Willow

The willow grows in the rivers and marshes of Langya original: 琅邪 (Lángyá); an ancient region in what is now Shandong Province, traditionally known for its waterways. Today, it is found everywhere. It is commonly referred to as the "Poplar-Willow."

The Classic of Materia Medica original: 本經 (Běnjīng), short for the Shennong Bencao Jing, the foundation of Chinese herbalism identifies the catkins original: 絮 (xù); the soft, fluffy masses of fibers associated with willow seeds as the tree's flowers. However, Chen Cangqi A renowned Tang Dynasty scholar and pharmacologist known for correcting earlier botanical errors states that the "flowers" are actually the yellow stamens that first emerge, whereas the "seeds" are the flying catkins.

The willow is bitter in flavor, cold in nature, and non-toxic. It is primarily used to treat wind-edema original: 風水 (fēngshuǐ); in a medical context, this refers to sudden swelling or fluid retention caused by external "wind" pathogens, distinct from the practice of geomancy, jaundice, facial flushing, and dark skin spots original: 黑皯 (hēigǎn); likely referring to melasma or other forms of hyperpigmentation. It is also effective against scabies, malignant sores, and metal wounds original: 金瘡 (jīnchuāng); wounds specifically caused by blades or weapons.

The leaves are used to treat blood stagnation within the chest and abdomen and to relieve pain. The fruit the mature seed-bearing catkin is mainly used to treat ruptured abscesses, as it aids in expelling pus and blood. The juice of the seeds is used to treat thirst.