Willow

Common Names: The Aspirin Plant, Tree of enchantment, Witches Aspirin, Sough tree, Withy

Botanical Name: Salix spp. (s. alba and S. nigra)

Plant Family: Salicaceae, Willow Family

Parts Used: Bark (sometimes leaves)

Actions: febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, digestive, diuretic, astringent, vermifuge

Habitat: Willow is a riparian plant. It grows near streams, creeks, rivers, lakes, fresh water environments. Since Washington is so wet, you will find willow growing along hedges and in fields, yet it is a telling sign that there is significant water in that area. Willow can be known as a “promiscuous” plant, there are over 400 different species and the tree easily cross pollinates. You can find these trees in most northern latitudes. There are about 90 species in the Pacific Northwest.

Collection: Willow bark is gathered in the spring and fall. You will know by testing a small bit of branch to see if the outer bark is “slipping” (you’ll know when you try to peel the outer bark off…it’s quite easy when its ready). Its best to harvest the properly pruned branches or the canes.

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The Song of the Willow Fairy

By the peaceful stream or the shady pool

I dip my leaves in the water cool.

Over the water I lean all day,

Where the sticklebacks and minnows play.

I dance, I dance, when the breezes blow,

And dip my toes in the stream below.

“The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies”

Cicely Mary Barker

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Willow Medicine:

A Substitute for Aspirin?

Willow has been used for thousands of years. Various species (containing similar properties) have been used in China, Europe and by the native peoples of North America.

In 1900 the extract of the sacilic acid found in Willow was combined with acetyl chloride to become Aspirin; a top selling western pharmaceutical drug.

Willow’s main ingredients are glycosides salicin and salicorton. According to herbalist, Paul Bergner these two active ingredients combine and convert into salicylic acid once it reaches the intestines and liver. Hence, Willow passes the digestive tract (avoiding acidic induced ulcerations) and slowly releases salicylic acid. It may not be as strong as Aspirin due to this slow going time-release taking place beyond the digestive tract, but over the course of time you will feel the longer effect of this different metabolism of Willow.

Anti-Inflammation

Willow helps with musculoskeletal pain (muscle spasms, back pain, strains, rheumatory arthritis and gout) as well as digestive and urinary tract pain (chronic diarrhea, worms, U.T. I’s). The fresh bark is bitter and astringent (filled with Tannins), hence it tones the body, reducing swelling in areas of inflammation. Sore mouth or gums? Sore throat? Willow can help reduce inflammation by taking it internally as a tincture, tea/gargle or honey (no more than one ounce/ day) or taking a bath with the bark.

Headaches

A cool and drying herb, Willow can help reduce the pain that arises from a “damp & heat” headache associated with the gastrointestinal tract. If you are one to get constant migraines, Willow might not have the immediate effects that you are looking for. However, if headaches are uncommon for you and you get struck with a lightly painful headache, consider taking Willow tincture instead of Aspirin.

 

Fevers

Traditionally Willow is an herbal ally for fevers. When a person has a high fever and feels hot, Willow is antipyretic and can be a relaxing diaphoretic (helping a person sweat and cool down). Leaves of Willow have been used as a tea for fever.

Plant Preparations: Tincture, Tea/Decoction, Honey, Elixr, Oil

 

References:

Featured Herb: Willow by Rosalee de la Forêt

300 Herbs; Their Indications & Contraindications by Matthew Alfs

Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast by Pojar and Mackinnon

Herbalpedia: White Willow by The Herb Growing & Marketing Network (Maureen Rogers)

Cedar Mountain Herb School with Susan

Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore

Lady's Mantle

Common Names: Lion’s Foot, Bear’s Foot, Dew Cup, Water Carrier

Botanical Name: Alchemilla xanthoclora (a. vulgaris)

Plant Family: Rosaceae, Rose Family

Parts Used: Aerial Parts

Actions: Astringent, febrifuge, emmenogogue, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (Systems affected: Uterus, Spleen, Kidneys)

Habitat: Native to Europe and Asia, but found cultivated in many gardens in North America and beyond. Lady’s Mantle likes wet feet and shade. It does wonderful in the Pacific Northwest, hence, you will find it being used by landscapers as a ground cover (it also suppresses weeds!).

Collection: Leaves and stems are harvested before the plant flowers (normally in Spring-Early Summer). Some herbalists prefer to harvest Lady’s Mantle when in flower from July to August. The roots can be harvested in the spring or fall. Most commonly, the leaves are dried for teas or used fresh in tinctures or witch hazels.

Lady's Mantle Medicine:

There are over 300 species of Alchemilla. Lady’s Mantle is popularly used in folk medicine throughout Europe.

“Women’s Problems”

Hormonal Imbalance: Combine with Chinese Angelica and Lemon Balm to help regulate female hormones. When I refer to hormones this can be a women experiencing irregular menstrual cycles or a women experiencing menopause. It can help ease and balance any changes in both situations.

