Red Willow Bark

Scientific Name: Cornus stolonifera          

Origin: United States

Common Names: Red Willow Bark

Part used: Inner bark

Background: Known as "Cansasa" or "can'sa'sa" to the Lakota, Red Willow Bark comes from the inner bark of the Red Osier Dogwood and is the basic ingredient of traditional Plains Indian smoking mixtures.

It is a spiritually important herb within the Native American culture and is often used during times of ceremony to show respect or give spiritual protection; socially, it can be shared with close friends and family to promote kinship. Used with the sacred pipe, the herb can be used to make offerings to the spirits during times of prayer. Other tribes have used it for food supplements or medical remedies. For some, the willow tree was a symbol of longevity.

Red Willow Bark is seasonal and only gathered after a hard freeze when thunder is not present or when the tree’s sap production decreases. It is commonly mixed with Osha Root or Bearberry (to improve the taste). Its aroma is sweet and woodsy. 

Sold in 1 ounce packages.
 

These herbs are a gift from Spirit. May they bless you with their gentle, healing powers.