Willow bark (Salix alba). Preparations of this bark are used as a herbal remedy for mild fever and rheumatism. The bark of white willow contains salicin,which is a chemical similar to and also used in aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It is said to be one of the 7 sacred trees of the Irish and was important in Druidism,and its branches were woven into baskets to hold sacrifices. In Judaism,where many nature-connected celebrations remain intact,the willow is one of the four species of plants,together with palm,myrtle,and citron,that are shaken in each of the four directions at the fruit harvest festival,Succot,in order to make the winds blow and bring the rains for the next season |