Populus balsamifera

Populus balsamifera
Family:Populus balsamifera; Anodyne; Antiinflammatory; Antiscorbutic; Antiseptic; Cathartic; Diuretic; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Stimulant; Tonic.
Common name:Balsam poplar
Balsam poplar has a long history of medicinal use. It was valued by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints but especially to treat skin problems and lung ailments. In modern herbalism it is valued as an expectorant and antiseptic tonic. The leaf buds are antiscorbutic antiseptic diuretic expectorant stimulant tonic. The leaf buds are covered with a resinous sap that has a strong turpentine odour and a bitter taste.They are boiled in order to separate the resin and the resin is then dissolved in alcohol. The resin is a folk remedy used as a salve and wash for sores rheumatism wounds etc. It is made into a tea and used as a wash for sprains inflammation muscle pains etc. Internally the tea is used in the treatment of lung ailments and coughs. The buds can also be put in hot water and used as an inhalant to relieve congested nasal passages. The bark is cathartic and tonic. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species the bark of most if not all members of the genus contain salicin a glycoside that probably decomposes into salicylic acid (aspirin) in the body. The bark is therefore anodyne anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It is used especially in treating rheumatism and fevers and also to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. A tea made from the inner bark is used as an eye wash and in the treatment of scurvy.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:17 []