Salicis Chienii Radix et Ramulus
Aliases：Xiǎo Yè Yáng Liǔ (literally "Small‑leaf Willow"), Bái Shuǐ Yáng Liǔ (literally "White Water Willow"), and Shuǐ Liǔ (literally "Water Willow"). (These are alternative names for Yín Yè Liǔ, i.e., Silverleaf Willow, Salix chienii Cheng.)
Yín Yè Liǔ (Silverleaf Willow) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the root or branches and leaves of Salix chienii Cheng, a plant belonging to the family Salicaceae. It is recorded in Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian (Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicines) and Zhonghua Bencao (Chinese Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and removes toxicity, dispels wind and relieves itching, and alleviates pain.
Indications
Common cold with fever, sore throat, skin itching, cystitis, urethritis, and traumatic injuries and pain.
Modern Pharmacology
The bark of Silverleaf Willow contains natural salicin (salicylic acid) components, which possess analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects. Its flowers and leaves can be used to treat bacillary dysentery. Related extracts contain triterpenoids, and their purity can be increased from 18.61% to 31.42% after macroporous resin purification.
Ingredients
Salicylates: The bark contains natural salicin (salicylic acid) components. Triterpenoids: Triterpenoid components are present in the leaf extracts of Silverleaf Willow. Other constituents: Related studies on Salix species also involve total flavonoids, tannins, lignins, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g. For topical application: decoct an appropriate amount in water and use for washing.
Selected Formulas
For common cold with fever and sore throat (Zhejiang Medicinal Plants) Take 9–15g of Yinye Liu (Salix wilsonii) root, decoct in water and drink. For skin itching (pruritus) (Zhejiang Medicinal Plants) Take 9–15g of Yinye Liu root, decoct in water and drink. Additionally, take an appropriate amount of the root, decoct in water, and wash the affected area externally.
Medicinal Parts
Root or branches and leaves.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
