Willow bark’s ancient lore is all about its natural salicylates, the body’s own gentle anti‑inflammatories, before the chemists turned it into a pill that’s harder to chew. It’s like taking a centuries‑old tea ritual and putting it in a capsule—still effective, but you lose the slow, ritualistic release of the bark’s natural compounds. If you’re aiming for a more holistic approach, simmer a few strips with honey and a pinch of black pepper for that sweet, soothing effect. Just remember, the real power lies in the slow, mindful infusion, not the quick hit of synthetic aspirin.