How to Use Willow Bark

Willow bark is a material with a storied medicinal history. Long before the advent of medications like aspirin, caretakers were using willow bark tea as a combination cleanser and painkiller for their patients. Today, willow bark provides an all-natural alternative to over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Take willow bark in one of several different forms for its healthy, painkilling characteristics.

Things You'll Need

• Willow bark/capsules/liquid/powder
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Take willow bark for ailments like headache, inflammation and general pain. Willow bark is especially effective on lower back pain, osteoarthritis and inflammatory conditions like bursitis and tendinitis.

• 2

  Take willow bark as a pill or tablet on its own, as an alternative to OTC medications like aspirin. Follow manufacturer directions when taking pills, and do not overdose.

• 3

  Take willow bark as a powder or liquid, mixed into water, tea, smoothies or juice. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried bark in eight ounces of water to brew tea and drink three to four cups a day. Take 60 to 240 mg of powdered willow bark a day, depending on your doctor's prescription.