The medicinal properties of balsam poplar lie in the winter buds. These are black, upright and sticky. They are strongly aromatic and if chewed taste tarry and hot.
Made into a tea, the balm relieves respiratory congestions and sore throat. Bees use it for propolis, a known antibiotic, for sealing their hives against winter and to keep out intruders.
Parts of the plant used for herbal medicines
The buds and bark are most commonly used.
Other names for this plant include:
– Balm of Gilea
– Tacamahac
MEDICINAL USES
Helps treat skin conditions
– Buds can be used to make balm
– Eczema
– Psoriasis
– Folliculitis
– Provide pain relief and cool the skin
Helps improve lung and intestine function
– Bark has been suggested to be good for lungs and intestines.
– Helps provide moisture to dry and damaged tissues
– Can help relieve dry cough and help remove phlegm
– Poplar is also a laxative that stimulates muscle contractions in the intestines
Promotes kidney and bladder emptying
– Balsam poplar helps remove toxins from the kidney
Provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis and gout
– Anti-inflammaotry properties of balsam poplar explain its use in rheumatoid arthriris and gout
Possible Allergic reactions
If you have an allergy to cottonwood you should avoid balsam poplar.
Herbal Pharmacy Recipes
Infusion – Bud infusion, 1 teaspoon per cup, steep 8-10 minutes, 1 to 3 cups per day
Decoction – bark decoction, 1 teaspoon per cup, simmer 10 to 12 minutes covered, 2 to 4 cups per day
Oleic resin – 1 tablepsoon in lemon juice and honey, 3 to 4 time per day (the reisins are not soluble in water)
Tincture – 1 dropperful 1-3 times per day
Salve or liniment – use as needed
Harvesting
– Collect the buds in late winter and early spring before they open. Do not harvest buds if they are partially open
– Remove bark from fallen trees or branches.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Digestion, Herbal Pharmacy, Inflammation, Plant Medicine, Skin