The majestic Populus spp, commonly known as cottonwood, Black Cottonwood, Balm of Gilead, and Western Balsam Poplar, is a fast growing tree in the Salicaceae family, of which some species grow up to 100 ft tall. 1) It’s rather prolific, and any of them, or group of them, are commonly kept company by many fledglings bursting beneath its canopy. The buds contain a sticky, highly aromatic resin containing soothing medicinal properties. Cottonwood leaf buds contain tannins, as well as anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing salicylates. The resins from the buds also possess antifungal and antimicrobial properties in the form of flavones. An oil or salve made from this resin can bring relief to pain caused by swelling, arthritis, strains, and general muscle pains. For a hot dry cough with a lot of hacking but little relief plus feverishness, Balm of Gilead resin works well to cool the lungs and bring up the mucous. Read more: https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/cottonwood
