Willow Bark
Salix spp.
A Strong clinical evidenceWillow bark extract may help with short-term low back pain. It contains salicylates, so it is unsuitable under 18 and with blood thinners.
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At a glance
The EMA classes willow bark dry extract as "well-established use" for short-term treatment of low back pain. Bark tea rests on traditional use for minor joint pain, headache and fever with a cold. Because it contains aspirin-like salicylates, it has many contraindications and an important drug interaction.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
A Strong clinical evidence
Strong clinical evidence: Supported by strong human clinical trials and well-established medicinal use monographs.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Standardised dry extract may help with short-term low back pain. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Bark tea is traditionally used for minor joint pain and headache. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Bark tea is traditionally used to relieve fever associated with a common cold. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–3 g of chopped bark; drink after meals.
Amount: 3 times daily
Duration limit: Max 4 weeks
[1]Food
For back pain, use a ready-made product with standardised dry extract as labelled.
Amount: Up to twice daily
Duration limit: See a doctor if pain persists during the first week
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
Duration limit: 28 days
- Must not be used under 18 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Do not use with allergy to aspirin (salicylates) or other NSAIDs, salicylate-sensitive asthma, an active stomach ulcer, clotting disorders, severe liver or kidney failure, or G6PD deficiency.
- Must not be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy; not recommended earlier in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- See a doctor if fever exceeds 39 °C, persists or comes with a severe headache.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants (e.g. coumarin derivatives such as warfarin) | May increase the effect of anticoagulants; do not combine without medical advice. [1] | Major |
| Aspirin and other painkillers (NSAIDs) | Combined use is not recommended without medical advice. [1] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives or asthma
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, heartburn
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Willow bark contains salicin, so the EMA rules it out for people hypersensitive to salicylates or painkillers such as aspirin. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does willow bark work like aspirin?
Willow bark contains aspirin-like salicylates. People allergic to aspirin, those on blood thinners and under-18s should not use it.
Does willow bark help back pain?
Based on clinical data, the EMA accepts that willow bark dry extract may help with short-term low back pain.
How long can I drink willow bark tea?
Drink it after meals 3 times a day for at most 4 weeks.
Can children take willow bark?
No. Because of the risk of Reye's syndrome it must not be used under 18.
Sources
Cite This Page
Willow Bark (Salix spp.). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/willow-bark/
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