White Willow: Nature’s Aspirin

White Willow: Nature’s Aspirin

White willow bark is “nature’s aspirin.” This plant, which produces salicin, has been the source of pain relief for centuries. As modern times approached, scientists began experimenting with synthetic forms of white willow because the white willow extract was difficult to harvest. Getting enough white willow extract to make pills proved far too expensive at that time, but producing a synthetic version in a lab was a cheaper alternative.

If you’re interested in using the natural version, however, you can purchase affordable white willow in supplement form or white willow tea. You make the white willow tea in the same way you would any other tea. Steep a few leaves or a bag for about 5 minutes in boiling water and then drink. You can add honey or stevia to sweeten the tea. White willow tea is an excellent way to stop basic pains and has the benefit of not being hard on your stomach the way aspirin is for many people.

Read the full article at swansonhealthnews.com