Willow (Salix Species, also called Tree of Enchantment) has been used for thousands of years as a healing medicine.

Willows are a wetland tree, preferring river ban s, ponds, ditches, and other moist soil areas. !spirin is "acetylsalicylic acid", and the "salic" refers to "Salix", which is the #atin name for Willow (which is a natural pain iller). The most well nown Willows are the Weeping Willow (Salix $abylonica) and the %ussy Willow (Salix &iscolor). World'wide there are about ()) species of Willow with about *) in +orth !merica. The +ative !mericans have used Willow for centuries as both a medicinal plant and to weave bas ets and other usable items. The &ruids used the %ussy Willow for charms and protection. ,n olden days a branch of the Willow was used to see or "dowse for water". The old phrase " noc on wood" evolved from " noc on Willow" due to the lore of protection associated with the Willow. Magickal Uses: Willow is an herb of protection, immortality, and a funeral herb ruled by the -oon, Saturn, or +eptune. ,ts invocatory can be !ino, !rtemis, .irce, &iana, /ecate, /era, /ermes, 0rpheus, or %ersephone. -any believe a branch of the %ussy Willow to be the most excellent of all ritual wands. %ussy Willow cuttings are often included as altar decorations at .andlemas or Eostara, depending on the climate. Willow is a wonderful herb for bards. Those who do any public spea ing might use Willow to appeal to 0rpheus or %ersephone in order to be granted elo1uence. Willow is believed to be an herb to assist a safe 2ourney to the 0therworld. !s a funeral herb, planting a Willow during your lifetime is said to protect you when ta ing final leave of your body. (The Willow must be thriving at the time of your death). Willow is an excellent herb to use with 3oc .rystal to charge the stone and give it protective and healing virtues. Willow brings out the feminine 1ualities of both men and women. Willow is most excellent to use to bring the blessings of the -oon into one4s life. Medicinal and Other Uses: The main types of Willow bar used medicinally are the White Willow, the Sallow (5oat Willow), the $lac Willow, and the %urple Willow. Willow4s medicinal component is called "Salicin", which is what is converted to "Salicylic !cid" when ta en internally. Willow is used internally for fevers, rheumatic pains, headaches, gout, and digestive problems. Externally Willow is used as a disinfectant and astringent on cuts and sores. 6oung, pliable shoots and branches are excellent for weaving bas ets and wic er furniture. **WC** !void Willow usage medicinally if you are pregnant or on blood thinners. **GT** Willow is an attractor for several species of $utterflies including the #epidoptera +ymphalis antiopa or "-ourning .loa " $utterfly, and the #epidoptera #imenitis archippus or "7iceroy" $utterfly because their caterpillers feed on it4s leaves. Willow is easily started by rooting a young branch, and it ma es a graceful, hardy landscape tree.