THE HERBALIST'S NOTEBOOK

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Salix Species

Medicinal uses: The willow contains salicin, a compound used as the base in the production of aspirin. Specifically, willow is anti-inflammatory and can help relieve pain and inflammation. These properties make it useful in headaches or arthritic pain. It can also be used to help reduce pain in bladder inflammations or infections. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, willow can be used to help reduce fevers during colds or influenza. It is also helpful in some allergic reactions, such as hay fever, where it acts to reduce swelling and inflammation of membranes.

Willow is also antiseptic, and a poultice of the freshly crushed bark for twigs can be used externally for mild scratches or wounds. Varieties of poplar may be used in place of willow, as they are in the same plant family and share the same compounds.

Harvesting: Strip the bark from the tree or shrub in early spring as the new growth starts, or break off small twigs from the ends of branches. Spread the bark out to dry on screens or to other appropriate material. Bundle the twigs to hang and dry. When the plant material breaks easily, it is ready to store.

Dosages: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried, shredded willow bark or twigs. Place in 1 cup of boiling water, and simmer at low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain out plant material and drink three times a day.

Violet

Last year I told a friend about taking violets for coughs. Her children couldn't stand the yucky taste of some of the stronger herbs, but liked the idea of using flowers as medicine. They helped their mom with the harvesting and now, each year, they scour the fields for violets to use for "flower medicine."

Description: Violets are a common spring wildflower, and numerous species occur in our region. Their habitats vary, with some species preferring damp, rich woods and meadows, while others frequent fields and roadsides. The sweet violet, Viola odorata, is the violet of herbal tradition, but others may be used in its place with similar results.

Leaves of the species vary in shape, size, and origin of growth. Some plants have only basal leaves, while others have leaves along stems also. In species where leaves occur along stems, the leaves generally grow alternately. Leaves of most species are simple, although in a few, they are deeply lobed. Plant heights vary between two to 15 inches.

Blossoms of most species are composed of five petals. The lower petal is generally larger than the rest and has a spur at its base. The color of the blossoms ranges from white to deep lavender-blue, and some species have yellow blossoms. The flowers of some species are distinctly fragrant, while others have no noticeable scent. Violets may be found in bloom from early spring to early summer.

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