Musk Willow, Bidmeshk

Scientific Name: Salix aegyptiaca L. Synonym: Salix medemii Boiss., Salix moscata Flod. English Name: Musk Willow Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Egyptian Willow, Pussy Willow, Persian Willow Family: Salicaceae

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Leaves, flowers, flower oil, flower hydrosol
Cultivation Mode: Wild collection/ Cultivated
In Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, Oil, Beverages, Herbal Tea, Hydrosol, Confectionery, Dairy
Foods: Halva

🌸 Industries That Use Musk Willow Flowers (Bidmeshk)

Derived from Salix aegyptiaca L.

Musk Willow, locally known as Bidmeshk, is a species of flowering willow native to Iran, Central Asia, and parts of the Caucasus. Its highly fragrant male catkins (flowers) are traditionally harvested and used in herbal medicine, aromatics, and natural remedies. They are rich in essential oils, flavonoids, salicylates, and volatile aromatic compounds.

1. Traditional & Herbal Medicine Industry

In Persian medicine, Bidmeshk flowers are highly revered as tonics and cardio-calming agents.

• Mild sedative and anxiolytic (calms the nervous system)

• Heart tonic: believed to strengthen cardiac function and reduce palpitations

• Mood enhancer: recommended for fatigue and melancholia

• Used in:

  • Decoctions and syrups

  • Herbal tonics with Saffron and Rose

  • Traditional aphrodisiac formulas

✅ Often macerated in rosewater or vinegar for extraction.

2. Perfumery & Aromatic Industry

Bidmeshk is one of the most fragrant willow species and holds traditional significance in Iranian perfumery and natural scent production.

• Used in:

  • Hydrosols (Aragh-e-Bidmeshk)

  • Aromatic waters and oils

  • Botanical perfumes and attars

• Known for its soft, sweet-musky aroma with mild floral and woodsy notes

✅ Forms part of traditional ritual fragrances and non-alcoholic perfumery in Iran and Central Asia.

3. Beverage & Functional Drink Industry

The famous Aragh-e-Bidmeshk (Musk Willow distillate) is a popular health beverage in Persian culture.

• Used for:

  • Cooling the body

  • Balancing mood and stress

  • Flavoring herbal drinks

• Sometimes blended with:

  • Saffron, Damask rose, or Lemon balm

✅ Marketed as a traditional functional wellness drink in Middle Eastern stores.

4. Cosmetic & Skincare Industry

The essential oil and floral water extracted from Bidmeshk are used in natural skincare for:

• Soothing inflammation and redness

• Aromatherapy skin sprays

• Delicate toners and anti-fatigue facial mists

✅ Especially valued for its gentle, hypoallergenic nature.

5. Ethnic & Cultural Products

• A key ingredient in:

  • Persian New Year (Nowruz) herbal baskets

  • Traditional medicine chests

  • Natural aphrodisiac and heart-health blends

• Exported in:

  • Dried form

  • Hydrosols (aragh)

  • Powdered floral extracts

✅ Common in Iranian diaspora markets, traditional herbal shops, and e-commerce.

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌿 Key Features of Musk Willow Flowers (Bidmeshk)

• Botanical Name: Salix aegyptiaca L.

• Common Name: Musk Willow, Bidmeshk, Aragh-e-Bidmeshk

• Plant Part Used: Male catkins (flowers)

• Fragrance Profile: Sweet, musky, lightly floral

• Traditional Use: Persian and Central Asian herbal medicine

• Forms: Dried flowers, hydrosol, syrup, floral extract

• Harvest Season: Early spring (male catkins)

 

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Persian Name: بیدمشک/ Bidmeshk
German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Persische Weide
French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Saule

 

HARVEST CALENDAR

 

 

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Musk Willow Flowers (Dried) (100g)

Botanical Name: Salix aegyptiaca L.
Common Names: Musk Willow, Bidmeshk, Egyptian Willow, Salix Flower
Plant Part Used: Male catkin (flower clusters), dried
Traditional Uses: Nervine tonic, sedative, mood-lifting, aphrodisiac, heart-strengthening, aroma therapy in TPM and Unani medicine

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🔹 General Composition (Per 100g, dried catkins)

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🔬 Minerals

Mineral	Amount	%DV
Calcium	220 mg	17%
Iron	3.2 mg	18%
Magnesium	85 mg	21%
Potassium	520 mg	11%
Phosphorus	55 mg	4%
Zinc	0.5 mg	5%
Manganese	0.6 mg	26%

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🌿 Vitamins

Vitamin	Amount	%DV
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)	~20 mg	22%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.04 mg	3%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.05 mg	4%
Niacin (B3)	0.9 mg	6%
Folate (B9)	10 mcg	3%
Vitamin A (Carotenoids)	~50 IU	1%

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🧪 Phytochemical Compounds

Musk Willow catkins are rich in:

• Salicin (a natural precursor to salicylic acid – anti-inflammatory)

• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)

• Phenolic glycosides

• Tannins

• Essential oils (light musky aroma)

• Volatile compounds (eugenol, linalool, methyl salicylate)

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🏺 Traditional Applications

System	Use
TPM (Persian Medicine)	Heart and nerve tonic, uplifting mood, aphrodisiac
Unani & Herbal Medicine	Calmative, used in herbal syrups and tonics
Aromatherapy	Relaxing scent, used for anxiety, headaches, insomnia
Culinary (Persian)	Infused into syrups (Sharbat Bidmeshk), drinks
Pharmaceutics	Salicin source for pain relief and anti-inflammatories

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⚠️ Caution & Dosage

• Suggested intake: 1–2 g/day as tea or infusion; up to 10 mL/day of aromatic syrup

• Safety: Generally safe in moderate use; salicin-sensitive individuals should avoid

• Note: May interact with blood thinners or aspirin-sensitive users

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📦 Storage

• Store in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture

• Best preserved in glass jars or foil pouches to retain aroma

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🧪 Disclaimer

This profile is for informational and educational purposes only. Nutrient values are based on ethnobotanical sources and lab estimates. Composition may vary by region and drying method. Always consult a healthcare provider before internal use, especially in case of chronic conditions or medication.