Wake with the head ache.
Set willow bark shavings
simmering on the stove
fifteen minutes to a rich russet hue.
Steep for an hour, salicin leeching.
Sip all day the natural medicine.
Heal the head.
.
.
.
While I am a terrible gardener (I have no patience, and forget to water) I am intrigued with botanical medicines. In Outlander, the character of Claire is an expert in this area, and author Diana Gabaldon has studied thoroughly to make her books accurate. One of Claire’s stand-by medicines is willow bark tea, so when I saw willow bark for sale at the local health food store, I had to give it a try. It’s not bad tasting (just like willow smells, if that makes sense) and it does sooth a head ache, as well as keeping you hydrated.
Shawn L. Bird 
willow bark – salicylic acid – aspirin
but willow trees in PR are so rare.
Exactly, but easier on the stomach.
I bought mine from the health food store, though my neighbour does have a willow which graciously shares its leaves with us every autumn! (ha) I wonder if I could take his spring prunings (which also fall into our yard) and shave the bark for tea. Not sure if it’s a White Willow though.
Willow roots very easily, so you could have your own tree, just put the cutting in water for a few days and then plant, but not in the Canadian Winter.
One needs the yard space to accommodate it though.
Willow trees were my favourites to climb as a kid. 🙂
This is good information to have. Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Willow bark is a great natural anti-inflammatory. I used to drink the tea for relief from lower back pain. It also does wonders for a sore stomach. 🙂
I was reading details on the University of West Virginia web site where they outline the scientifically supported claims (vs. placebo), and lower back pain is one of them. Good to know it’s not just anecdotal, isn’t it?
Willow bark is extraordinary. Hope you have an herbalist, or two, nearby.
At least a health food store or two
I use Ginger Tea for my stomach. Hope you feel better soon. Please get rest. I thought about you yesterday while I was at the Brooklyn Museum. They have a Special Exhibit called Killer Heels. I actually saw some high heel Fluevog boots!! Talk about Kinky Boots! (No I did not see the Broadway Play of the same name) Take good care of yourself.
lol They were probably Grand Nationals. Were they black and looked sort of like horses’ hooves?
Yes. Now that you mention it they were. Those shoes reminded me of Frankenstein shoes!! I took some photos which I put on my Facebook and Google pages. The exhibit is at the Brooklyn Museum until Jan. 2015 and I have another vacation next month so I will be back to get my Kicks!! Pardon the pun! LOL!!
Did they have any from United Nude? They make the craziest shoes I know. I own a few pair, but none of the really wild ones.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjExd0beN-KFCOqQnKFeagXOBu5mOUyIZfEBPjcZ0LFceIA4p_ww
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5gVcAx9zllZAjPn-BFOT_errpn07zx1l6GG_CXyXAf4cKvps3gw
I own the bottom pair here (metallic with black wrap) https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfmF2MrUKtrQWn27hrW8V_flHORhG5_jsRIVuNCCSWJ7M5eY02
Yes they did have some of these shoes on display. I can’t remember what I read on the description but they probably are United Nude. The shoes are definitely crazy meant more as art pieces than actual wearable shoes. Some of the shoes in the exhibit make my feet hurt just by looking at them! LOL!!
I almost tried on some of the whacky ones at United Nude in London, but was on a bit of a timeline. Ended up with a pair of Wrap boots. So gorgeous. Wore them home on the plane, since by then my old shoes were giving me blisters. 🙂 United Nude stores are like art galleries- each shoe in its own lit compartment. The only light from the back of the display, everything else black. Champagne at the counter… Very frou-frou! 🙂 Here’s a store: http://www.unitednude.com/upload/news/news-image-36-medium.jpg (Those are Wrap boots on the right. Mine are grey/green/turquoise stripe. I also have them in black bright stripes as well).
Cool. Yes very high class and artsy! LOL!!
Fascinating! I never would have known. I love natural remedies. Thanks, Shawn.
Elouise
You’re welcome.
Good fun fact (hope I remember it)! And I love this piece. Very smartly crafted.
Thanks.
Needs to be Salix alba! Chamomile ( Matricaria recutita) and / or ginger root are just as effective for migraines / headache….
Hence the ginger in my willow bark tea. I do wonder if my neighbour’s tree is alba or not. Must study the varieties and figure it out.
I loved every single book. Thank you for trying it. I’ll buy some of I ever come across it. Peace and kindness I wish for you. Love, Sheri
Diana is brilliant. I am honoured to know her. Every time she offers feedback or appreciation for my work, I am even more honoured that she shares her time so graciously.
You are indeed blessed to know her. 💫
So.
So.
So.
Blessed.
😊
I approve this little rectangle. I think it wanted to be an emoticon.
Perhaps when I give it approval, it will become one?
Let us experiment.
No luck.
I am sorry little rectangle.
Your emoticon dreams
Have come to naught.
It’s a happy face!
🙂
It’s a wanna-be happy face! lol