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Herbs |
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Herb name: White willow, Salix alba
Family: Salicaceae Useful plant parts: Bark. Description: White willow mostly comes in form of a larger bush, although sometimes it is described as a small tree. Flowers emerge in the spring, before leaves are formed. There are two varieties of willows, so in one specimen one can only see either male or female flowers. The male flowers have yellow stamen, while female flowers have green stamens.
Collecting period and locations: The bark of this plant can be collected already in the spring, when it already becomes filled with plant juice. The bark is most commonly taken of middle sized branches. White willows can be found on places where humidity is relatively high, along rivers and ditches, on damp meadows, near edges of forests. Medicinal properties and applications: This plant has various applications. It is known to increase secretion of water (in form of sweat) and is also known to be able to ease pain. It can also lower the body temperature when it is too high, it can also treat headaches. Willow is also a good remedy for various rheumatic problems and gout because it can increase the excretion of uric acid.
Active compounds: Glycosides, tannins, salicylic acid, and several other compounds similar to salicylic acid. Recipe: This herb is mostly used in form of tea, which can be prepared by adding one full teaspoon of dried and grinded willow bark, to 1/4 liter of cold water. The tea is then heated until it starts to boil, after which one can turn off the heat, and let it cool a bit, for about 5 minutes. After that, it can be strained and used.
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