The Medicinal Properties of the Willow Tree Overview The willow tree has been used since ancient civilizations for its ornament, erosion control, timber, and especially its bark. The story of the willow tree dates to Hippocrates, 4000 BC, when people were advised to chew on the bark of a willow tree to lessen inflammation and reduce fever. The bark of the tree contains a compound called salicylic acid, which is a common ingredient in aspirin and is known for a multitude of medicinal effects ranging from something as simple as a pain-reliever to disease prevention. This paper focuses on the history of the willow tree, its anatomy, and its medicinal properties in relation to disease prevention. Willow Tree Anatomy The willow tree is of the genus …show more content…
Philosophically, the importance of the willow tree has come a long way since the Assyrians (4000 BC) and Sumerians (3500 BC), who had seen its medicinal benefits. The first documented use of willow bark as an analgesic was recorded by Hippocrates in 4000 BC. The evolution of the willow tree’s use as a medicinal treatment occurred first with the question of the clinical potential of willow, then the discovery of the structure of salicin, and finally the chemical synthesis of salicylic acid and aspirin. The pharmacological component of willow bark, salicin, was discovered in 1838 by Raffaele Piria, an Italian chemist. Piria’s discovery of salicin led to further discoveries of the use of the compound and eventually to the synthesis of aspirin in 1893 by Felix Hoffman.For thousands of years, herbalists have looked to nature in order to solve various ailments. Although ancient people had difficulties finding the correct dose of herbal medicines for various ailments, their failures and successes aided future generations in discoveries that piggy-backed on the ideas of their predecessors. The use of willow has evolved since our ancestors first discovered it, and it is now used to derive medicines that are able to treat and prevent modern diseases (Mahdi et al. …show more content…
Aspirin is considered a “polydrug” due to its variety of uses stretching from pain-relief to disease prevention. Salicylic acid is derived from the bark and leaves of the willow tree. Salicylic acid belongs to a group of phytochemicals which have been shown to have positive effects on human health. Salicylic acid is a phenolic compound that can be found in a variety of plants and is a crystal organic carboxylic acid. However, it is more commonly viewed as the primary metabolite and active compound of acetyl salicylic acid, which has been used as an anti-inflammatory drug by physicians for over 100 years. Recently, it has been discovered that prophylactic use of acetyl salicylic acid can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. (Sammuganathan et al,
In the mid-1979s, Jean Baptiste LeComte II received land grants from the Spanish and French. Buildings started to be built in the 1800s. However it wasn’t until 1830 Magnolia Plantation saw its first residents. Jean’s son, Ambroise, and his wife, Julia Buard, turned the property into a cotton plantation. Using slave labor, they converted 2,000 acres wooded area into huge cotton fields.
The theme from the novel Willow and Twig written by Jean little that resonated with me was family, specifically the relationship between brother and sister. This theme stood out for me the most because it reminded me of how my brother and I acted together throughout my entire life. My brother and I are also half-brother and half-sister, but we never talk about it. Willow and Twig are also in the same situation but it never bothers them to act any differently either. Ever since I can remember my brother has called me by the name Twig, and I thought it was very ironic being the younger sibling in my family.
Strangely enough, pagans of the time also used the plant for protection too. The legends have nothing to do with the continued use of St. John 's Wort though. It has remarkable health properties that have been studied by doctors in countries all over the world. And
Redwood National Park Where to begin . . . Redwood is an ancient forest that spans many square miles. It has the largest and tallest tree in the world, a 379-foot redwood. A single redwood can hold 34,000 pounds of water by itself. The oldest redwood is about 2,520 years old.
As is true for many medical discoveries, aboriginal peoples on every continent were the first to discover plants and practices that control disease and promote healing. When Captain James Cook saw Australia 's first people collect and brew leaves, then drink the resulting tea for its healing properties, he called the associated plant a “Tea tree”. Thanks to research in the 1920 's, scientists realized that oils from the Tea Tree 's leaves held more anti-microbial power than the era 's most commonly prescribed medication, Phenol, also known as Carbolic Acid. In the 1930 's, a Dr. Humphrey discovered that Tea Tree Oil treated one of the most common concerns of fighting forces, world wide. With his discovery, this essential oil became part of
During the days of King Arthur there was a young squire by the name of Arboreous, with hair white as snow, and his eyes blue as the clear sky. Although his looks were intimidating, he was the complete opposite, he showed kindness to all people that he would meet and protected those who were unable to protect themselves. Arboreous had a dream and that dream was to become a member of his favorite guild as a child, “The Dragonslayers” so that everyone would respect him and follow in his image. One day Arboreous came across three knights who bear the crest of the Dragonslayer, eager to join them Arboreous aked the three knights what could he do to become a member of the guild. One of the three knights replied “You must slay the fearsome dragon located within the Blazing Mountains, only then will you be worthy enough to become a member.”
