The Multifunctional Role of Salix spp.: Linking Phytoremediation, Forest Therapy, and Phytomedicine for Environmental and Human Benefits

Air pollution, soil contamination, and rising illness demand integrated, nature‑based solutions. Willow trees (Salix spp.) uniquely combine ecological resilience with therapeutic value, remediating polluted environments while supporting human wellbeing. This review synthesizes recent literature on the established role of Salix spp. in phytoremediation and growing contribution to forest therapy through emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). As urbanization accelerates and environmental pressures intensify globally, Salix surprising adaptability and multifunctionality justify the utilization of this genus in building resilient and health-promoting ecosystems. The major points discussed in this work include willow-based phytoremediation strategies, such as rhizodegradation, phytoextraction, and phytostabilization, contribute restoring even heavily polluted soils, especially when combined with specific strategies of microbial augmentation and trait-based selection. Salix plantations and even individual willow trees may contribute to forest therapy (and ‘forest bathing’ approaches) through volatile compounds emitted by Salix spp. such as ocimene, β-caryophyllene, and others, which exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties. Willow’s significantly extended foliage season in temperate regions allows for prolonged ‘forest bathing’ opportunities, enhancing passive therapeutic engagement in urban green infrastructures. Famously, the pharmacological potential of willow extends beyond salicin, encompassing a diverse array of phytocompounds with applications in phytomedicine. Finally, willow’s ease of propagation and adaptability make this species a convenient solution for multifunctional landscape design, where ecological restoration and human wellbeing converge. Overall, this review demonstrates the integrative value of Salix spp. as a keystone genus in sustainable landscape planning, combining remarkable environmental resilience with therapeutic benefit. Future studies should explore standardized methods to evaluate the combined ecological and therapeutic performance of Salix spp., integrating long-term field monitoring with mechanistic analyses of BVOC emissions under varying environmental stresses.