Willow bark: useful properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, when there was not yet such an abundance of different medicines, people had to save themselves with improvised means: decoctions of herbs, roots, leaves and so on. One such means is the willow bark, whose useful properties are not known to everyone today.

In this article, you will learn how to properly prepare medicines from this plant, and how to consume them so as not to harm the body.

The advantage of this treatment is the ease of use, accessibility and effectiveness of the products based on the bark of this tree.

Preparation and storage

The Latin name of white willow is Salix alba. It is from her cortex that a pharmacopoeial preparation is prepared, which is used in the treatment of many diseases and for the elimination of symptoms.

The material is prepared from March to April, when the juice begins to flow. Useful properties of the willow bark are especially pronounced at this time, moreover, in the spring it is easiest to separate the peel 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 dry. The fragility of the bark indicates the readiness. It should easily crumble in the hands, and not bend.

If properly stored in a dry ventilated place, the beneficial properties of the willow bark will not be lost for 4-5 years.

Composition of bark

About 10% of the substances in the bark have tannic 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 impart color to the tissues.

No less popular are organic substances, such as salicin. It is nothing more than a glycoside of salicylic acid, which contains the bark of willows. Useful properties are that help to eliminate the symptoms of a headache.

Pharmacological action of such drugs

Salicylic acid, which is a large quantity of this drug, has antipyretic effect. It is worth noting that previously only from the bark of the willow it was possible to obtain this substance.

Since today, aspirin (which is made on the basis of salicylic acid) is produced on an industrial scale, the demand for raw materials has fallen. However, in folk medicine, the willow will continue to be actively used, useful properties of which are effective even with rheumatism.

In addition, it works well as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and can also relieve an easy pain syndrome, which makes it indispensable for colds, hypothermia, kidney problems and diuretic system.

Use in folk medicine

Contrary to skeptical attitude towards folk medicine, even professionals admit that some natural remedies are better used instead of synthetic ones. These include the willow bark. Therapeutic properties and contraindications fully coincide with the results of the use of an artificial medicine. For example, in Germany, such a replacement is not simply not banned, but even encouraged by the public health services.

A wide application in folk medicine is explained by the effective elimination of rheumatic diseases, migraines, and also the fight against fever symptoms.

It is worth noting and the fact that earlier this tool was highly valued, as it was a substitute for quinine. It was for the treatment of malaria that the willow bark was used, the beneficial properties of which helped to cope with the disease.

Do not abandon this tool and those who suffer from gout, arthritis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

When hemorrhoids bleed internal organs, it is also worth using such a drug, since it has a hemostatic effect and serves as a good antiseptic.

The willow bark is also actively applied under reduced pressure. Decoction from 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 certain diseases. For example, often as a panacea called willow bark. Useful properties (with diabetes, for example) of this plant do not relieve the disease, but only relieve some of the symptoms. Therefore, before you start an independent reception, you should always consult a doctor.

Natural cosmetics from willow

This remedy is widely used in cosmetology. The bark of a white willow, along with burdock oil, will relieve dandruff, itchy skin, excess sebum and seborrhea. To do this, mix the broth with tincture or stewed burdock roots, and rinse your head after washing. Possible and self-use.

To regulate skin problems, a preparation based on willow bark is added to the baths. There are many recipes for the preparation of antiseptic, restorative ointments.

Cautions when using

Like any medicine, the willow bark has useful properties and contraindications. Since this drug is often used for self-treatment at home, it is just necessary to take caution.

The first and most important rule: pharmacological agents based on this substance or a drug in itself should not be given to children under the age of 16, and it is also forbidden to admit pregnant and lactating women. You also need to be careful with the willow bark, if there are any cold or viral diseases.

It is strictly forbidden to use these drugs with others that contain salicylic acid (the most common is aspirin).

Of course, you should carefully take broths and tinctures, if there is an individual intolerance. Therefore, you must always carefully treat your body.