Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa): Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna): Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya): Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents: Salicin (4-10%), Tannins
Also Known As: English: Willow, Sallow
Sanskrit: वेतस, शीतवल्क, नदीज, अम्बुवेतस
Hindi: वेदमुश्क, बेदमुश्क

What is Willow / Vetasa (वेतस)?

Vetasa (Salix caprea) is a tree found near water bodies and rivers. It grows commonly along riverbanks. The name Vetasa is used for several species of willow. Three species are mentioned: Salix caprea (Sallow), S. tetrasperma (Indian Willow), and S. acmophylla. The bark is the main part used medicinally and contains Salicin (4-10%), the precursor to aspirin. Vetasa is cold in potency and useful in Pitta disorders, bleeding conditions, and fevers. The bark is astringent and antipyretic. It is mentioned as growing near water - 'Nadija' meaning river-born is one of its names. The text confirms Bhavamishra's description that Vetasa bark when used in decoction acts as a febrifuge. Calamus tenuis (a reed/cane) is also sometimes called Vetasa but is a different plant. Dose: bark decoction 1-2 tola; bark powder 5-10 ratti.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding disorders)
Dahahara (alleviates burning sensation)
Jvaraghna (antipyretic)
Stambhana (astringent/checking)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

How to Use Willow by Condition

Explore how Willow is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

⟶

Willow for Bleeding Disorders

⟶

Willow for Conjunctivitis

▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)

References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan

1-4 Names of Shastras Mandalagra, Vriddhiptra, Uttpala Patra, Adhyardha Dhara, Sarpa Mukha, Eshani, Vetasa Patra, Sarari Mukha, Trikurchaka, Kushapatra, Atavadana Atimukhi, Antrarvaktra, Ardha chandraka, Vrihimukha, Kuthari, Shalaka, Anguli Shastra, Badisa, Karapatra, Kartari, Nakha Shastra, Danta lekhanaka, Suchi, Koorcha, Khaja, the four kinds of Ara, and Karna vedhanaka- are the names of the twenty six sharp instruments.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastra Vidhi

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastra Vidhi

References in Charaka Samhita

The application of jambu (Syzgium cumini), Indian hog plum jujube, country willow, barks of five herbs (panchavalkal) and the herbs of panchamla group mixed with ghee over pericardial region, face are curative of fainting, giddiness and thirst.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)

In the water prepared with sprouts of banyan, citrus medica, country willow, roots of sacrificial and thatch grass and liquorice and quench black earthen or black sand or pieces of new earthen vessel which have been heated up to red hot.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)

), ikshuvalika (Asteracanthalongifolia Nees), vetasa (Salixcaprea Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)

), parivyadha (type of Vetasa, Salix species) bhutika (Trachyspermumammi Sprague), ananta (Hemidesmus indicusR.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)

Prepare medicated oil from vetasa, manjiṣhthā, mrināla, sandal, padmaka and khasha and bark of latex-exuding plants.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)

Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा); Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)

References in Sharangadhara Samhita

A comprehensive anti-leucoderma paste: Vakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia), Vetasa (Salix caprea/willow), Laksha (lac), Kakodumbarika (Ficus hispida), Kana (Pippali/Piper longum), Rasanjana (Berberis extract), iron powder (Ayash Churna), and black sesame (Krishna Tila) in equal parts.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)

References in Sushruta Samhita

For a child afflicted by Shakuni, a knowledgeable physician should use a decoction of Vetasa (cane/willow), Amra (mango), and Kapittha (wood apple) for sprinkling.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha

Gundra, rice, shaivala (aquatic moss), shailabheda, daruharidra (tree turmeric), ela (cardamom), utpala (blue lotus), rodhra, abhra (mica), lotus petal, sugar, darbha (sacred grass), tala (palmyra), rodhra, vetasa (cane), and padmaka.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)

For a child afflicted by Shakuni, a knowledgeable physician should use a decoction of Vetasa (cane/willow), Amra (mango), and Kapittha (wood apple) for sprinkling.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha

Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.