The Willow tree grows all over the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Willow Bark’s bark and leaves have many therapeutic benefits. Below we will learn about its benefits, how to use it, and precautions.

Willow (leaf and bark) benefits

Willow bark and leaves carry many benefits, but we point out the need to consult a doctor before consuming any of the components of the plant, whether directly or using supplements, and the benefits include the following:

1. Reducing lower back pain

Studies have confirmed that salicin in the plant helps relieve lower back pain, and the recommended dose of salicin ranges from 60 to 240 mg per day, according to the severity of pain and discomfort.

2. Reduce migraines

White willow bark has a long-lasting effect on headaches and migraines, salicin reduces blood vessel tension, which helps soothe pain.

3. It prevents heart attack

A regular dose of willow bark or drinking a cup of willow tea twice a day reduces the risk of internal blood clotting in the blood vessels, thus preventing heart attacks, and also has fewer side effects than aspirin.

4. A cure for fever

The plant can also be used to treat fever and cold, by drinking white willow tea 2 to 3 times daily. For the treatment of mild fever, cold and influenza.

5. Relieving menstrual cramps

The bark has a pain relieving property, which in turn helps relieve pain during menstruation. This is by regulating the production of prostaglandins, and reducing inflammation of the uterine wall, which helps to relax muscles and reduce pain. It is also useful in reducing pain in the legs and back and headaches that occur during menstruation.

6. Soothe a toothache

The plant contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help relieve toothache. Placing a paste of bark powder in the place of pain, or gargling with bark tea or willow tincture leads to a reduction in gingivitis and toothache.

7. Relieve joint pain

Willow leaf, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, can reduce pain and discomfort caused by arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can also be used as an antimicrobial and to treat tendinitis and bursitis.

8. The benefits of willow for slimming

White bark boosts and increases the body’s metabolism, which in turn promotes weight loss. Many weight loss supplements are mixed with extracts of this bark for even better weight loss results.

9. Willow benefits for skin

The antioxidant nature of this plant may help prevent acne and skin aging.

How to prepare willow tea

The preparation method includes:

Ingredients (ingredients):

• 1 to 3 gm dried and shredded white bark.
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
• 1 tablespoon of honey.
• 2 cups of water.
• Ginger (to taste).

How to prepare:

1. The water is placed in a pot, then the white bark is added to it, then the mixture is left to boil.
2. Add ginger to the boiling mixture, then let it boil for some time (as desired).
3. When the water boils long enough (or turns red if ginger is added), strain the mixture into a cup.
4. Add fresh lemon juice and honey to the strained cup.
5. Enjoy the hot drink, and you can also add a piece of cinnamon; To enhance the taste of the drink if you like.

Is eating willow leaf safe?

There are no negative side effects when eating this herb in moderation, whether the leaves or the bark. The salicin present in the willow tree turns into salicylic acid, which some scientists believe makes it gentler on the stomach than aspirin.

However, eating too much willow leaf and bark can cause some annoying side effects, such as stomach cramps and bleeding.

Those who take this herb should also keep in mind that this herb can interact with some medications, such as blood thinners.

Cautions eating willow herb

These people are not allowed to take this herb:

• People who are allergic to aspirin.
• People taking medication for kidney or liver disease.
• People with bleeding disorders.
• People with stomach ulcers.
• Pregnant and lactating women.
• children; Because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare condition that causes brain and liver damage.