The UK features several native and naturalised trees with a rich history of folk use in herbal medicine. While willow was historically used for pain relief and fever and hawthorn is used to support heart health, it is critical to properly identify species and consult a healthcare provider, as some tree parts can be highly toxic or cause allergic reactions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

A breakdown of key UK medicinal trees and their historical applications:

• Willow (Salix spp.): The bark contains salicin, which was historically used to reduce fever and relieve pain. (It served as the natural precursor to modern aspirin). [1, 2]
• Elder (Sambucus nigra): Often referred to as the "medicine chest of the countryside", the flowers are used to make diaphoretic teas (to promote sweating during fevers and colds), while the berries are rich in immune-boosting antioxidants. [1, 2, 3]
• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): Both the leaves and berries are considered by herbalists a tonic for the cardiovascular system, acting as a vasodilator to help regulate blood pressure. [1]
• Birch (Betula spp.): The sap was traditionally tapped and consumed as a restorative tonic, and the bark or leaves have been used for their diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Ash (Fraxinus excelsior): The leaves and bark have a long history of use as mild laxatives and were used in traditional remedies for joint pain and rheumatism. [1, 2]
• Lime / Linden (Tilia spp.): Young flowers are brewed into a calming tea, traditionally used to ease anxiety, relax the nervous system, and help with insomnia. [1, 2]