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Agrimony Glossary |
Willow herb |
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Epilobium spp.
The name of the genus Epilobium is from the Greek words epi (upon) and lobos (a pod), from the fact that the flowers stand upon the top of long, thin, pod-like seed-vessels, having somewhat the appearance of rather thick flower-stems. In Ireland, we find it called 'Blooming Sally,' Sally being a corruption of the Latin Salix, the Willow, really a reference to the willow-like leaves. In America, it springs up on ground recently cleared by firing, being one of the plants called 'Fireweed'. The roots and leaves have demulcent, tonic and astringent properties and are used in domestic medicine in decoction, infusion and cataplasm, as astringents. The root contains mucilage, tannin, starch, sugar, resin, and a crystalline calcium salt. The young shoots are boiled and eaten like asparagus. An infusion of the leaves will be found beneficial in leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, and uterine hemorrhage; and forms an excellent local application for ophthalmia, ulcerations of the mouth and throat, and leucorrhoea. The leaves in poultice are a valuable remedy for foul and indolent ulcers. It has been recommended for its antispasmodic properties in the treatment of whooping cough, hiccough and asthma. In ointment, it has been used locally as a remedy for infantile cutaneous affections. Epilobium has never attained a place in the front rank as a medicine. That it has not attained prominence as a remedy is not the fault of the plant. In certain cases of 'summer bowel complaints' it is without equal. It has a deserved reputation in chronic diarrhea. It is also known as a medicinal herb for disorders of the prostate gland.
The first has large rose-purple flowers. It grows, much branched, in masses by ponds, in marshes and damp meadows and reaches a height of 150 cm. The stems and leaves are fleshy and slightly hairy. The leaves of the Rose Bay Willow herb (Epilobium angustifolium) have been used as a substitute and adulterant of tea.
Although the leaves of E. hirsutum have also been used as astringents there are reports of violent poisoning with epileptic-like convulsions having been caused by its employment. There are several smaller species of Willow herb and the following are the ones, with the medicinal properties, that can be used: Pink Willow herb (Epilobium parviflorum), Mountain Willow herb (Epilobium montanum), Dark-green Willow herb (Epilobium obscurum), Lance-leaved Willow herb (Epilobium lanzeolatum), Hill Willow herb (Epilobium collinum), Marsh Willow herb (Epilobium palustre), Gravel Willow herb (Epilobium anagallidifolium). Of the varieties mentioned, the whole herb is gathered, that is, stems with leaves and flowers, but care should be taken to pick the herb in the middle of the stem. The name 'Hooded Willow herb' does not refer to one of these species, but is another name for the Scullcap (Scutellaria), and the 'Purple Willow herb' is also not this species, but another name for Lythrum Salicaria, the Purple Loosestrife, a plant that is often present in the same riverside situations.
DISCLAIMER: This page is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. The author is neither a chemist nor an herbalist and has had no medical training whatsoever. The content herein is the product of research, not practical experience. |
The leaves of both this species and of
the Great Hairy Willow herb (Epilobium hirsutum) are largely used
in Russia, under the name of Kaporie tea. The leaves are placed opposite one another on
the stem, are 3 to 5 inches long, their bases clasping the stem and like
it, very woolly, hence the specific Latin name hirsutum, and the common English name.