Willow to aid propagation?

Can anybody tell me something about using willow to hasten propation? I read about it long age, but don't remember if I use the bark, the leaves or just make a willow tea. Seems the article said some rootings made in water would benefit by adding a willow branch or twig or something? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

The rotting hormone is in the inner bark layer. I found this method on this page http://www.ghorganics.com/page8.html

Natural Rooting Hormone:
Rooting hormones available as liquids or powders contain a synthetic form of indolebutyric acid (IBA). IBA in it's natural state is a plant hormone or growth regulator. You can make your own rooting hormone from the ever versatile willow tree. Willow contain a high concentration of IBA however the effectiveness can vary by the amount of twigs you use, the level of IBA that is present when you take your cuttings and the amount of time that you soak your mixture.

Any willow (salix) trees or shrub species will work.

Cut a good handful of willow twigs. Then cut them into two to three inch pieces. Put them in a glass or plastic container with a few inches of lukewarm water. Soak for 24-48 hours. You will then use the water to soak your cuttings in overnight. Another method is to water your soil with willow water into which you have placed your cuttings. Two applications should be sufficient. Other types of cuttings may be rooted directly in a jar of the water. You will need to make a fresh batch of willow water for each use.

Thank you, Poppy, I will certianly do this.

Poppy
I read pretty much the same recipe except that you simmer the cuttings on the stove for 10-12 hours, Cool then place in a bottle.

Paul

I've always wondered if the tea could be frozen or if it would destroy the hormone... Willow twigs aren't easy to come by in the dead of winter.

Iwill be a busy willow-gatherer today. Thanks for the help.