Herbs

White willow bark

Also called: willow bark, salix

Bark containing salicin, related to aspirin.

Why people take it
Pain, back pain.
What the evidence says
Some evidence for back pain.
How it is usually taken
Extracts providing 120 to 240 mg of salicin a day.
Be careful
Avoid with aspirin allergy, blood thinners, and in children.
Medicines it can interact with
Avoid with aspirin allergy, blood thinners and NSAIDs; not for children (Reye's syndrome).

Other herbs

EchinaceaElderberryGarlic extractGingerPeppermint oilMilk thistleSaw palmettoSt John's wortValerianChamomileLemon balmPassionflowerKavaRhodiolaGinkgoMoringaFenugreekCinnamonBlack seedLicorice

Common questions

What is White willow bark?

Bark containing salicin, related to aspirin.

Why do people take White willow bark?

Pain, back pain.

Does White willow bark work?

Some evidence for back pain.

How much White willow bark do people take?

Extracts providing 120 to 240 mg of salicin a day.

Is White willow bark safe?

Avoid with aspirin allergy, blood thinners, and in children.

Does White willow bark interact with medicines?

Avoid with aspirin allergy, blood thinners and NSAIDs; not for children (Reye's syndrome).

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

🔎 Search all supplements

For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.