Poplar Bark vs Black Willow

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Poplar Bark

Populus tremuloides

Analgesic

Salix nigra

Analgesic

Poplar Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Black Willow

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

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

Active Compounds

salicin, populin, isosalipurposide, tannins, catechins

salicin, salicortin, flavonoids, tannins, gallic acid

Traditional Uses

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

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

Modern Uses

Analgesic via salicylates, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Astringent

Analgesic, Antipyretic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiplatelet

Adult Dosage

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

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

Contraindications

Aspirin allergy, Anticoagulants, Children with viral fever, Pregnancy

Aspirin allergy, Children under 16, Anticoagulant medications

Side Effects

Salicylate sensitivity, Gastric irritation

GI irritation, Blood thinning

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E