Now, in early spring, is the perfect time to harvest one of my go-to remedies for aches, pains, and general health: willow. Knowing the season won鈥檛 wait, I made time to pick some this morning before the stems passed their prime. At this stage, the stems are just beginning to swell, and salicin, the compound that makes willow a natural pain reliever, is at its peak.
I have several willow trees around me, but today I鈥檓 harvesting white willow, which has the highest salicin content.
White willow is ideal for tea and medicinal use.
Other types, like golden willow, have moderately high salicin.
While weeping willow has lower salicin, it is mainly decorative, though tea is possible.
I love slipping behind these lovely weeping willows, their drooping stems make me feel playful, even if they鈥檙e not the most potent for medicine.
Their gracefully dropping stems dry beautifully and are still full of beneficial compounds for tea.
The best size for harvesting is pencil-thin stems or smaller, ideally in the morning, when the plant鈥檚 sap is rising. This when the stems are richest in active compounds like salicin.
Smaller stems or twigs can simply be cut into pieces and air-dried, which is the best method to preserve salicin and other compounds. Make sure the environment is not humid to prevent mould.
For larger stems, I remove the woody centre and collect only the bark, peeling it carefully with a single long slit.
Salicin is concentrated in the white layer under the bark.
Optionally, cut bark into smaller pieces; this helps extract salicin more effectively.
馃嵉 Making Willow Tea
I usually start small because salicin levels vary between trees and people react differently.
If using twigs, I take 1 cup of small twigs (lightly crushed if possible), simmer them in 3 cups of water, let steep, strain, and store any leftover tea in the fridge for up to 3 days. Drink 陆 to 1 cup, 2-3 times a day.
For bark, I take 1-2 teaspoons of bark (or the equivalent of 1-2 inches of peeled bark), simmer it in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes, let it sit, and drink 1/2 cup 2-3 times a day.
Some sources suggest 2-3 grams of dry white willow bark per day, usually divided into 2-3 cups of tea, which is roughly 3-5 teaspoons, but I find my dosage ok for me. More than 2 cups make me a little drowsy instead of soothing but it's great for easing aches or pains.
It will taste a little bitter, honey or fruit juice can soften the flavour.
鈿狅笍 Safety Notes:
Willow thins the blood, like aspirin, so it should be avoided at least 1 week before surgery or dental work.
It is not suitable for people with kidney issues, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, haemophilia, or those taking anticoagulants like warfarin.
Excessive use can cause gastric irritation, though the flavonoids and tannins help protect the stomach lining.
Willow is still gentler than pharmaceutical aspirin because salicin is slowly converted in the liver; it provides a gentle, steady effect rather than a sudden dose, which makes it ideal for daily, moderate use. It can help reduce inflammation, ease pain, protect the body with antioxidants and support healthy blood circulation, all while promoting overall wellness.
Have a lovely day!
Mariah 馃崈馃挌
