Poplar trees are common in North America. They belong to the Willow family of flowering trees and shrubs (and have some of the same medicinal properties as Willow does). Several species of poplars are known to be invasive and spreading, with one “Mother” tree producing many trees that grow up from the extensive root system of the original tree.
The largest known Poplar tree is a quaking aspen tree named Pando (latin for “I Spread”) in Utah, The “Mother” tree has an estimated forty-seven thousand stems, that look like a forest of individual trees but actually are growing from the same root system which spreads over 106 acres1 (Mother is in quotes because Pando is scientifically a male cloning tree).
For medicinal purposes, we’re going to talk more about the Balsam Poplar (Poplar balsamifera), whose habitat ranges from Alaska and the Canadian territories in the North, and as far south as Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Oregon.
While several parts of the poplar tree can be used medicinally; the buds, catkins, inner bark, and leaves, Herbalists use the winter buds most. Winter buds are harvested when they are sticky with resin but haven’t started to open yet. Typically we harvest a few buds from different branches—or from different small trees, leaving enough for the tree to continue growing.
The first step to harvesting poplar buds is identifying the tree. There are some parts of the season when balsam poplar is easy to recognize. Such as this part of the season:
This is when the seeds hidden in the poplar fluff are spreading in the wind. At this point it is too late to harvest, but it can be a good time to identify trees to come back to next year.
In late winter—when you want to be harvesting, you’ll need to use the bark of the tree to identify it. The bark of a young tree is greyish-brown and smooth, often with a green tint to it, while a larger, older tree has bark that can look scaly and with deep fissures.
It is much easier to harvest winter buds (in Feb or March) or catkins (in April-May) from a younger tree, simply because they are easier to reach. Once the tree reaches maturity, the buds may be well out of reach. Some people place tarps on the ground to catch the buds as they drop instead of scaling ladders to try to pick them.
Poplar for Pain and Inflammation
Why do Herbalists risk life and limb climbing trees to get poplar buds? Or get all sticky collecting the buds?
The sticky resin of the Balsam poplar buds are high in constituents that are anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-killing), blood thinning and fever-reducing. There are several components of the poplar tree that contribute to this, but the strongest of is Salicin.
Other poplar trees, such as black poplar (Populus nigra) are also anti-inflammatory but balsam poplar is one plant that has the highest amounts of salicin. Two others are Willow and Meadowsweet. Our livers turn salicin into salicylic acid (also a compound in aspirin).
The most effective way I’ve found to use poplar buds is to make a salve. This salve is traditionally called “Balm of Gilead”, when made from the Balsam poplar tree. The salve is used for skin issues and helps soothe, soften, and protect the skin when irritated or inflamed. It also helps heal wounds, cuts, and burns, and soothes rashes and eczema. The salve, or a wash made from the tea of the poplar buds is also helpful for soothing hemorrhoids.
There are other trees, especially conifers, that are great for their skin-soothing, wound healing properties, as I wrote about in my December article “Your Christmas Tree has Health Benefits.” What sets balsam poplar apart is its traditional use for rheumatism, arthritis, and gout, helping to relieve the pain on inflamed joints.
Poplar has been known for centuries to be useful for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote that it was an important part of the treating Gout. Besides the salicin, gallic acid and salicortin are two other components of poplar that help relieve pain, and mannitol, another component, has diuretic properties that helps with fluid retention.
The poplar buds can be made into a tea to be taken internally, while the salve is used externally to rub into aching muscles and joints. Anecdotally, I’ve been making this salve for several years and have friends and family members who swear it helps significantly with sore muscles and joints.
More Benefits of Poplar
Drinking a tea made from poplar buds can also help with urinary issues due to the diuretic effects. Besides reducing inflammation, the buds also help reduce kidney stone formation, diminish infection and reduce uric acid production.
The buds can be made into a tea for helping to clear respiratory congestion, some people will also rub the poplar bud salve on the chest to help with congestion. A tea or tincture made from the buds helps to break up and expel congestion, and is especially helpful for bronchitis.
Balsam Poplar catkins are high in glutathione and vitamin C and can be eaten raw or added to soups, stews and stir-frys. My only comment on the taste is that they are… edible, but then, a little butter and garlic goes a long ways.
A tincture made from the inner bark contains salicin, and helps with fevers, rheumatism, arthritis, and diarrhea.
Poplar bark, like other tree barks, roots, berries, and medicinal mushrooms, is high in glycoproteins, also called glyconutrients. These are sugar proteins that feed our immune system, helping to strengthen our immune system and balance our immune response.
Cautions:
While there have been no reports of toxicity or side effects with poplar, it is always best to use caution when pregnant (perhaps only using externally), and there is always the possibility that someone may be allergic to poplar trees and react to the salve, tea, or tincture.
Resources
The Boreal Herbal by Beverley Gray
Great to know quaking aspen are in the poplar family...love how they quiver in the slightest breeze. Thanks, Adrienne!
Thank you for reminding us that nature is the great healer! Love the empowered art.