Willow tree has been known since antiquity for its pain-relieving and fever-redu

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Willow Bark is also known by the names White Willow, Black Willow, and Crack

Willow. The Willow tree is indigenous to Europe and Yugoslavia. The genus

name Salix comes from the Celtic word " sal lis " , meaning " near water " . Years

ago, when a reverend Store noticed that Willow grew in marshy areas

where rheumatism was so common, he decided to make a tea for sufferers that was

helpful. The species names alba and nigra mean white and black, respectively.

An ancient custom is to make a wish while tying a knot in a Willow branch -

untie the knot when the wish is received. The bark of the common Willow tree

has been known since antiquity for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing

properties. In the early 19th century, a French chemist extracted the principal

active ingredient from Willow Bark, and named it salicin. At the end of the

century, Felix Hofmann, a chemist at the Bayer company in Germany, developed

the world's most used medication - aspirin, or acetyl-salicylic acid. Willow,

along with the herb _Meadowsweet_

(http://www.viable-herbal.com/singles/herbs/s707.htm) , is well known as the

original source of salicylic acid (the

precursor to original aspirin). Recently, pain sufferers are returning to the

natural sources of salicin to avoid the potentially dangerous side effects of

synthetic aspirin. The primary chemical constituents of White Willow Bark

include glycosides (salicin, salicoside), salicortine, tannin, catechin, and

flavonoids. Female Willow buds contain phytoestrogens. Salicylic acid is a weak

anti-inflammatory agent, but is converted by the liver to acetyl-salicylic

acid. The acetylated version has aspirin's more effective anti-inflammatory

activity without its gastrointestinal toxicity. The salicylates inhibit the

activity of the cyclo-oxgenase enzymes, and thus inhibit the production of

prostaglandins and other inflammatory molecules. The excretion of salicylic

acid in

the urine helps soothe an irritated urinary tract. Willow Bark has long been

used for fevers and inflammations. In addition, the astringency of the

glycosides makes Willow Bark useful as an antiseptic and astringent. Extracts

and

infusions of the bark have been used for cleansing the scalp and skin, for

treating dandruff, and for treating corns and growths. As a flower essence, this

herb reduces bitterness and resentment, and helps those who tend to blame

others. Only Black Willow is an anaphrodisiac, while all species are a mild

antiseptic. Known topical applications of White Willow Bark include its use as a

mouthwash for sore gums, gargle for tonsillitis, hair rinse for dandruff,

compress & poultice for burns, insect bites & wounds, and foot soak for sweaty

feet. Willow is also an excellent material for making baskets and dowsing

rods. The common name Willow includes the species Salix nigra (Black Willow),

Salix fragilis, (Crack Willow) and Salix cinerea, which are used

interchangeably with Salix alba (White Willow).

Here is a source, I don't endorse the company, and I'm not sure about

quality but you can find this product here, in a few brands, I Use Nature

Sunshine

since I had some.

_http://www.iherb.com/willow.html_ (http://www.iherb.com/willow.html)

I was wondering why I felt better, I used White Willow bark, since I had it.

No information in this letter should be construed as medical advice.

This information is for educational purposes only.

Jeff el

10360 Pine Lakes Blvd

North Fort Myers, Fl 33903

http://www.msprotocols.com/