Black Willow
Salix nigra
Salix nigra, commonly known as black willow, is a deciduous tree species native to North America. In various traditional medicinal practices, it has been utilized for a wide range of purposes, including as a sudorific, carminative, astringent, and sedative, as well as for treating fever, asthma, dyspepsia, and sores. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal properties is currently limited, as most studies focus on its ecological roles, such as its impact on bauxite residue leachate, methane fluxes, and genomic hybridization. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- fever · carminative
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- fever
- carminative
- erysipelas
- stimulant
- asthma
- astringent
- diarrhea
- dyspepsia
- gangrene
- lumbago
- sedative
- sores
- sudorific
What the science says
- Salix nigra showed moderate performance in processing bauxite residue leachate volume without significantly differing aerial biomass compared to other species.
- Tree methane fluxes varied among species, correlated with tissue pH and humidity, suggesting tissue pH as an important trait for methane emissions.
- Significant hybridization between Salix nigra and its close relatives was observed, accounting for up to 31% of the genome in some populations.
- Methanogenic and methane-oxidizing communities varied between Salix nigra tissues and among tree species, influenced by plant traits like tissue pH.
Frequently asked questions
What is Black Willow?
Black Willow (Salix nigra) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Black Willow traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Black Willow for: fever, carminative, erysipelas, stimulant, asthma, astringent. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Black Willow?
Black Willow appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Black Willow?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Black Willow; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Salix nigra showed moderate performance in processing bauxite residue leachate volume without significantly differing aerial biomass compared to other species.
How strong is the evidence for Black Willow?
The strongest finding for Black Willow carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Black Willow safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Black Willow in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Black Willow interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Black Willow in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Black Willow?
Black Willow is also known as: Ива чёрная, Saule noir.
Is Black Willow a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Divergence, hybridization, and diversification in an eastern North American willow syngameon. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Tissue humidity and pH as important species traits regulating tree methane emissions in floodplain wetland forests. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pilot-scale evaluation of native plant-based constructed wetland performance in a cold climate. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Tree tissues and species traits modulate the microbial methane-cycling communities of the tree phyllosphere. literature abstract metadata