Herb's Introduction
Salix tetrasperma Roxb., commonly known as the Indian Willow or Water Willow, is a species of willow belonging to the family Salicaceae. It is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small to medium-sized tree, occasionally reaching up to 25 meters in height. This plant is native to South and Southeast Asia and is often found along riverbanks, streams, and in other moist or swampy areas, reflecting its common names like "Jalavetasa" (water willow in Sanskrit). Historically and traditionally, various parts of the plant, especially the bark and leaves, have been utilized in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, for their fever-reducing, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties. The genus Salix is well-known for containing the compound salicin, a natural precursor to acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), which is the basis for many of its therapeutic uses.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Salix tetrasperma Roxb. Family: Salicaceae (Willow family) English: Indian Willow Chinese: 四子柳 (Sìzi liǔ) Hindi: Bod, Bains Manipuri: ঊযুম (Ooyum) Bengali: Panijama Tamil: Atrupalai Telugu: ఏటిపాల (etipaala) Kannada: Niranji, Neeruvanji Malayalam: Arali, Atrupala Sanscrit: Jalavetasa, Naadeya, Niketan, Baishi.
Terminology
The name Jalavetasa (Sanskrit) literally translates to "water willow" or "aquatic cane/willow," accurately describing its habitat near water bodies. The presence of the crystalline glucoside salicin in its bark is a key phytochemical terminology. Salicin is an alcohol β-glucoside, which is metabolized into salicylic acid in the body. Salicylic acid acts as an antipyretic (fever reducer) and analgesic (pain reliever), connecting the traditional use of the bark for fever and pain to modern phytochemistry.
Availability
Salix tetrasperma has a wide native distribution across South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In Nepal, as a plant found in the Himalayan Terai region and other moist areas, it is considered one of the indigenous medicinal plants. Its preference for wet, swampy locations and riverbanks makes it readily available in appropriate geographical zones. It is often cultivated for soil stabilization purposes, especially on rice field boundaries and riverbanks, which further contributes to its availability in specific areas.
External Look
Habit: It is typically a medium-sized, deciduous (or semi-evergreen in certain climates) tree, potentially growing up to 25 meters tall, with a girth of up to 100 cm. Bark: The bark is thick (10–12 mm), pale brown, rough, and characterized by deep, vertical fissures. The blaze (inner bark) is described as red. Leaves: The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate shape, measuring about 6−15×2−5 cm. They have serrated margins, are glabrous (smooth) and shining above, and often glaucous (bluish-green/waxy) underneath. Young branches and shoots are often silky-pubescent. Flowers: The flowers are unisexual (dioecious plant, meaning male and female flowers are on separate trees) and borne in axillary catkins, which are small, cylindrical flower clusters. The male catkins are yellowish and sweet-scented, while the female catkins are greenish. Fruit: The fruit is a small capsule, about 4 mm long, which splits open into 2-4 valves, releasing 1-4 small, oblong seeds, each equipped with long, deciduous hairs that aid in wind dispersal.
Healing Properties
The medicinal properties of Salix tetrasperma are largely attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and particularly salicin, the glucoside that acts as a natural analgesic and antipyretic. The plant is traditionally noted for the following healing properties: Antipyretic (Fever-Reducing): The bark, due to its salicin content, is primarily used as a febrifuge to bring down high body temperature, especially in fevers like malaria and typhoid. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic (Pain-Relieving): It is effective in treating conditions involving pain and inflammation such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and general muscle pain. The dried leaves and bark extracts possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Antimicrobial: Extracts from various parts of the plant show antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it useful for managing various infections and skin disorders. Antioxidant: The presence of high phenolic and flavonoid content contributes to its strong antioxidant activity. Hepatoprotective: Some studies suggest that leaf extracts may have a protective effect against liver toxicity. Neurotonic and Cardiotonic: Dried leaves are traditionally reported to have beneficial effects on the nervous system and the heart.
Advantages
The Indian Willow offers several advantages, both medicinally and ecologically: Natural Source of Salicin: It provides a natural, traditional source of a compound chemically related to modern aspirin, offering relief from fever, pain, and inflammation. Wide Spectrum of Use: Its properties allow it to be used for a wide array of ailments, including inflammatory disorders, fever, various skin conditions, and digestive issues. Ecology and Conservation: As a riparian species (grows near water), it is valuable for soil erosion control and stabilizing riverbanks and moist embankments. Non-Medicinal Uses: Its wood is used for rough carpentry, planking, and as fuel. The flexible twigs are used traditionally for basketry and making other woven articles. The new flowers are even used as a vegetable in some areas.
Uses
The plant is used to address a variety of health issues: Fever and Infections: Used as a traditional antipyretic for general fever, malaria, and typhoid. Its antibacterial properties help fight infections. Pain and Inflammation: Employed internally and externally for rheumatic conditions, arthritis, gout, joint pain, and swellings. Skin Disorders and Wounds: Due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, it is used for eczema, psoriasis, acne, boils, and to promote faster healing of wounds and ulcers. Digestive and Urinary Ailments: Traditionally used to manage digestive discomforts like indigestion and flatulence, and for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and painful urination (dysuria). Other Traditional Uses: The bark is used for piles (hemorrhoids) and epilepsy, while root and leaf decoctions are used for whooping cough in children.
Using Way
Traditional methods of preparation and administration include: Decoction: The bark is commonly prepared as a decoction (a liquid preparation made by boiling the plant material) and taken orally as a potent febrifuge (for fever) or analgesic. Powder: The dried leaves can be powdered and mixed with sugar or another vehicle to be taken orally to treat conditions like rheumatism, swellings, and piles. External Application (Paste/Poultice): A paste of the leaves and/or roots is applied externally to wounds, ulcers, sores, insect bites (like scorpion stings), and warts to reduce inflammation, cleanse the wound, and promote healing. Leaf Juice: Fresh leaf juice can be used as an ear drop for ear pain or taken orally for bloody diarrhea (rakta Atisara), splenomegaly, and jaundice.
Conclusion
Salix tetrasperma, or the Indian Willow (Jalavetasa), stands as a significant medicinal plant across South Asia, including Nepal, primarily valued for its bark and leaves. Its traditional uses, especially as an antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent, are supported by the presence of salicin and other potent phytochemicals like flavonoids and phenolics. Beyond its pharmacological significance, the plant holds ecological importance in soil conservation and offers utility in local crafts and as a sustainable resource. As a vital component of traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and local folk medicine, the Indian Willow is a classic example of a medicinal plant that continues to bridge ancient knowledge with modern scientific interest in its therapeutic potential.
