howtosupplement
Mobility/Inflammation

White Willow Bark

Bark extract containing salicin, historically used for pain relief and studied for chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis.

White Willow Bark

White Willow Bark

58
score
B
evidence
Caution
risk

Proven Benefits

01Reduces lower back pain
02Reduces osteoarthritis pain
03May lower inflammatory markers
04May reduce fever

Chemical Forms

Recommended
  • White willow bark extract (standardized to 15-30% salicin)
Avoid
  • Raw, unstandardized bark (variable salicin content)
  • Whole bark powder (unreliable dosing)
Expert Note

Standardized extracts ensure a consistent salicin dose, typically 120-240 mg per day. Raw bark potency varies by harvest and preparation, making therapeutic effects unpredictable and increasing the risk of under- or over-dosing.

Protocol

Amount
120-240 mg salicin
Frequency
Once or twice daily
When
With food to reduce stomach irritation.

Condition-Based Dosing

Chronic lower back pain
240 mg salicin daily, divided into two doses
Osteoarthritis of knee or hip
120-240 mg salicin daily

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit
240 mg salicin/day (highest studied effective dose); no official UL established
Cycling
Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Aspirin or salicylate allergy — cross-reactivity risk
Warfarin or anticoagulant therapy — increased bleeding risk
Pregnancy or breastfeeding — salicylates linked to fetal and neonatal risk
Children and teenagers with viral illness — Reye's syndrome risk
Peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding history — may exacerbate
Chronic kidney disease — salicylates may worsen renal function

Avoid Combining With

  • ✕Aspirin and other NSAIDs (additive bleeding and GI risk—avoid combining)
  • ✕Anticoagulant medications like warfarin (increased bleeding risk)
  • ✕Alcohol (increases gastric irritation and bleeding risk)
  • ✕Methotrexate (salicylates may increase toxicity)
Updated Invalid Date