Goat Willow is a tree or shrub that can reach a height of 10-12m. Young plants have grayish-green bark, as the plant grows, the bark turns brown, loses hair, the outer layers of the bark crack, closer to the root, a red base appears between the cracks. The branches are thick, hairy in young plants, green-gray or brown-yellow, becoming brittle, smooth, brown or gray with age. The leaves of the plant can be of different sizes and shapes and even vary in leaf surface. They grow up to 18cm long and 8cm wide, but can also be 6cm long and 2cm wide. From the top, the leaves are leathery, wrinkled, dark-green, from the bottom - gray-velvety. In terms of shape, the leaves can be round, ovate, elliptical, elongated-lanceolate, with toothed or wavy edges. The small flowers are arranged in spike-like inflorescences - spikes. Thick, hairy along the axis, flash touches can be masculine and feminine. Male inflorescences are sessile, up to 6 cm long, female inflorescences on short legs and up to 0.5 cm long.

The fruits of the plant are sparsely hairy pods on long, hairy legs that reach 8mm in length. Each box contains up to 18 seeds.

The bark, leaves and male inflorescences of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The bark is harvested at the time of sap, at the very beginning of spring, before flowering has begun and the buds have opened. Bark is collected from 2-3 year old plants by cutting the entire branch, then peeling. The bark is laid on sieves or hung in well-ventilated and shady places. Dried bark should crack and break when bent. Leaves and inflorescences can also be collected in early summer. The male spikes are harvested in April.

Ready drug is stored in paper bags in a dry room for up to 3 years.

The chemical composition of lightning has been sufficiently studied. Tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolglycosides, including salicin and its derivatives, bitter substances, ascorbic acid, hydrolysates of acids consisting of lauric acid, margaric acid, pentadecanoic acid, myristic acid, arachinic acid and heneicosanoic acid were found in the bark of the plant.

The leaves contain flavonoids, vitamins, ascorbic acid, tannins, bitter substances, glycoside salicin, catechin, resins, nitrogenous compounds, proanthocyanidins and essential oil.

Tannins, resins and bitters, ascorbic acid, salicin, saponin and organic acids have been found in man's hands.

The amount of biologically active substances in the bark, leaves and male spikes can change depending on the vegetation phase and the place where the plant grows.

Medicinal properties

The chemicals in the flash are low-toxic, but with a wide range of effects.

The main therapeutic effect is caused by the glycoside salicin, which has an anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic effect. Salicin also has a temperature-reducing effect by acting on thermoregulatory centers. Under the influence of salicin, the blood vessels under the skin expand, increasing sweat production.

The flavonoids present in the Goat Willow have anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. The astringent properties are related to the tannins in it and their ability to bond with proteins, this feature also contributes to the healing properties of wounds and burns. Bark bark can also be used as an anti-bleeding agent and its preparations have a vasoconstricting effect. Goat Willow is also widely used in folk medicine. The bark of the plant is used as an astringent for the treatment of diarrhea and disorders of the digestive tract. As a bleeding agent, it is used in hemorrhoids.

The bark of the plant is used to reduce the temperature and cure sweating, and the leaves are used to treat flu, fever and other colds. The expelling properties of the urine help to get rid of edema of various origins, so the decoction is recommended for the treatment of kidney diseases and hypertension.

A decoction of the bark is drunk to relieve headaches, treat malaria, and is used as an antihelminthic remedy. A decoction of the plant can be rinsed in the mouth to strengthen the gums and stop them from bleeding.

Applications and baths from the bark solution are recommended for ulcers and boils. Bark powder is used to speed up wound healing; fresh to treat burns.

A decoction from the man's touch is used to treat arrhythmia and tachycardia.

Not recommended for use

It is not recommended to use laxatives in case of low blood clotting, gastritis with increased acid content.

The plant is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, as well as small children should not be treated with poultices.

Frequent use and high doses can cause severe constipation.