating salicylic acid.
Today, aspirin is usually made from acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), another synthetic variation based on Salicin. Aspirin masks are commonly used to reduce redness, inflammation, and soothe acne. Natural masks can be created with the same goals in mind by using White Willow Bark extract. This extract is a water soluble powder, and can be used to create creams, lotions, soaps, tinctures, and body wraps as well.
White Willow Bark Extract can also be used to soothe sore muscles, aches and pains when used topically. Try creating an herbal pack for stiff muscles using White Willow Bark Extract, Dead Sea Mud, Argan Oil, Shavegrass, and Alfalfa Leaf Powder. Body lotions made with White Willow Bark Extract can also be used in a soothing massage.
Those with sensitivities to aspirin, salicin, salicylic acid, or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) should not use White Willow Bark Extract or products containing White Willow Bark Extract. Be sure to label any products containing this product accordingly.
I am thinking of adding white willow bark extract to an eczema salve recipe I found here on the web site. would you have any idea how much extract I should add to the salve recipe to yeild an anti-inflamitory effect to eczema and dermatitis flare ups?
White Willow Bark Extract should be used at about 5% of the total formulation. Because this extract is powdered, it must be reconstituted with water. You can either do this by adding the extract to the water phase of a cream or lotion, or mixing the extract with some water before adding it to your recipe. Does your salve contain water? If not, you may want to try creating an infused oil using a dried herb instead. Yellow Dock Root or Burdock Root may be good choices.
I’m going to use white willow bark extract in a face mask that I am making, however I don’t know whether to use powered extract or a tincture. What would you recommend?