Willow, commonly associated with holiday traditions and decorations, has a long history as a medicinal plant. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Babylonians used white willow bark to alleviate pain and reduce fever. In the nineteenth century, scientists isolated salicin from willow bark, which eventually led to the creation of aspirin, a groundbreaking pain-relieving medication. Today, willow remains valued for both its cultural and medicinal significance.