Willow, White

willow tree and plant for herbal therapy, aromatherapy and essential oils

Herbal Comfort Pack Ingredients

Botanical: Salix alba (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Salicaceae

Synonym---European Willow.
Part Used---Bark.
Habitat---Central and Southern Europe.

Characteristics - tonic and astringent combination renders it very useful.

Description---A large tree with a rough greyish bark, the twigs being brittle at the base; the leaves are pubescent on both surfaces and finely seriated; it flowers in April and May and the bark is easily separable throughout the summer; flowers and leaves appear coincidently from March to June.

Constituents---The bark contains up to 13 per cent of tannin as its chief constituent. Its active component is natural salicylic acid is nearly as potent as aspirin, however, the compound salicin from willow does not cause gastric or intestinal upset or bleeding as aspirin can, This is because willow does not block prostaglandins in the stomach or intestines.

Medicinal Action and Uses---Tonic and astringent. Also used for in treatment of the digestive organs, as in worms, chronic diarrhea and dysentery.

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Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.

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