Asprin vs. Willow

Aspirin is in the news this week as a cancer preventative as well as being the go to drug for stroke and heart attack prevention.  I then wondered if Willow shared similar benefits, since aspirin is derived from the salicin in Willow.  The Latin name for Willow is Salix spp., it is a member of the Salicaceae Family.  These plants have a high salicin levels, where salicylic acid is made from, they don't have the same blood thinning quality as aspirin.  Also it is different enough that there is no risk of Reyes Syndrome, allergic reactions and stomach upset and bleeding.  I would caution that with taking anything new, one might want to try a small amount first to test for an allergic reaction before diving full in.

In my Materia Medica, it list that Willow works well on the Kidney, Bladder, Heart, Stomach and Liver meridians.  Energetically, it is a bitter, cool and dry.  It clears heat and dries damp conditions.  Tones the heart and kidneys while clearing the liver and stomach.  All this and promotes tissue repair and relieves pain.

I like to use Willow in my tonics where muscle or joint pain is present.  Along with the need to drain congestion or excess fluids.  Making Willow blend nicely with Meadow sweet or Comfrey in rheumatic and   workout formulas. I will add it to some of my allergy blends too, when there is a lot of sinus pain and tidal fevers present.  Then I blend it with Golden Rod and Mahuang along with some bee pollen to relieve the pain and fevers along with building up the body to local allergens.

Willow is very useful as a simple too.  It works great at relieving pain on it's own, without being blended.  It can be taken as a decoction or tincture 3-4 x a day, or as needed.  My Mother has been using will this way to relieve arthritis pain for years, without side effects or other drug interactions. 

Aspirin truly has it's place, it has been helping thin the blood, reducing strokes and relieving pain for generations.  It is a stronger drug made from a plant source hence it does carry some side effects.  While Willow is a very effective herb, it does not take aspirin's place.  Though they share similar benefits, they are not interchangeable.