Any animal or human that has been repeatedly injured will strike out against what has caused them harm. Here Old Man Willow is no different, he simply reacts on instinct, which is not evil but part of nature. He is a characterization of the independent strength and nature of trees that has been turned to malice (Hazell 74). Tolkien again defends both Old Man Willow and the Old Forest when he writes that, "Cannot people imagine things hostile to men and hobbits who prey on them without being in league with the Devil!"(Tolkien 228) Old Man Willow is not evil, just as an animal that has gone mad due to abuse is not evil but formed by what has been done to
Also, willow trees have a very rich background. They were used as key symbols in many ancient myths, representing physic powers, magic, death, and intuition. In Greek mythology, Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, used willow for wands, and Orpheus, a famous Greek hero, used willow wood as an amulet against evil. Nowadays, they are
Lab Report 5: Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) Synthesis Name: Divya Mehta Student #: 139006548 Date Conducted: November 19th 2014 Date Submitted: November 26th 2014 Partner’s Name: Kirsten Matthews Lab Section: Wednesday 2:30 L9 IAs Name: Brittany Doerr Procedure: For the procedure, see lab manual (CH110 Lab Manual, Fall 2014) pages 96-98. Wilfrid Laurier University Chemistry Department. Fall 2014. Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) Synthesis.
The Black Walnut Tree In Mary Oliver’s “The Black Walnut Tree,” Oliver employs personification, split section, and conflict between literal and figurative to establish the tree’s role in the family as a symbol of both the adversities and the rewards that arise from their endeavor to preserve their family history. The personification of “black walnut tree swing through another year of sun” is used to convey the fresh and renewed spirit of the family once they decide to keep their family together. The idea of the tree “swinging” represents a cheerful spirit. Since the author chooses to embody this cheerful spirit in her writing, it demonstrates the idea of family and home; money tends to draw people apart, but happiness and favor comes with the idea of an object like the walnut tree that forges the relationship in a family.
Different cultures and religions believe in different types of healing practices, there are a lot of Americans that use herbal remedies to cure all sorts of illnesses. If these remedies don’t work, it is the responsibility of the individual and family members to seek out proper medical treatment for the
Old growth forests are rare to come by, especially in the United States. The Camillus Unique Forest Area, located in northeastern New York, has many characteristics of an old growth forest. It is unclear how old the forest actually is, as the tree species that reside there have a life span of 100-200 years. This could mean that the forest is thousands of years old, with hundreds of generations of these species, or only a few hundred years old, with the first generation just reaching maturity. Either way the forest has many traits of an old growth forest.
“The willow tree,” they told me as I walked out of the store. I never really listened to the townspeople as they were practically insane, so when Mr. Brown told me about the tree, I didn’t think much about it. I had never even seen a willow tree in Oasis Springs before that walk home. I remember walking out of the store and seeing a massive long-leafed willow tree at least forty-five feet tall.
This sapin syrup is made from fir which is known for protecting the body from external environment and increases the body’s resistance from various contaminants. The fir plant is used for medicinal purposes to treat a variety of conditions. It can relieve and treat colds, cough, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, respiratory tract pain and swelling. Some also use it to cure tuberculosis. Fir helps reduce the production of mucus in
In a time before the warring machine, fruits of conflagration and discord were alien to the earths fertile soil. Before the beast of conflict could arise and wipe hope from innocent hearts, there was tranquility. The paramount example of this tranquil character was The Willowwacks Forest. With a lush canopy and a rich quantity of fruits, berries, and roots, there was the watering hole. Now this watering hole was not a luxerious oasis, nor was it a impoverished puddle, puckered and dry from an unforgiving season.