Willows ... ancient historical trees
Kuwaitis’ shade from scorching summer
By Amna Al-Shammari
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 15, (KUNA): Willow trees were planted by Kuwaiti society in their homes, public gardens and agriculture areas in government departments, institutions and roadsides, and its shadows protected them from the summer heat.
This ancient historical tree has various shapes and sizes, including the giant low-growing creeping shrubs.
Willow leaves are green, characterized by a spear shape that bloom during the spring.
Recent research indicates that the willow tree is not just picturesque but the leaves carry great benefits for the body, as the leaves and bark contain an active ingredient called Salicin, which helps to relieve lower back pain, while the white bark has a long-term effect on reducing the severity of headaches and migraines.
White willow bark also enhances the activity of complementary ingredients that help in weight loss, which is the reason why many weight loss supplements are mixed with white willow extracts, as well as its leaves contain an anti-inflammatory substance that prevents heart attacks.
Incidentally, History Professor at Kuwait University Dr Saud AlAsfour told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday that the willow tree represents spectacular memories, especially for the previous generation in its foliage and greenery during the summer and winter.
They are a fast-growing perennial tree, intertwined with tangled branches and abundant thorns, needless of ample water after growing its roots from the ground, he added.
Willows bloom in the spring and consisted of birds, especially small well-known ones that do not leave it at all such as Al-Zarzour and other migratory birds, Al-Asfour mentioned.
He pointed out that the stems, trunks, leaves and bark were used for heating in some wood industries and medical drugs, since aspirin is extracted from the leaves, used as a pain reliever and remedy for headaches, head pain and body pain, treating fever, cancer colon, joint pain, sciatica and hemorrhage.
People, especially youngsters, avoided climbing the willow tree because of the many thorns and twigs, he said.