Aren’t we all looking for a zillion skin-befitting products imbued with ingredients that make us look radiant every morning as we prepare for the day? Markets are flooded with cosmetics that have restorative herbs to keep our skin healthy, fight signs of aging, and provide the skin nourishment, hydration, and protection that deserves. Herb-based products contain various therapeutic properties and have been used for centuries to treat many skin disorders. From an array of such plants is one herb that dates to ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Indian civilizations known as Salix Alba or the white willow. Popular across many cultures for thousands of years, it is a rich source of many fabulous health-healing compounds and has been considered a great remedy for curing fevers, colds, and joint pains.
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Salix Alba or white willow is a medium-sized tree found in parts of Europe, Africa, and some areas of Asia and China. Its white-toned undersides of the leaves give the plant its name white willow. The discovery of the analgesic and antipyretic properties of extracts of the white willow dates back over 4500 years. Ancient Egyptians used its bark to treat inflammation and pain. The active constituents of this deciduous tree are beta-carotene, catechin, lignin, salicylic acid, tannin, calcium, iron, flavonoids, salicylates, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin C, potassium, selenium, zinc, and B-vitamins.
Health Incentives Of Salix Alba
Here are some fabulous health benefits that this tree generously offers:
- Reduces pain caused by myalgia and dysmenorrhea
- Alleviates osteoarthritis-borne pains
- Brings down high-grade fever
- Relieves several types of body aches
- Controls premature ejaculation
- Treats for mild to acute inflammation
Also Read: Yoga For Dysmenorrhea: Bid Goodbye To Menstrual Cramps With These Spectacular Poses
What Makes Salix Alba Popular In Skin Care?
Skin-care ingredients that contain acids are the talk of the town in present times. The acids (such as salicylic, glycolic, and kojic acid) are not bad when applied topically and can help brighten, moisturize, and even out a dull skin tone. Salix Alba has one of the most popular skin active ingredients-salicylic acid which has been creating waves in the skincare realm for the last few years. But do you know that salicylic acid is not discovery and has been around for a long time? Salix extracts have always been a sought-after ingredient because it contains ‘Salicin’- a glycoside in generous amounts which get eventually metabolized to salicylic acid. A key ingredient in many serums and cleansers, this acid is well-known to exfoliate the skin, keep pores clear, reduce acne, and fight sun damage, and age spots.
Easy Home Remedial Solutions From Salix
Here are some easy home remedies from this skin and health-beneficial plant that can work wonders if you want to augment your skin health.
Salix Alba Tea
The Salix tea can be made by infusing the powder or dried or fresh white willow bark in boiling water
How To Make?
Let the plant extract simmer in a hot pan of boiling water. Do not just steep it, as it is a bit hard and may take some time to get boiled. The willow bark turns the water a dark burgundy color. Strain the contents through a fine sieve and drink warm. The tea is quite bitter thus you can also add some honey or maple syrup to make it a little sweet.
Benefits: Regular use of this tea will brighten the skin and leave it supple and moisturized.
Suggested dosage: Use 1-2 teaspoons of willow bark powder to make 1 cup of medicinal tea.
Salix Alba Infused Oil
Salix Alba oil can be made by infusing Salix Extracts in any carrier oil such as almond or olive oil/
How To Make?
Pour one cup of fresh or dried willow bark into a pot Cover this completely with olive oil turning the heat onto its lowest setting. Simmer it on a very slow flame and then turn the heat off to let it cool a bit. Repeat this process for three to four days hours never letting the oil burn. Once infused, strain it in an airtight glass jar and keep it in a cool place.
Benefits: Topically apply this oil to sore joints, muscles, and bruises. It will help get rid of several types of pains in the body
Precautions
Consult your healthcare practitioner for contraindications before consuming plant-based teas or tinctures. Also, if a patient is allergic to aspirin a consultation with the doctor before trying willow bark as an herbal remedy is a must. Patients who have undergone surgery should not use any Salix Alba powder or its extracts as it may cause blood thinning. Pregnant and lactating mothers should also not take the extracts of Salix Alba.
