Homemade Organic Willow Bark Tincture and Extract Recipe

This guide will walk you through the process of making your own organic willow bark tincture using willow bark and USDA Certified Organic 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol. Known as “nature’s aspirin,” willow bark has a rich history of use in herbal medicine, and now you can make an effective tincture right at home.

What is Willow Bark?

Willow bark is derived from the outer layer, and underlying pith, of various species of willow trees including white willow (Salix alba or European), black willow (Salix nigra or "pussy"), crack willow, and purple willow.

The active compound in willow bark, salicin, is converted to salicylic acid in the body, which is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. Individuals with allergies to aspirin or salicylates or other medical conditions should exercise caution when using willow bark extracts or tinctures.

Traditional Uses and Benefits of Willow Bark

Many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Native Americans, incorporated willow bark extracts or tinctures into regiments for treating the symptoms associated with headaches, fevers, muscle pain, and arthritis. 

In modern times, herbalists and homesteaders continue to return to willow bark as a natural remedy for pain and inflammation, appreciating its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and fever-reducing properties.

Preparing Willow Bark for Tincture or Extract

• Clean the willow bark thoroughly with warm water. Never use soap to clean willow bark in preparation for tincture or extracts. 
• Dry freshly harvested willow bark thoroughly.  Store-bought willow bark will already be plenty dry and will not require additional drying or curing time before making your willow bark tincture.
• Cut or break large pieces of willow bark into small, manageable pieces (resembling a thin stick of gum) to allow adequate surface area and contact with the alcohol during the extraction process.  Grinding willow bark into a powder is not recommended (to save steps, work, and mess), however powdered willow bark can be used to make a tincture using alcohol.

Recipe: Homemade Willow Bark Tincture and Extract

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (27 grams) of willow bark
• 4 fluid ounces (92 grams) of USDA Certified Organic 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol
• 4 fluid ounces of water (tap, distilled, spring, bottled, or well).

Instructions

1. Place willow bark in a glass jar allowing for adequate space around the bark.
2. Pour 200 proof ethanol and water over the bark, ensuring it is fully submerged.
3. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently.
4. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking gently every few days or once a week.  Shaking ensures adequate distribution of the alcohol water solution over the willow bark, but more shaking will not make a better/stronger extract.
5. After the extraction period is complete, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth to remove the bark pieces.  If you used powdered willow bark, straining through a coffee filter may be necessary to remove fine particles.
6. Transfer the finished tincture into a clean dropper bottle for easy use.

Best Practices for Storing Your Willow Bark Tincture or Extract

Store your willow bark tincture in an amber glass bottle, away from sunlight and heat. Proper storage should maintain potency for up to two years. Keep the bottle sealed tightly to prevent oxidation or evaporation of your tincture.

Suggested Uses and Dosage for Willow Bark Tincture

Begin with small doses and wait up to 2 hours for effects to be noticed before increasing amount taken.  The typical dosage is 5-10 drops in water or tea, taken up to three times a day.

Due to its natural salicin content, caution is advised when using willow bark tincture or extract, especially for individuals with aspirin sensitivities or those taking blood-thinning medications.  Always consult a health care professional before incorporating willow bark tincture into a daily routine.  

Disclaimer:
No health claims are made from the content of this blog post. Please consult medical professionals individually before deciding to make or consume the tinctures and extracts discussed.