The efficacy and function of Willow Leaf

As the pressure of modern life increases, more and more health care methods are emerging, but the most popular ones are still traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese medicine that have been tested for thousands of years. For example, what are the effects and functions of Willow leaves? Let me introduce it to you today.

[Other names] River willow, language-leaf willow, small-leaf willow (Economic Flora of China).

[Source] The young leaves or branches of Salix matsudana , a plant of the Salicaceae family. Young leaves (willow buds) are picked in spring; branches and leaves are picked in spring, summer and autumn and used fresh or dried.

[Original form] Tree, up to 18 meters high. The branches are slender, erect or spreading, yellow then brown, slightly pubescent or glabrous. The leaves are lanceolate, 5-10 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, with a long and gradually pointed tip, a rounded or cuneate base, finely serrated edges, pubescent along the midrib above, and pale or whitish beneath; the petioles are 2-4 mm long or nearly sessile; the stipules are lanceolate or absent, with serrated edges and glandular dots. Dioecious, male inflorescence is short, cylindrical, 1.5-2.5 cm long, with long hairs on the inflorescence axis; bracts are broadly ovate, obtuse at the apex; stamens 2, filaments with soft hairs at the base, anthers yellow; female inflorescence is very small, 10-25 mm long, with soft hairs on the inflorescence axis, and female flowers have 2 glands. Capsule. The seeds are extremely small. Flowering period is April. Fruiting period is May.

[Habitat distribution] Grown on river banks, plateaus and fixed sandy land. Distributed in Northeast China, North China, Gansu, Qinghai, Shandong, Anhui and other places.

[Chemical composition] The bark contains 3.06% to 7.49% tannin.

【Nature and flavor】Slightly bitter. Cold in nature.

【Functions and indications】Disperse wind, remove dampness, and clear damp-heat. Treat icteric hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema.

[Additional prescription] ① Prevention and treatment of icteric infectious hepatitis: 3 grams of Willow buds. Brew with boiling water and drink as tea, you can also add brown sugar as needed.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

Through the introduction of the above content, we can understand that Willow leaves play a very important role in treating some diseases. The consumption of the Chinese medicinal herb Willow leaves should also be determined according to one's physical condition. Remember not to take the medicine blindly.