Fertility: If you are trying to conceive or have issues with infertility, Lady’s Mantle can help with fertility, yet it must be taken on a daily basis. A fresh tincture in combination with a strong tea, taken daily for over 3 months will help infertility.

Heavy Menstruation: Icelandic Herbalist, Anna Rose claims taking a tonic with half Shepherd’s Purse and half Lady’s Mantle lessens bleeding, and reduces heavy menstruation. Taken daily, this combination can reduce excessive menstrual bleeding by 30% in just one month. Lady’s Mantle is an emmenogogue, hence it stimulates menstrual flow is there is any resistance. Yet it can also reduce and regulate the amount of blood during menstruation.

Avoid during pregnancy since it is a uterine stimulant!

Astringent

The fresh root is quite astringent and can be used as a powerful styptic to stop bleeding of a wound. Lady’s Mantle’s leaves are full of tannins leading it to be astringent as well. The astringency of this plant helps with bleeding gums, wounds, and diarrhea. A tea preparation with its leaves has proven beneficial as a gargle after the loss or removal of teeth. It can also help with mouth ulcers and sores.

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Wash your face with the dew drops for everlasting youth!

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Uterus Tonification Tea

1-part Lady’s Mantle

1-part Raspberry leaves

1-part Rose petals or buds

• Steep for 30 minutes in boiled water
• Sweeten with honey if desired.

Mouthwash/Gargle: use the infusion for sore throats, laryngitis, and mouth ulcers

 

References:

The Herbal Menopause Book by Amanda McQuade Crawford

The Illustrated Herb Encyclopedia by Kathi Keville

The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman

Icelandic Herbs; Lady’s Mantle with Anna Rosa

Motherwort

“Mothers Little Helper”

Common Names: Lion’s Tail, Lion’s Ear, Motherwomb, Heart of Mother, Heartwort, Throwwort

Botanical Name: Leonurus cardiaca

Plant Family: Lamiaceae, Mint Family

Parts Used: Flowering tops

Actions:  Nervine, antispasmodic, hypotensive, vermifuge, emmenogogue, cardiovascular tonic, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive bitter, diuretic, uterine tonic

Habitat: Motherwort is commonly found in the garden. It can be quite aggressive and spread if the habitat is right for it. I have also seen Motherwort growing wild in Minnesota and more southern states of the Mid-West. Motherwort can grow up to 6-feet tall. In its first year of growth, its leaves grow in a basal rosette. In its second year of growth it will put on a flowering stem with light pink, “lip-shaped” flowers.

Collection: Collect Motherwort when it is in full flower (this can be late spring-summer). I find that the Motherwort in my garden flowers a few times a year after I harvest it consistently. Make sure to wear gloves or be prepared to prick yourself…Motherwort is quite spiky.

Motherwort Medicine:

Heart & Circulation

Primarily an herb of the heart. One of my mentors was quite fond of using Motherwort for the emotional and spiritual benefits for the heart. She said that Hawthorn was like “putting on a wet blanket for support” (suffocating), yet Motherwort gives you the comfort you need without being over-bearing… With that said, Motherwort can be taken for heart-break, grief, and lack of heart.

Motherwort is a mild hypotensive herb that can help decrease hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure). This has been studied with patients that also experience anxiety and sleep disorders. A tincture of Motherwort is most effective in the case. It can also be used for heart palpitations and often hyperthyroidism. Combine Motherwort with Lemon balm and Bugleweed for hyperthyroidism.

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can be lack of sleep, increased heart rate of hypertension. Motherwort calms a rapid, fluttering pulse that is generally associated with nervousness and anxiety. Any heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension can find relief with Motherwort.

Female Health

Another mentor of mine said that woman have two hearts. She held her heart in her chest and her heart in her uterus. Blood flows from both of those hearts and helps women balance themselves. Depending on where you are at within your cycle, Motherwort has a long history as a women’s tonic.

Motherwort can be taken for:

• Painful and delayed Menstruation
• Delayed Labor
• Delayed Afterbirth
• Hot Flashes
• Anxiety due to Menopause

Motherwort is an emmenogogue, which can promote delayed menstruation. It can also help tonify the uterus to prevent menstrual cramps or scanty, delayed menses. There have also been good results with motherwort’s ability to help women with delayed labor or to dispel the afterbirth postpartum. I have met many menopausal women that combine Motherwort with Black Cohosh to help ease their angst as well as reduce their hot flashes. It’s a relaxing tonic for aiding in menopausal changes.

Motherwort can also support Mamas. Some women take it for love, nourishment and tonification... ah, to be held by a mother!

Motherwort should not be used during pregnancy nor while breastfeeding. It is also advised not to consume this herb if there is menstrual flooding.

Plant Preparations: Tincture, Oil, Tea (but watch out, Motherwort is BITTER and not the most enjoyable sipping tea)

References:

The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman

The Earthwise Herbal; A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants by Mathew Wood

Featured Herb; Motherwort by Rosalee de la Forêt

The Herbal Menopause Book by Amanda McQuade Crawford

Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra

Herbal Roots Zine: Marvelous Motherwort by Kristine Brown