Salix, Latin for Willow, from the Celtic word sallies: sal “near” and lis “water”

Willow and Medicine

Willow is an excellent source for medicinal compounds. Willow bark contains salicin, which is a precursor to aspirin. Willow Medicine dates back to Hippocrates 400 BCE, and has been used for centuries in Europe and Asia for pain treatment of a range of muscle, tendon, back pain. Native Americans chewed and/or brewed the willow bark to reduce fever and inflammation.

Willow and Growing Hormone

Willow contains a high concentration of root growth stimulant IBA and plant defense hormone SA. Both chemicals can be leached out of young willow tips through either soaking or steeping. These hormones can then be used on other plants to help them root and to defend against pathogens.

Willow and Natural Herbs

Willow rods are a sustainable renewable plant material which can be woven into harvesting and drying baskets for both wild harvesting and garden growing. Willow provides a natural container and filter to complement plant-herb medicine. See below for examples of woven willow herb-drying racks in use.