Description
Desert willow, being totally unrelated to true Willow (Salix sp.), is a small deciduous tree with linear leaves arranged alternately along its branches. The tree’s conspicuous funnel-like white, pink to purple flowers are difficult to miss, both visually and because of their strong fragrance. Like Trumpet flower, the narrow and elongated seedpods hold numerous seeds that take to the air by way of their winged outer coating.
Distribution
Desert willow needs ample water supply to thrive; therefore it is a reliable indicator of permanent underground water. Most often the tree can be seen growing along washes, gullies and other drainage areas. The tree is found from southwestern California, north to Kansas, where it has been added rather recently to the state’s flora, south through Oklahoma, Texas and into northern Mexico.
Chemistry
Unknown, besides typical cyanin flavonoids in the flower
Medicinal Uses
A simple leaf infusion of Desert willow applied externally, like other Bignonia family plants, is antifungal. It is useful in treating various skin and nail funguses,as it is also effective against Candida infections. A douche or sitz bath of warm Desert willow tea is an excellent localized application for vaginal Candida overgrowths from antibiotics or steroid use. The tea internally can systemically be useful in the above-mentioned issues.
Desert willow has promise in treating valley fever or coccidioidomycosis. The responsible organism, Coccidioides immitis is a soil mold common in the arid American southwest. Exposure in susceptible individuals is usually self-resolving but can manifest fever, malaise, cough and skin rashes among other symptoms. In immune compromised and dark skinned individuals, deeper pulmonary and systemic infection is more apt to result. Allopathic intervention is warranted in these advanced cases. Desert willow in combination with pulmonary inoculating herbs such as Ligusticum or Lomatium are of use in mild or moderate cases of exposure.
Indications
Candida albicans and other fungal infections (external and internal)
Collection
In late spring to early summer when Desert willow is in bloom collect the last 8-12 inches of branch ends, as these will have the newest leaves and developing flowers. The bark can be collected, as it is also medicinally active; this only being necessary in colder times of year when the leaves are absent.
Preparations and Dosage
FPT/DPT (50% alc): 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Leaf infusion/bark decoction: 4-6 ounces 2-3 times daily
Douche/sitz bath/wash: 2-3 times daily
Cautions
None known
Other uses
Being a fast grower, rather adaptable to various planted conditions and ascetically appealing, particularly when in flower, Desert willow is often cultivated as an ornamental in the southwest.