HERBAL MONOGRAPHS WHITE WILLOW/807
after flowering and protects the small nut. When the nut is
ripe, slight pressure is sufficient to fling out the seeds.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is 30 to 50 cm high with
an underground creeping stem from which the aerial stems
grow. These are erect, quadrangular, grooved, hollow and
noded. The leaves are crossed opposite, petiolate, ovate to
cordate, acuminate and serrate. The plant has no nettie hairs.
The plant is similar to the stinging nettle but has a different
stem.
Characteristics: The flowers have a weak honey-like fra-
grance and a slimy-sweet taste.
Habitat: The plant is common in Europe and central and
northern Asia.
Production: White Nettle flower consists of the dried petal
with attached stamens of Lamium album as well as its
preparations.
Other Names: Blind Nettle. Dumb Nettle, Dead Nettle, Deaf
Nettle, Bee Nettle, Archangel. Stingless Nettle, White
Archangel
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Iridoide monoterpenes: including among others lamalbide,
caryoptoside. alboside A and B
Triterpene saponins
Caffeic acid derivatives: including among others rosmaric
acid, chlorogenic acid
Flavonoids: including among others kaempferol glycosides
Mucilages
EFFECTS
Because of the mucins and saponins the drug is expectorant.
It is astringent because of the tannins.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:
- Inflammation of the skin
- Cough/bronchitis
- Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
Unproven Uses:
Internally — catarrh of the upper respiratory passages,
gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, sensation of
bloating and flatulence.
Externally — mild inflammation of the mucous membranes
of the mouth and throat, non-specific fluor albus (Ieukorrhea)
mild, superficial inflammation of the skin. In folk medicine
used for climacteric complaints and complaints of the
urogenital tract.
Chinese Medicine: In Chinese medicine, White Nettle is
used for fractures, carbuncles, lumbago and inflammation of
wounds.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug for infusions and
other galenic preparations for internal applications, rinses,
baths and moist compresses; occasionally used as a constitu-
ent of sedative teas and bronchial teas.
Preparation:
Infusion — Pour one cup of water over 1 gm drug, leave to
draw for 5 minutes and strain.
Extract for poultices — Scald 50 gm of flowers with 500 ml
of water, draw for 5 minutes and strain.
Daily Dosage: For internal use, the average daily dose is 3
gm drug. For external use, 5 gm drug is added to a bath.
LITERATURE
Damtoft S. Iridoid glucosides from Lamium album. In: PH
31(1): 175. 1992.
Gora J et al.. Chemical comparative studies of the herb and
flowers of Lamium album L. In: Acta Pol Pharm 40(3):389-
- Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.). Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis. 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Kooiman P, (1972) Acta Bot Neerl 21(4)417.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Skrypczak L et al., Phenylpropanoid esters and flavonoids in
taxonomy of Lamium species. In: PM 61 (Abstracts of 43rd Ann
Congr):70. 1995.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
White Willow
Salix species
TRADE NAMES
Alcohol Free White Willow Bark, Standardized White
Willow Bark, Wild Countryside White Willow
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the bark. Salix nigra
is American Willow.
