White Willow Bark (Salix alba) — Bulk Dried Herb
White Willow Bark (Salix alba)
White Willow is one of the most historically significant plants in the entire botanical pharmacopoeia — a graceful, silver-leaved tree whose bark contains salicin, the natural compound from which aspirin was synthesized in the 19th century. Long before the development of modern pharmaceuticals, the bark of the willow tree was used by healers across ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and the Americas, making it one of the most universally recognized botanical remedies in human history.
Our White Willow bark is certified organic, cut and sifted to preserve its full botanical character.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Salix alba
- Family: Salicaceae (Willow family)
- Common Names: White Willow, European Willow, Cricket Bat Willow
- Plant Part Used: Bark (inner bark)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe / Central Asia
- Appearance: Pale to tan fibrous bark pieces
- Aroma: Mildly astringent, slightly bitter, faintly woody
- Flavor Profile: Bitter, astringent, slightly sweet
About the Plant
Native to central and southern Europe and western and central Asia, Salix alba is a large deciduous tree that grows to 25 meters in height, producing lance-shaped leaves covered in fine silvery hairs (giving the tree its “white” appearance), and long, drooping catkins in spring. The tree grows in moist soils along riverbanks, in floodplains, and in wetland margins. The genus Salix contains over 400 species, all of which contain salicylate compounds in their bark, but Salix alba is the species most commonly used botanically. The connection between willow bark and pain relief was formally documented by the English clergyman Edward Stone in 1763, who reported his observations to the Royal Society of London. This led eventually to the isolation of salicin by Johann Buchner in 1828 and the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) by Felix Hoffmann at Bayer in 1897.
Traditional Context
Willow bark has been used in botanical traditions across the ancient world. It appears in ancient Egyptian medical papyri dating to 1550 BCE, in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Pliny, and in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as Liu Shu Pi. It was used by numerous Native American peoples and appears in the traditional botanical practices of cultures across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It remains one of the most widely used botanicals in contemporary Western herbalism.
Suggested Preparations
- Decoctions: Simmer 1–2 teaspoons of bark in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction
- Herbal Blends: Traditionally combined with Meadowsweet and Feverfew in Western formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried White Willow bark maintains its quality for 2–3 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. White Willow bark contains salicylates; those with aspirin sensitivity or salicylate intolerance should avoid use. Not recommended for children or during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are nursing, taking blood-thinning medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.