Populus gileadensis, P. candicans. P. balsamifera, P. nigra, P, tacamabacca, Populus jackii   Poplar buds, Balm of Gilead, Gileadensis, Mecca balsam Family: Salicaceae     
Also know as Balm of Gilead. It is known as Balsam poplar because of the powerful smell emitted by the fat sticky buds in spring that can be smelt from quite a distance.
PART USED: Tender leaf buds, collected in spring, before they open.
ODOR: Balsamic  TASTE: Slightly bitter
ACTIONS
GROUP: Herbs for the upper respiratory tract
1 . Expectorant.[1,2,3]
2 . Stimulant.[1,2,3]
3 . Rubefacient.
4 . Diuretic.
5 . Antiseptic.
6 . Counter-irritant.
7 . Antipyretic.[3]
8 . Analgesic.[3]
INDICATIONS- Commonly used in cough mixtures
1. Acute or chronic upper respiratory disorders, especially laryngitis with loss of voice (aphonia). Childrens respiratory disorders. Chronic bronchitis.
2. Rheumatic conditions. Gout. Myalgia.
3. Wounds, ulcers.
Topically- Commonly use in ointment for myalgia, arthritis, gout and skin diseases.[3]
SIDE EFFECTS - Discontinue use if dermatitis occurs.
COMBINATIONS- Common ingredient of cough mixtures
- Cough syrup, use with Pinus strobus and Prunus.
PREPARATIONS:  3X /day
Balm of Gilead oil - Collect fresh poplar buds and use an oil double boiler and heat it up for 5-12 hours. Then strain off the oil and use it externally as is or turn into a salve by adding 17% bees wax. The balm is insoluble in water- so only oil or alcohol can be used as a solvent. Preparation of Balm of Gilead Video
Dried buds 4 g., or as infusion 1:20.
Fluid extract 1:1  in 90% alcohol   4-8 ml.[1,2,3]
Tincture  4-16 ml.[3]
Local- Ointment.

ORIGIN: P. candicans is a native of Arabia. P. Gileadensis and P. nigra are cultivated in Europe. Others are North American.
DESCRIPTION: A very fast growing, often planted tree, it has a small neat crown. It has greyish cracked bark and its stout twigs are hairy and slightly angled. The leaves are pale green above and yellowish below. The are hairy on the veins below and ace of cards shaped. It is a hybrid and has no male catkins, only long female ones. It reproduces by suckering.
P. candicans is a small tree or shrub, the others are larger trees.
The buds are similar, being about 2 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, with brown scales.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Phenolic glycosides; salicin (salicyl alcohol glucoside),[1,2,3] populin (benzoyl salicin),[1,2,3] and chrysin (phloroglucin benoate).[3]
Volatile oil 0.5-2% containing mainly a-caryophyllene.[3] Also cineole, arcurcumene, bisabolene, farnesene, acetophenone.[4]
Resin. Alkanes. Phenolic acids.[4] Gallic acid. Tannins.[3]
P. nigra contains lignans.
The phenolic glycosides such as salicin have the anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic effects of salicylates.[5]
The volatile oil constituents have antiseptic and expectorant activity.[5]
References