Guest guest Posted October 19, 2007 Report Share Posted October 19, 2007 http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_white_willow.htm White Willow Salix alba Common Willow European Willow White Willow Willow Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Research Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions Applications Chase-away-your-pain aperitif The willows consist of about 300 species of deciduous trees and shrubs widely distributed in both hemispheres from the Arctic region to South Africa and southern Chile. There are numerous hybrids. Of the some 70 North American species, some 30 attain tree size and form. The tree grows up to 80 feet in height, but in some parts of the world may only reach 5 or 7 feet tall as a mere shrub! Its alternate, lanceolate, serrate leaves are ashy-gray in color and silky on both sides. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees, appearing in catkins on leafy stalks at the same time as the leaves do. Activated charcoal powder, made from kiln burned white willow logs, has long been recommended as an efficient antidote for prescription and over-the-counter medication for poisonings, diarrhea, gas, heartburn and other general gastrointestinal distress. Stir one tablespoonful of charcoal powder, one teaspoonful of powdered ginger root, and 1/2 teaspoon white sugar in one large glass distilled water and drink. Repeat as necessary. PARTS USED Bark, leaves. USES Past uses - White willow is astringent and was formerly used to staunch internal bleeding. In his herbal (1652), Culpeper advised that the burnt ashes of the bark be " mixed with vinegar, [to] take away warts, corns and superfluous flesh. " Joint remedy - White willow is an excellent remedy for arthritic and rheumatic pain affecting the back, and joints such as the knees and hips. In combination with other herbs and dietary changes, white willow relieves inflammation and swelling, and improves mobility in painful or creaky joints. Though aspirin-based conventional medicines are stronger acting, they can have unwanted side effects. Fevers & pain - White willow is taken to manage high fevers. White willow may also be used to ease headaches and head pain. Menopause - By reducing sweating, white willow helps hot flashes and night sweats. Other medical uses - Osteoarthritis HABITAT AND CULTIVATION Native to much of Europe, white willow is also found in North America and Asia, thriving in damp areas, such as on riverbanks. White willow is propagated from semiripe cuttings in summer or from hardwood cuttings in winter. The trees are frequently pollarded, and bark is stripped from branches of 2 to 5-year-old trees in spring. RESEARCH Salicylic acid & aspirin - There has been little research into white willow as a whole, but salicylic acid, its main active constituent, was first isolated in 1838. It was the forerunner of aspirin, a chemical medication first produced in 1899. Salicylic acid has many of the same analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions as aspirin. It inhibits prostaglandin production, relieves pain, and soothes fevers. Unlike aspirin, it does not thin the blood. Nor does it irritate the stomach lining - a common side effect of aspirin. CONSTITUENTS White willow contains salicin, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides. HOW MUCH TO TAKE A white willow tea can be prepared from 1-2 grams of bark boiled in 200 ml of water for ten minutes. Five or more cups of this tea can be drunk per day. Tincture is also used, commonly in the amount of 1-2 ml three times per day. White willow extracts standardized for salicin content are also available. The daily intake of salicin is typically 60-120 mg per day. SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS Long-term use of white willow may possibly cause gastrointestinal irritation. As is the case with aspirin, white willow should not be used to lower fevers in children. People who are allergic to aspirin should avoid white willow. Long-term use of white willow is not advisable, as it may cause some of the same problems that aspirin does-primarily stomach ulcers. However, white willow is much safer than aspirin. APPLICATIONS BARK: FLUID EXTRACT - Stronger than the tincture; take for rheumatic conditions, headaches, and neuralgia. TINCTURE - Take up to 15 ml per dose for fever, or combine with boneset, elder, and bitter remedies like gentian. Use with soothing herbs such as marshmallow root or plantain for gastric inflammations and infections. POWDER - Take in doses of up to 10 g for fevers and headaches; mix with a teaspoon of honey. DECOCTION Take for feverish chills and headaches, or as part of arthritic treatments. LEAVES: INFUSION - Drink after meals for digestive problems. CHASE - AWAY - YOUR - PAIN APERITIF 3 cups (750 ml) Sweet white wine (Alsatian Muscat, Muscadet)3 T (50 g) Willow bark, dried and crushed Macerate month. Strain. Drink 2 T .(30 ml) attacks. Radiating UNCONDITIONAL LOVE & Truth To ALL who share our circle, our universe, our love, our trust. May I always be found worthy. Gratitude & Thankfulness to All of Us aSoaringHawk Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with joy & glory. Thank you for YOU, ALL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Also marshmallow root and leaves are great for soothing aches and pains in muscles. It eases inflammation and speeds healing. I don't think there are any precautions either. It makes a pleasant tea when combined with a little fennel or anise seed or orange or lemon peel. Anyone used turmeric root for back pain? ) Connie Connie Young, LMT www.LostRiverNaturals.com Organic~Herbal~Handcrafted teas, bath and body care and more $35 one hour massage! From: Suzanne <suziesgoats@...>Subject: White willowhealth Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 8:01 AM White Willow Bark for Back Pain White willow bark contains salicin, a close chemical relative of aspirin. According to a German study of 451 people with low back pain, 240 mg a day of willow bark worked better than conventional therapeutic options. Like aspirin, willow bark can cause stomach distress, and it shouldn't be given to children. Suzi List Owner http://health. groups.. com/group/ HAWK_Health_ Awareness/ http://360.. com/suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 Yep.. we even add it to our complete tonic (in the files) Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. From: connie <connieyounglmt@...>Subject: Re: White willowhealth Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 9:11 AM Also marshmallow root and leaves are great for soothing aches and pains in muscles. It eases inflammation and speeds healing. I don't think there are any precautions either. It makes a pleasant tea when combined with a little fennel or anise seed or orange or lemon peel. Anyone used turmeric root for back pain? :--- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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