White poplar bud, Populus alba

White Poplar whole buds

Populus alba, White poplar buds

White poplar leaf, bud, frondWhite poplar (Populus alba L.) is a deciduous tree native to Europe and North America. It is found along rivers in the low and middle mountain belt up to 1000 m above sea level. Poplar buds are collected in early spring - when they begin to swell.

The buds contain a very aromatic and useful golden-reddish-brown resin.

How and what are poplar buds used for?

Poplar bud tea is anti-inflammatory, relieves pain and reduces gout symptoms. It is also a more effective pain reliever than willow bark.

Poplar bud oil is used as a preservative in many products (creams, lotions, ointments, oils) because it is naturally highly anti-microbial and prevents oils from going rancid. Honeybees even collect the resin to use in the production of propolis; a protective waxy resinous substance they use to fill cracks in their hive to prevent infection and rotting.
The oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory and helps to warm and soothe sore joints and muscles.

Oil infused with poplar buds has a pronounced warming energy. When applied to sore muscles, sprains and strains, or arthritic joints, it has a soothing and pain-relieving effect. It is also expectorant and great for chest rubs for wet coughs.

The oil is also particularly effective in promoting the healing of burns, as it is antiseptic and promotes the proliferation of skin cells.

A medicinal tincture is also prepared from poplar buds for pain and inflammation in muscles and joints. It can be used to treat the gut and reduce Candida infections, to treat lung infections and relieve coughs, and as a flatulent digestive after a heavy meal.
It is also particularly suitable for the treatment of wounds - active infections or for the prevention of infections.
The tincture can be diluted with water to gargle with a sore throat or a natural mouthwash to help heal oral infections and promote healthy gums.

Ointments and tinctures of poplar buds are also applied externally to sprains, hyperextensions and arthritic joints.

And more:

Poplar bud extracts have been well studied for their anti-aging properties, which are said to be due in part to their high antioxidant content. Poplar definitely seems to give a healthy glow to the skin as well and has a beneficial effect on skin pigmentation and acne.

How to use Poplar buds

Tea

Pour 1 teaspoon of white poplar buds with 400 ml of water. Boil for 10 minutes under the lid, then strain. Drink 100 ml 3-4 times a day.

Potion

3 teaspoons of white poplar buds are poured with 500 ml of water. Once boiling, simmer for 10 minutes. Leave covered for another 15 minutes, then strain. Drink 100 ml 3 times a day.

Tincture

1 part white poplar buds are poured with 5 parts 50-60% alcohol (brandy or alcohol). The vessel is closed tightly and left in the dark for 14 days. Shake well every day. After two weeks, it is filtered and bottled. Consume 10 ml 2-3 times a day. It can also be used externally for skin washes.

Infused oil, oil extract

To make poplar bud oil, you can use a ratio of approximately 1:3 (1 part poplar to 3 parts olive oil). Three days in a row, it is warmed in a water bath on low heat for 30 minutes and left covered. The heat helps melt the resin and mix it with the oil.

Stir many times throughout the day to help the resins dissolve. Be sure to check the oil every now and then to make sure it's not too hot, you don't want to fry the buds though

As soon as the carrier oil turns from clear to opaque, you will know that the resins have incorporated into the oil and your oil is ready for straining. Strain the buds through a wire strainer and pour the finished oil into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool, dark place. Fresh poplar bud oil has a shelf life of 2-3 years.

Composition

Poplar whole buds, dried (Populus alba).

Warning

Do not drink poplar bud tea / tincture / decoction on an empty stomach.