- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 574
Populus balsamifera
Herb · North America
Balsam poplar
Populus balsamifera
Traditionally attributed effects: buds: stimulating, tonic, diuretic, soothing, expectorant; bark: expectorant, laxative; for skin problems (eczema, psoriasis), dry cough, constipation, kidney/bladder support, rheumatism and gout.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Contains salicylates: not with aspirin sensitivity.
Preparation
Bud tea: 1 tsp per cup, 8–10 min, 1–3 cups a day; bark decoction: 1 tsp per cup, 10–12 min, 2–4 cups a day; resin 1 tbsp in lemon juice with honey; tincture 1 dropperful 3–4 times a day.
Use in traditions
The sticky, fragrant buds are known as 'balm of Gilead'. The Cree, Ojibwe and other peoples of the boreal forests worked the resin into salves for wounds, rashes and sore muscles, and used the buds for coughs. Settlers adopted the salve; it is still made in Western herbalism.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Buds: stimulating, tonic, diuretic, soothing, expectorant; bark: expectorant, laxative; for skin problems (eczema, psoriasis), dry cough, constipation, kidney/bladder support, rheumatism and gout.
Preparation and amount
Bud tea: 1 tsp per cup, 8–10 min, 1–3 cups a day; bark decoction: 1 tsp per cup, 10–12 min, 2–4 cups a day; resin 1 tbsp in lemon juice with honey; tincture 1 dropperful 3–4 times a day; ointment/balm externally.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
Against worms in people and horses; the salve on cuts and rashes.
Preparation and amount
Scrape the bark of young shoots upwards and boil it; boil the buds with pine resin into a salve.
Caution: Contains salicylates: not with aspirin sensitivity.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTinctureSalve and balmSyrup, honey and oxymel