Red Willow Bark

Red willow bark is a primary ingredient in most native smoking mixes. This bark is the basic ingredient of traditional Plains Indian smoking mixtures.
Known as the “canasa” to the Lakota, Red Willow Bark is a spiritually important herb within the Native American culture.

Red Willow Bark is seasonal, and is only gathered after hard freezes in the fall and only until the first Thunder sounds in the spring or when the trees sap production decreases. It comes from the inner bark of the Red Osier Dogwood tree. The bark has a sweet woodsy aroma.

Native American uses of Red Willow Bark

• Smoking Mixture: Red Willow can be smoked by itself or blended with tobacco and other herbs like bearberry, osha, and sumac. Used alone*, the bark produces a mild and pleasant smelling smoke; when mixed with tobacco**, this woodsy smelling smoke adds depth to the overall aroma.

• Sacred Pipe: When combined with tobacco and smoked in a sacred pipe, this dried bark has been used to end conflicts between individuals or seal agreements between leaders of different groups. Used with the sacred pipe, Red Willow can also be used to make offerings to the spirits during times of prayer.

Ideal season for Red Willow Bark: Winter
Red Willow Bark is an especially popular herb at this time of year, as it is usually gathered during the winter months “when thunder is not present” (or when the tree’s sap production decreases); typically between the first frost and the first thunderstorm of the spring.

Medicinal Uses of Red Willow Bark
Red willow bark is a popular medicinal plant used by Native Americans in many forms. It can be made into tea or tincture, or can be chewed raw. It can also be smoked or puffed like a tobacco or cigarette for effects in the lungs, air passage, stomach, eyes, ears and the bloodstream. Although the effectiveness and safety of red willow bark has not been proven, many Native Americans regularly make use of the plant.

• Remedy for Coughs, Colds and Fevers: The red willow bark is often made into tea as a remedy for colds. It is also used as an emetic for coughs and fevers. The bark is boiled in water, then the decoction is strained and drunk warm.
  According to Fredda Paul, a member of the Passamaquoddy who practices traditional tribal medicine, smoking red willow rolled into a cigarette is effective in cleansing the body and relieving coughs and colds as it goes directly into the lungs and into the bloodstream.

• Relieving Headaches and Migraines: As a relief for headaches and migraines, the red willow bark is usually mixed with wild sage then smoked a couple of puffs at a time every two hours. It can also be taken as a tincture or tea. Apart from relieving headaches and migraines, its relaxing effects help those suffering from insomnia to get a good night's sleep.

• Relieving Nausea: Whether ingested or smoked, red willow bark opens the liver and digestive organs, allowing the settling of a queasy stomach almost instantly. A couple of puffs can help relieve nausea. It is also used by people who just underwent chemotherapy to relieve nausea and promote a better physical state.

• Eye and Ear Medicine: Chewing on the dry bark of red willow can be an excellent medicine for the eyes. It can help heal pink eye or conjunctivitis, as well as improve eye function for those suffering from cataracts and macular degeneration. The bark can also be infused into extra-virgin olive oil. The oil mixture is strained carefully and refrigerated prior to use, then one drop is used to massage the eye or eyelid every morning and evening.

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