Populus tremuloides
MEDICINAL USES:
The inner bark is high in salicylates and quinine and is well known as a general tonic. It is an excellent substitute for the better-known Peruvian bark and may be used whenever quinine is required. It was considered a moderately effective treatment for a swollen prostate gland, and like Cottonwood, an effective treatment for malarial symptoms.
Larger doses may act as an anticoagulant. Aspen bark is especially beneficial to the urinary system, and is an effective treatment for urinary tract inflammation, burning urine, tenesmus (want to pee but can’t) and other disorders. It is, in fact, highly tonic to all mucus membranes, including the digestive tract.
As an analgesic and antinflammatory, it can also help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism, colds, fevers, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea and. other venereal diseases. The bud resin extract has shown activity against herpes simplex type I virus. Recent experiments point to the ability of extracts of the bark to inhibit tumour growth and metastesization in mice.
Dosage is 1 tsp per cup for a decoction of the bark. For the tincture 15- 60 drops or ¼ to 1 tsp 3 times daily