Black Willow vs Poplar Bark

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Black Willow

Salix nigra

Analgesic

Populus tremuloides

Analgesic

Black Willow

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Poplar Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

North American willow species; bark used similarly to white willow bark by Indigenous peoples and Eclectic physicians for pain and fever.

Widespread North American tree whose bark was used by many indigenous peoples and early American medicine for fever, pain, and urinary conditions.

Active Compounds

salicin, salicortin, flavonoids, tannins, gallic acid

salicin, populin, isosalipurposide, tannins, catechins

Traditional Uses

Pain and fever by many Native American tribes, Rheumatic conditions, Aphrodisiac in some traditions, Used by Cherokee and Mohegan tribes

Fever and pain in many Native American traditions, Urinary conditions in Ojibwe and Cree medicine, Rheumatic conditions, Diarrhea treatment

Modern Uses

Analgesic, Antipyretic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiplatelet

Analgesic via salicylates, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Astringent

Adult Dosage

2–3 g bark as decoction; 2–3 mL tincture 3x daily

2-4g dried bark tea 3x daily; 2-4ml tincture 3x daily

Contraindications

Aspirin allergy, Children under 16, Anticoagulant medications

Aspirin allergy, Anticoagulants, Children with viral fever, Pregnancy

Side Effects

GI irritation, Blood thinning

Salicylate sensitivity, Gastric irritation

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E