(This article is from Pome News)

Many times when I take cuttings the directions indicate that I should use a rooting hormone to increase the rate of rooting. Many rooting hormones on the market are synthetic preparations of indolebutyric acid (IDA). You can use the teal thing by mixing a batch of willow water.

Take a handful of willow twigs (any willow [Salix] will do) and cut them into pieces an inch or two long Soak the pieces in a few inches of water for day or two. Remove the twigs. Use the water to soak cuttings in overnight or to water flats of newly started cuttings.

Since this is kitchen science, the amount of hormone will vary depending on the season, kind of willow, and amount of twigs. But it will work: give it a try.