The willow

Plants are vital for providing food, clothing, and medicine. Over half of modern medicines originate from plant chemicals, with aspirin being a notable example. Its origins trace back to ancient Egypt, where willow bark was used to treat fevers and headaches. In 1763, Edward Stone recognized its healing properties. Willow trees contain salicylates, which were later purified by Felix Hoffman in the 19th century, leading to the creation of aspirin tablets. Aspirin remains a widely used medication today, stemming from ancient plant remedies.

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