Willow

(Salix alba L., Salixfragilis L., and other species, Salicaceae)

Also called: Common Willow, White Willow.

Description: The barks of different indigenous species of willow are used in medicine; all are shrubs, rarely trees. The uriisexual flowers are arranged in the well-known catkins, eitherbefore the leaves in some species or at the same time as the leaves in others. In those species used medicinally the leaves are narrow and lanceolate.
Taste: bitter and astringent.

Parts Used: Dried bark from branches 2-5 years old, rarely the dried leaves,

Habitat and Collection: Chiefly along streams and rivers; extensively planted; common in Britain. The bark is collected in the spring when new growth commences and rapidly dried either in the shade or in sunlight.

Constituents and Action: 1. Salicin, a substance containing salicylic aldehyde (salicylic acid derives its name from 'salix', the Latin name of willow). 2. Tannin. 3. Substances with feeble antibiotic action, Antiseptic, lowers body temperature and relieves rheumatic pains. Because of its tannin content it is used as an antidiarroeal.

Usage: Internally it is administered in powder form (one teaspoonful 2-3 times daily) or as a tisane (2-3 tablespoonfuls in 1 litre (1 75pt) of water) for rheumatism and for chills. Synthetic medicines have now largely replaced the bark for these purposes. Externally a decoction (50g (1 •75oz) in 0.5 litre (1 pt) of water) is used as an application to wounds.