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White Willow Bark at a Glance
A traditional dried botanical bark with a long history in European herbal practice, White Willow Bark (Salix alba) is commonly prepared by gently simmering the bark in water to create a herbal decoction, often referred to as willow bark tea.
Botanical
White Willow Bark
Salix alba
Plant Part
Dried Bark
Carefully prepared for traditional botanical use.
Preparation
Decoction
Gently simmered in water rather than simply steeped like delicate leaves and flowers.
Flavour
Earthy & Woody
A distinctive botanical flavour characteristic of traditionally prepared bark infusions.
Naturally Occurring
Salicin
White Willow Bark naturally contains salicin, one of the plant compounds for which Salix species are well known.
Packed in South Africa
20 g
Carefully packed by Flowers from my Meadow for your home botanical apothecary.
Discover White Willow Bark
New to White Willow Bark? Here are a few simple things to know about this traditional botanical, from what it is to how it is prepared and enjoyed.
What Is White Willow Bark?
White Willow Bark is the dried bark of Salix alba, a willow species with a long history of use in traditional European herbal practice.
What Do I Receive?
A 20 g pouch of dried White Willow Bark, ready for preparing traditional botanical decoctions and other herbal preparations.
Is It a Tea?
White Willow Bark is a single dried botanical rather than a conventional tea blend. When simmered in water, the resulting herbal decoction is commonly known as white willow bark tea.
How Is It Prepared?
Because bark is naturally tougher than leaves and flowers, White Willow Bark is gently simmered in water rather than simply steeped.
What Does It Taste Like?
White Willow Bark produces a distinctly earthy, woody and naturally bitter botanical infusion.
Does It Contain Caffeine?
No. White Willow Bark contains no traditional tea leaves and the prepared botanical decoction is naturally caffeine-free.
White Willow Bark Botanical Profile
Meet the remarkable tree behind this traditional dried botanical and discover the characteristics that define White Willow Bark.
Common Name:
White Willow
Scientific Name:
Salix alba
Plant Family:
Salicaceae
Plant Type:
Deciduous tree
Part Used:
Dried bark
Botanical Character:
White Willow is a graceful tree with slender branches, narrow leaves and characteristically pale undersides. The bark develops a textured, woody character as the tree matures.
Flavour Profile:
Earthy, woody and naturally bitter.
Naturally Occurring Compound:
Salicin
White Willow Bark naturally contains salicin, one of the plant compounds for which Salix species are well known.
Traditional Context:
White Willow Bark has a long history within traditional European herbal practice, where the dried bark has traditionally been prepared in water as a botanical decoction.
Preparation Style:
Because bark is naturally tougher than leaves and flowers, it is traditionally gently simmered in water rather than simply steeped.
Naturally Caffeine-Free:
White Willow Bark contains no traditional tea leaves and is naturally free from caffeine.
BOTANICAL PREPARATION
How to Prepare White Willow Bark Tea
White Willow Bark is traditionally prepared as a decoction. Because bark is naturally firmer than delicate leaves and flowers, it is gently simmered in water to create what is commonly known as white willow bark tea.
STEP 1
Measure the Bark
Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried White Willow Bark for each cup of water.
STEP 2
Add to Water
Place the measured bark and water together in a small saucepan.
STEP 3
Gently Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer and allow the bark to simmer for 15–20 minutes.
STEP 4
Strain & Serve
Strain the bark from the liquid and pour the prepared decoction into your cup.
Unlike delicate herbal teas that are simply steeped, a decoction uses gentle simmering to prepare tougher botanical materials such as bark.
THE MEADOW KITCHEN
Simple Ways to Enjoy White Willow Bark Tea
Once your White Willow Bark decoction has been prepared and strained, it can be enjoyed simply as it is or incorporated into a few gentle botanical tea rituals.
The Simple Willow Cup
The traditional preparation, served simply and without additions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared White Willow Bark decoction
Method
Strain the freshly prepared decoction into your favourite cup and allow it to cool slightly before enjoying.
Willow & Honey
A little honey softens the naturally bitter, woody character of the bark.
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared White Willow Bark decoction
- Honey, to taste
Method
Allow the prepared decoction to cool slightly, then stir in honey to taste.
Willow & Lemon
A simple citrus variation that brings brightness to the earthy botanical flavour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared White Willow Bark decoction
- A small squeeze of fresh lemon
Method
Strain the prepared decoction into a cup and add a small squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.
Willow, Lemon & Honey
A warming botanical cup balancing the woody character of White Willow Bark with citrus and gentle sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared White Willow Bark decoction
- Fresh lemon
- Honey, to taste
Method
Strain the prepared decoction, allow it to cool slightly, then add lemon and honey according to taste.
Begin with a properly prepared White Willow Bark decoction using the method above, then keep your ritual simple.
GOOD TO KNOW
Questions About White Willow Bark
From preparation and flavour to salicin and important precautions, here are answers to some of the most common questions about White Willow Bark and traditional willow bark tea.
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White Willow Bark is the dried bark of Salix alba, a deciduous willow tree belonging to the Salicaceae family. The bark has a long history of use in traditional European herbal practice.
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White Willow Bark is the dried botanical used to prepare what is commonly called willow bark tea. Because bark is tougher than leaves and flowers, the drink is more accurately prepared as a decoction by gently simmering the bark in water
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Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried White Willow Bark to one cup of water. Gently simmer for 15–20 minutes, then strain the bark before serving.
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White Willow Bark has a distinctive earthy, woody and naturally bitter flavour. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a little honey or fresh lemon according to taste.
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No. White Willow Bark contains no traditional tea leaves and is naturally caffeine-free
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Salicin is a naturally occurring plant compound found in willow species, including Salix alba. It is one of the botanical constituents for which White Willow Bark is particularly well known.
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A decoction is preferred. Bark is a firm, woody plant material, so gently simmering it in water for 15–20 minutes provides a more traditional preparation than simply pouring hot water over it.
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White Willow Bark naturally contains salicylates. It should be avoided by people with an aspirin or salicylate allergy or sensitivity and is not recommended during pregnancy or for children under 16. If you use anticoagulant, antiplatelet or anti-inflammatory medication, or have an existing medical condition, consult an appropriate healthcare professional before use.
Still have a question?
We're always happy to help. If there's something you'd like to know about White Willow Bark, its traditional preparation or how to enjoy it as a botanical tea, get in touch with us.
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Botanicals, Kept Pure & Uncomplicated
We believe beautiful botanicals need very little interference. Our approach is simple: thoughtfully selected plant material, careful handling and honest information about what you’re bringing into your home.
Thoughtfully Selected
White Willow Bark selected with attention to its quality, appearance and suitability for traditional botanical preparations.
Carefully Handled
Handled and packed with care to help preserve the natural woody character of the dried bark.
Pure & Uncomplicated
A single dried botanical without unnecessary additions, presented as close to its natural form as possible.
Packed in South Africa
Carefully packed by Flowers from my Meadow in South Africa.
From our meadow to your home, with care.
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