Red Willow Bark is a spiritually important herb to the Lakota. Although it assumes the
Willow name, it is actually from Red Osier Dogwood. The tree is indigenous to
central and southern Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Red Willow Bark is an especially popular herb
in winter, as it is usually gathered when the tree’s sap production decreases);
typically after the fall leaves have fallen and before the spring leaves have
sprung.
Native
American Uses of Red Willow Bark include smoking; whether in a pipe or rolled,
or as teas or oils. It is used in
ceremonies and socially. It can be
shared with close friends and family to promote kinship. Red Willow bark can be used by itself or
combined with other herbs. Red Willow smoke is not addictive and does not cause mood alteration or
other psychogenic activity. The smoke is said to help carry messages to the
spirit world and aid in prayer. It is smoked to help the mind, body and
spirit. It should never be used recreationally
for pleasure.
Red Willow Bark acts a lot like aspirin,
so it is often used as a pain reliever.
Red Willow bark can be used to treat symptoms of the common cold, headache,
flu, fever, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, gout, and can even help
with weight loss. It has been very
helpful for people going through chemotherapy because a couple puffs can
eliminate feelings of nausea almost immediately. Red willow bark can also be used to treat
afflictions of the eyes and ears.
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