(Willow “Yellow Willow”)

Names

Shoshone:

English: Willow “Yellow Willow”

Scientific: Salix sp.

Zone

Montane

Harvest Time

  • Spring Time for medicine
    • “when willows are waking up for baskets when willows go to sleep – in spring collect young stem-strips of bark, dry for future analgesic use”
  • Fall for baskets
    • Analgesic use

Primary Uses

  • #1 common cold and sore throat
  • Topical bandage

Secondary Uses

  • Cordage (Strong fibers)

Cautions

  • Modern use: do not use with blood thinners such as coumarin

Active Principle(s)

  • Salicin

Video Description of Plant

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Notes

Medicinal Uses

  • Willow bandage
    • Add arnica/goldenrool pollen
  • Inner bark
    • Anti-inflammation, arthritis, fever reducer, headache, hemorrhoids, pain (used like aspirin), pneumonia, toothache, sore throat

Other Uses

  • Making baskets
  • The original source of salicylic acid (aspirin)

Process Preparation

  • Willow Bandage: Add arnica/golden root pollen
Posted in Traditional Plant.