Trees in the poplar family — including cottonwoods and aspens — contain compounds related to aspirin (salicylic acid) and have some anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties. However, the medicinal value of the poplar family varies greatly from one species of tree to another.
In general, the more resinous the buds are, the more medicinally effective the tree will be. Populus balsamifera (balm of Gilead) is probably the best-known medicinal tree in the poplar family — the sticky, resinous buds and bark have a long history of use in treating a variety of ailments.
Traditional medicinal uses for poplar include:
- A tincture made from poplar buds was used to treat chest and upper respiratory issues.
- An ointment made from poplar buds was used to treat arthritis and rheumatism.
- An infusion of poplar was gargled to relieve sore throats.
- Poplar bark was used to treat fever and indigestion.
- Poplar buds were mixed with black nightshade, belladonna, henbane, and poppy to make a medicine for burns and sores.
- Native Americans used poplar to ease toothache and relieve sore eyes.
These days, poplar is used largely for making paper pulp. This use definitely overshadows any cosmetic or medicinal use in the modern world! Sorry, poplar. Your tree cousin the willow gets all the good press in the medical world.
Closed winter leaf buds are used in some cosmetics as a preservative. The closed buds contain an antioxidant that seems to help prevent makeup from going rancid.
Still, poplar buds, leaves, and bark have been deemed safe for internal use — just about any time you’d use aspirin, you could substitute poplar bud medications or poplar bark tea if you felt so inclined. Poplar buds also have an aroma similar to menthol, that can help clear a stuffy nose.
You shouldn’t try poplar if you’re allergic to the pollen! The pollen has been known to leave allergic folks with rashes and respiratory problems.