Willow

Alternative names: Salix Alba, Basket Willow, Saule Fragile, Silberweide

With more than 500 species in the northern hemisphere, Willow is a symbol of mourning and unhappy love. An old Christian legend tells us that Willow has its weeping shape due to the guilt and shame it felt when its branches were used by the Roman soldiers of Pilat to excruciate Isus. In fact, Willow branches sanctified in the church are part of a well known tradition of orthodox Christians, during Palm Feast. For Druids, Willow was sacred and often associated with the “tree of life”. Several superstitions about Willow teach us that if we keep willow branches in our homes, we will be protected from spells and evil spirits, or that if we carry a piece of willow wood with us, we will no longer fear death, or that if we have a secret  we cannot admit to anyone, we should confess it to the willow and we will be relieved.

Regardless the variety of the Willow tree (European Willow, Purple Willow, Black Willow, Pussy Willow), Willow bark is used for medicinal purpose since centuries. Having a similar action to aspirin, due to its salicin chemical content, Willow bark is used to alleviate pain in headaches, muscular pains and menstrual discomfort. Especially effective for lower back pains, Willow bark improves significantly symptoms of osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Although the highest content of salicin is found in Salix Purpurea and Salix Fragilus species, Willow bark of any type decreases fever in colds and flu and promotes weight loss. You should take only 5 to 6 tablespoons a day from the decoction obtained from 2 tablespoons of chopped bark for one cup of water. If you prefer powder intake, just half of a Willow bark powder teaspoon  is recommended 3 times a day. Baths with Willow bark are a good remedy for joint pain and ankylosing spondylitis