Willow as a living environment
Willows feed many animals. Willow cats are one of the first and most important sources of food in spring for bees and butterflies. There is even an animal, which cuts down other trees, to create a place for willow development, constituting his food. It is a beaver, whose population has been growing for years, becoming a fairly widespread species again. The juicy bark of young willow trees is a particularly valuable treat for him. Older head willows, on the other hand, are a wonderful habitat. Plants can live in them or on them, such as mistletoe, mushrooms, mosses, stands, field rose etc.. Animals in danger of extinction, such as little owls and bats seek shelter in hollows and raise their young there. Among the birds living on the willow, we can also mention bruises of pigeons, kestrels, fronds and tit. Mammals can also live in willow trees – mice, martens and dormice. However, the most common insects are there, because the willow is one of the plants most abundant in insects; approx 137 caterpillars species, 90 species of beetles, wasps, etc., snails should also be mentioned, gutters and sawdust. For the above-mentioned reasons, the survival and care of head willows are important for the natural environment and its protection.
Healing plant
Willow bark and leaves were used as remedies as far back as ancient Greece. Healers, such as Hipokrates, Pliny, Albertus Magnus, Hildegard z Bingen i Paracelsus, they praised its healing properties. It was used, for example, in light colds, inflammation, fever, rheumatism, gout, arthritis, aches and pains and diarrhea. The main ingredient in willow medicinally is salicin glycoside, now also produced synthetically and known by many names, inter alia as an aspirin. Willow leaves and bark, especially white willow, they are harvested in the spring. They are available in pharmacies under the name Cortex salicis, however, they are primarily sold in various herbal tea blends, because in combination with other medicinal plants, the action of willow is more effective and intense.
Here is a prescription for an antipyretic tea (source:
Susanne Fischer-Rizzi "Leaves of trees”):
• 3 parts of willow bark
• 1 part of the gentian root
• 2 parts of the leaves of the beaver
• 2 parts of the herb beetle
• 1 part of the rosemary leaves
Pour one tablespoon of this mixture of herbs with a cup of cold water, heat up and bring to a boil. Leave it on 10-15 minutes, to make the tea stretch, and then strain. Daily dose: two to three cups. The infusion of willow leaves and bark can be used for bathing, and also for soaking the feet with excessive sweating.
Another herbal infusion in the form of a refreshing bath helps feet tired from long standing or walking. The recipe below (source: Susanne Fischer-Rizzi "Leaves of trees”): a handful of mugwort a handful of willow leaves a handful of tansy common Herbs (fresh or dried) boil in a closed filled pot 5 l of water. Strain and pour into a bucket or pelvis. Soak in the foot infusion.
Symbolism
Willow, just like the apple tree, cherry or alder, was considered a sacred moon tree, dedicated to the Great Mother. For example, the Celts held it in great esteem as a symbol of fertility, and she was to bring happiness to the Romans. The Teutons believed, that the god of the dead, Vidar, lives in the willow thickets, that's why it was for them, as well as for the Greeks, a symbol of death.
In Christianity, willow has been a positive symbol since the earliest times, meaning, for example, the divine life force. On Palm Sunday, during the procession, palms made of willow twigs are carried, which is supposed to be the northern equivalent of olive branches. During the persecution of witches, the willow was considered a tree of spirits and witches.
Basically, however, willow is a symbol of an ever-reviving life, that is, arising and passing away at the same time. The cut trees and the twigs stuck in the ground quickly start to shoot, which proves the unrestrained vitality of this plant. But for example, the willow willow, while still a green tree, it often starts to rot from the inside out, because its wood contains very little tannin and has poor resistance, unlike the bark. In the open air, wicker braids deteriorate faster than similar constructions made of hard species of trees.
Due to its rapid growth, willow wood is a soft wood and is not used in carpentry. Fast growing, soft and flexible twigs, on the other hand, are appreciated in other crafts, for example in basketball. Weaving makes, that the wicker product is stable, and wicker becomes a material that can be used. When working with wicker, keep in mind the service life, flexibility and transiency of willow, respect it and use its potential.