Since ancient times, when there was still not such an abundance of various medicines, people had to save themselves with improvised means: decoctions of herbs, roots, leaves, and so on. One such remedy is willow bark, whose beneficial properties are not known to everyone today.
In this article you will learn how to properly prepare medicines from this plant, as well as how to use them so as not to harm the body.
The advantage of this treatment is the ease of use, accessibility and effectiveness of products based on the bark of this tree.
Preparation and storage
The Latin name for white willow is Salix alba. It is from its bark that a pharmacopeia drug is prepared, used in the treatment of many diseases and to eliminate symptoms.
The procurement of material is from March to April, when the movement of juice begins. Useful properties of willow bark are manifested at this time especially brightly, besides in the spring it is easiest to separate the skin from the trunk.
In order to obtain the necessary raw materials, only young branches should be used. The resulting material is left in the sun, allowing it to dry, and then placed in an oven, where at a temperature of about 50-60 degrees, completely dried. Fragility of the bark indicates readiness. She should easily crumble in her hands, and not bend.
When stored properly in a dry, ventilated place, the beneficial properties of willow bark will not be lost for 4-5 years.
Composition of the bark
About 10% of the substances in the bark have tanning properties, because the “skin” of this tree was often used in furrier production. Also, a stable black dye was obtained from it, which was used to color fabrics.
Organic substances such as salicin are equally popular. This is nothing but a salicylic acid glycoside, which contains willow bark. Useful properties are that they help eliminate the symptoms of a headache.
The pharmacological effect of such drugs
Salicylic acid, which in large quantities is part of this drug, has an antipyretic effect. It is worth noting that earlier this substance could be obtained only from willow bark.
Since aspirin (which is made on the basis of salicylic acid) is produced on an industrial scale today, the need for collecting raw materials has fallen. However, in traditional medicine willow bark continues to be actively used, the beneficial properties of which are effective even with rheumatism.
In addition, this remedy works well as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and can also relieve mild pain, which makes it indispensable for colds, hypothermia, kidney problems and the diuretic system.
Use in traditional medicine
Contrary to the skepticism of traditional medicine, even professionals admit that some natural remedies are better to use instead of synthetic ones. Willow bark also belongs to such. The healing properties and contraindications completely coincide with the results of using artificial medicine. For example, in Germany, such a replacement is not simply not prohibited, but even encouraged by the State Health Services.
The widespread use in folk medicine is explained by the effective elimination of diseases of a rheumatic nature, migraine, as well as the fight against symptoms of fever.
It is worth noting the fact that earlier this remedy was highly appreciated, since it was a substitute for quinine. It was for the treatment of malaria that willow bark was used, whose beneficial properties helped to cope with the disease.
Do not abandon this tool and those who suffer from gout, arthritis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
With hemorrhoids, bleeding of internal organs, it is also worth using such a drug, since it has a hemostatic effect and serves as a good antiseptic.
Willow bark is also actively used under reduced pressure. A decoction of it has a tonic effect and normalizes the pulse, relieves weakness and lethargy.
There are some doubts about the exaggeration of the role of this drug in some diseases. For example, willow bark is often called a panacea. The beneficial properties (for diabetes, for example) of this plant do not eliminate the disease, but only relieve some symptoms. Therefore, before embarking on self-administration, you should always consult your doctor.
Natural willow cosmetics
This tool is widely used in cosmetology. White willow bark, along with burdock oil, will relieve dandruff, skin itching, excess secretions of sebum and seborrhea. To do this, mix the broth with tincture or the steamed roots of burdock, and rinse your head after washing. Self-use is also possible.
To regulate skin problems, a product based on willow bark is added to the bath. There are many recipes for the manufacture of antiseptic, restorative ointments.
Cautions for use
Like any medicine, willow bark has beneficial properties and contraindications. Since this drug is often used for self-treatment at home, it is simply necessary to consider warnings.
The first and most important rule: pharmacological agents based on this substance or a drug alone should not be given to children under the age of 16, and pregnant and lactating women should not be allowed. You also need to be careful with willow bark if there are any colds or viral diseases.
It is strictly forbidden to use these drugs with others that contain salicylic acid (the most common is aspirin).
Of course, carefully take decoctions and tinctures, if there is an individual intolerance. Therefore, you must always be careful about your body.