Symbol of spring and Easter – pussy willows! The medicinal properties of these inflorescences may surprise you!

We invariably associate pussy willows with the rebirth of nature. They are among the first blooming buds appearing on trees in spring, signaling that winter is over. Their symbolism is firmly rooted in many cultures, and their health-promoting properties were already celebrated by our ancestors. Willow bark decoction acts as a natural aspirin, relieves pain and inflammation, helps with many rheumatic diseases, without causing any side effects. It is a wonderful gift of nature.

Willow barks – properties and their use in medicine.

Willow bark extract (Cortex salicis) is widely used in medicine today, and its miraculous healing effect has been validated by numerous scientific studies, so it is a natural alternative to many synthetic drugs. It may come as a surprise to many of us that willow bases also exhibit similar properties, but with a milder effect. We can confidently use them not only as a beautiful decoration during Easter, but also as a herbal raw material. This is because an infusion of basil has valid effects:

• analgesic,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antipyretic,
• expectorant.

At the same time it is mild and tasty, so it is also recommended for young children in the fight against colds and flu. It helps when expectorating lingering secretions from the lungs. In the Polish countryside there was a custom of giving basil to children to relieve sore throats and runny noses. Thanks to the presence of salicylates contained in it, the decoction of these downy buds is valid as many anti-influenza and anti-inflammatory drugs, but it does not have negative effects on the stomach and digestive system. Salicylates are esters of salicylic acid, included in the BHA (group of beta-hydroxy acids), popular not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology (anti-acne and anti-fungal activity).

These substances also show the ability to block the synthesis of thromboxane, which causes the phenomenon of platelet aggregation (a.k.a. platelet clumping), which in turn can lead to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Due to the presence of salicylates in basil decoction, it will therefore also work well as an anti-atherosclerotic and anti-thrombotic agent. It is therefore recommended for the prevention of heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis.

How to prepare an infusion of pussy willows?

It is extremely simple. It is necessary to pick the pussy willows in full bloom, when they look like downy “cats”, preferably from places away from busy streets. To make the infusion, use cow’s milk (you can substitute it with reasonably fatty plant milk, such as coconut milk) in the ratio of one cup of milk to one tablespoon of pussy willows. Heat the milk along with the pussy willows until it is very hot and set aside for 10 minutes. During this time, the milk will extract the important ingredients from the pussy willows. Such a drink can be consumed even several times a day! Its taste will be enriched by adding a little honey and cinnamon. Cheers! When spring is in bloom, it is a sin not to take advantage of its gifts.