Salix alba wicker, May wood, cat shrub There are several native willow species. Important for the bark extraction, because it is richest in active substances, are the willow and the purple willow. Characteristics that are found in all willow species: They can grow as a shrub or tree, the flowers (willow catkins) appear before the leaves.
The leaves of the willow are narrow, lancet-like, elongated. All willows are dioecious, which means that there are female and male plants. The yellow anthers can be easily recognized by the male flowers.
Flowering time: Early spring occurrence: Willows love humid locations, grow on brooksides and riverbanks. The bark of the willow is peeled in spring, it is then best removed. The willow’s medium thick branches are peeled and the bark is air dried.
- Salicylic acid compounds
- Glycosides
- Tanning agents
- Flavonoids
The ingredients of willow have a sudorific, pain-relieving, antipyretic and draining effect. Willow bark is considered to be a flu and rheumatism remedy and is used in tea mixtures. In orthodox medicine, synthetically produced salicylic acid has long replaced willow as a remedy.
In folk medicine, willow bark is used to treat feverish illnesses, especially when they are accompanied by headaches. With rheumatism and gout one hopes to promote the elimination of uric acid by a tea from willow bark. 1 heaped teaspoon finely cut and dried willow bark is poured over with 1⁄4 l cold water.
Heat the willow tea slowly until it boils, let it steep for 5 minutes and strain. Two cups per day is the correct dosage. are not to be feared with normal dosages. Willow bark is not recommended during pregnancy.
