The tree belongs to the genus of willows and comes from the willow family. The foliage leaves of the silver willow (Salix alba) often appear silvery. It is native throughout Europe, North Africa and the Near East. It was named Tree of the Year in 1999.
The famous active ingredient salicin
The salicin contained in the bark is metabolized in the human organism to acetylalicylic acid. This is also known as aspirin, which is used to treat pain.
In the meantime, however, ASA is no longer produced from willow but synthetically.