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FAMILY:
Salicaceae
SPECIES:
Salix alba
DESCRIPTION:
Deeply fissured, dark grey bark, elegant branches, and spring catkins mark this deciduous waterside tree.
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USES:
The stem-bark is a pain-killer, a fever reducer, and an original source of salicylic acid for aspirins. Various bark extracts are used as asore throat gargle, for heartburn, stomach problems, and food poisoning, to relieve arthritic pain, and to remove corns. ýnfused leaves make a tea for nervous insomnia and are added to baths to ease rheumatism. Pussy pillow has similar medicinal uses.
REMARK:
The genus name Salix comes from the Celtic sal-is, 'near-water'. |
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 plantain for infections and gastric inflammations.
Powder: Take in doses up to 10 g for fevers and headaches; mix with a teaspoon of honey.
Decoction: Take for feverish chills and headaches, or as part ofarthritic treatments.
LEAVES
Infusion: Drink after meals for digestive problems.
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