Norway willow: growing conditions, use in medicine
Willow holly is a tree or bush. It can reach up to 5 meters. The main difference of this plant is the foliage, which has an elongated, slightly pointed shape. It is smooth, green in color, and has a bluish color on the inside. It begins to bloom in spring. Willow is used for a variety of purposes.
Content:
Planting, propagation and care
By its nature, Norway willow is not a picky plant. The following features can be highlighted:
- Can grow in a variety of areas
- Easily tolerates frost
- Not afraid of drought and hot weather
- Loves light, indifferent to soil
Norway willow grows a large rhizome, so it strengthens the soil well. It grows well on sand. She is not afraid of air contaminated with gas or smoke.
Willow reproduces in different ways. You can use seeds for this. When they are placed in moist soil, they will already germinate after 2 days. When the seeds are planted, the soil must be well moistened. If this is not done, then sprouts will not appear.
It is also possible to propagate willow using layering or shoots from the root system. But many people choose a simpler method: they buy an adult seedling.In this case, you do not need to wait a long period for the seeds to germinate and for them to grow into a full-fledged tree.
Parts used and their preparation
Norway willow leaves and bark are used for a variety of purposes. This is due to the fact that these parts are saturated with medicinal components that provide benefit body.
But you should know the rules for harvesting bark. This procedure is done in the spring, during which active movement of sap occurs in the tree. The bark is carefully removed and cut into small pieces. They are laid out on some flat surface and placed in the sun.
After this, the prepared bark is placed to dry. To do this, it is better to use a drying chamber and set the heat in it to 50 degrees. Such conditions are considered the most favorable for the preparation of raw materials.
When the bark is ready, it must be put into bags. To prevent it from becoming damp and moldy, the pieces should not be placed tightly. Dried bark should be stored in a dry place and used within 4 years. After time has passed, it loses its healing properties, so its use will be pointless.
Uses of willow
From the bark, which was prepared in advance, a tincture and decoction are made. They are useful for indigestion; they have astringent properties. properties. This drink will improve your appetite.
Doctors recommend using a decoction of the bark for diarrhea, as it has an astringent effect. In addition, such a drink can relieve inflammation in the body.
If a person has joint pain, a tincture of holly willow can help. It should also be used for arthritis or gout.It tones, which is especially useful for low blood pressure.
The infusion can be used not only internally, it is also used externally. It can be used to treat damaged epidermis. To do this, the procedure is repeated a couple of times a day, which will remove pain, eliminate inflammation, and the wounds will heal faster. The infusion can replace many highly effective ointments. At the same time, it will not harm the body, as it is a natural product.
Decoctions of holly willow are recommended for use in cases of excessive sweating of the lower extremities. They are used to make baths in which the feet should be immersed for 2-30 minutes. The infusion can also be used for pharyngitis. They gargle. This medicinal drink will be of great benefit for stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity. But rinsing must be repeated more than once; this is the only way to achieve the desired result.
Even in ancient times, willow bark was used against malaria. To do this, you first need to prepare it and then chop it into small pieces. You will need 50 grams of this raw material.
It is poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water, and then simmered over low heat. After this, you need to drink it every day in the morning on an empty stomach. Our ancestors also used the foliage of willow against colds. To do this, they heated the leaves and placed them under the patient’s sheet. But today this method of treatment is almost never used.
Infusion recipe
Before you start using the infusion, it should be cook. To do this, you must adhere to the following sequence:
- First, the bark is prepared. It needs to be crushed. To do this, you can use a coffee grinder. You will need 5 grams of crushed raw materials.
- A container is prepared into which the bark is poured. A regular glass jar may be suitable for this.
- After this, a glass of boiling water is poured into the container.
- Close the jar tightly with a lid. This way the drink will infuse well.
- When the drink has cooled, then filtration takes place. For this, gauze is used, it is folded in several layers and covered with another container. The infusion is poured into it. Anything that collects on the gauze can be thrown away.
The prepared infusion is used externally or internally. This medicine should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. After time has passed, the drink loses all its healing properties, so it can be thrown away.
So, willow holly is a unique plant that does not require special care, can grow on any soil, decorate wild nature, summer cottages, and parks. In addition, some of its parts are used to treat various ailments.
A striking example of holly willow:
