Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with White Willow
Contrary to Culpeper, white willow bark won’t cure malaria, but it is indeed herbal “aspirin.” It contains more salleylates than meadowsweet, making it a more potent natural healer.
Fever, Pain, Inflammation - Try white willow any time you think you need aspirin. Aspirin is a more concentrated source of the active chemicals in the herb (salicylates), so don’t expect the herb to be as effective.
Women’s Health - Like aspirin, white willow contains enough salicylate to suppress he action of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are involved in menstrual cramps.
Pregnant women should not use white willow, however. In animal studies, aspirin is associated with an increased risk of birth defects. The herb is not as powerful, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Intriguing Possibility - One laboratory study suggested white willow may reduce blood sugar (glucose), but the herb’s effect on human diabetes, if any, remains unclear.
Rx for White Willow
For a pain-, fever-. and inflammation-relieving infusion, soak I teaspoon of powdered bark per cup of cold water for 8 hours. Strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day. White willow tastes bitter and astringent Add honey and lemon, or mix it with an herbal beverage tea.
White willow should not be given to children under age 2 or to those under 16 with a cold, flu, or chicken pox. For other children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.