Balm of Gilead

A cottonwood tree in winter

With the passing of Imbolc (February 1st this year) we are now closer to spring than we are to winter. It is the time of year when the pregnant earth feels the first flutter kicks of the new life within.

One of the first plants I like to gather is cottonwood buds.

You can find big cottonwood trees here in the Great Basin usually growing near water. There are many near the river here in the Carson Valley.

What makes cottonwood buds medicinal?

 

“All of the Populus species contain varying amounts of salicin and populin, relatives and precursors of aspirin that are useful wherever an anti-inflammatory is appropriate” (Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West page 207).

Cottonwood buds (and bark) contain a substance called salicin, a glucoside originally used to create aspirin. The salicin is anti-inflammatory in nature by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins. Less prostaglandins means less swelling, redness, and pain.

A special balm is made from cottonwood buds (and other poplars & willows) called Balm of Gilead. This medicinal balm was even mentioned in the bible a handful of times. It is also mentioned as a perfume, as it has a naturally nice warm vanilla scent.

When applied to skin, Balm of Gilead produces a mild, numbing effect, reduced pain signaling from the area, and relief without completely blocking sensation. It also improves microcircualtion--delivering oxygen and nutrients, removing inflammatory waste products, and supports tissue repair.

Poplar bud compounds inhibit growth of certain bacteria and fungi, making Balm of Gilead helpful for minor wounds, cracked skin, and inflamed or irritated skin.

If you don't have time to make your own balm, check out another kind of first aid salve (wink).

Leah's Naturals First Aid Salve

Cottonwood Buds

Foraging notes:

With the weather being so warm this winter, the trees are starting to "bud-out" with their thick resinous liquid.

If you find really sticky buds, those are the ones that are ready. One of my favorite things to do is to go out to the cottonwoods after a windstorm to see if there are some broken branches with fresh buds to use. That way we don't have to be so cautious knowing that the tree will be using these buds to make its leaves.

If you are taking buds from a living tree, be mindful and follow the ethics of foraging, taking only 1/10 of what you see, and not all from one tree.

 How to Make Balm of Gilead

Once you get about half a jar of buds, take them home and dry them for about 24 hrs on a screen. This will give you a better chance of less probability of mold once you add your oil.

After drying, add buds back to jar and cover with your choice of oil. I prefer to use avocado oil, but you can use olive, jojoba, etc. Cover the jar with a paper towel/muslin cloth/something permeable to let water escape and secure with mason jar ring, or even a rubber band.

Place in a warm, dark place. I like to infuse my oils on a seed heater mat inside a small container, but you could use any somewhat warm surface, such as the top of an old refrigerator.

Once a day, stir the oil and make sure the buds are submerged. If they float, just poke them back in the oil, eventually they will sink.

Infuse for at least 6 weeks and strain. I have heard that the longer you infuse, the better your oil gets! People have been known to infuse for over a year!

Once your oil is strained, you can heat in a double boiler and add enough beeswax to create a balm. How hard the balm is, is up to you! I like to use a 3 or4:1 ratio of oil to wax for a balm, which is typically harder than a salve.

If you're interested in the ancient history of Balm of Gilead, check out this link below!

Balm of Gilead Wikipedia article