MEDICINAL USES:
Cottonwood is the source of these sticky and aromatic red buds from which is made Balm of Gilead, the famous heal all salve of the pioneers. The buds are high in the natural salicylate populin and the oleoresin humulene that give it its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties. The aromatic resins have vasodilating and antimicrobial properties, as well as being stimulants to skin proliferation.
Cottonwood buds are listed as being a cathartic, tonic, stimulant, diuretic, alterative, expectorant, nephritic, demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, counterirritant, antirheumatic, antiscorbotic and nutritive. The bud resin is chemically similar to bee propilus, which has antibiotic properties. Recent experiments have shown extracts to be effective against some types of herpes simplex virus.
The bud resin is also soothing and healing to both dry and inflamed parts. Use it internally or externally, either as the balm of Gilead or as a tincture. The balm is a well-known burn remedy and I have found it to be excellent for chronic dry skin, especially when caused by harsh environment Gardeners, potters and others who have their hands in the earth a lot will appreciate its soothing, healing and protective qualities.
Mechanics and others who use abrasive cleansers will find it good to apply at the beginning of the day as a protective agent and at the end of the day as a soothing one. It also works well in treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and works as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory for sprains, strains, hyperextensions, and rheumatic joints.
The tincture is a highly effective therapy for colds and bronchial coughs, being both soothing to irritations of the throat and expectorant. In addition, the aromatics released as volatile gases help to inhibit the chances of secondary infections. The balm also makes an excellent cough and sore throat remedy. It is a specific treatment for laryngitis, especially when loss of voice is involved and it is one of the most soothing agents you can get to the bronchial system in general. Both the tincture and balm are antiseptic and are effective in combating not only skin inflammations but also gingivitis, canker sores and other types of mouth infections. They can also be of value in treating chronic PMS and headaches.
In the past, Cottonwood has been show effective in treating the symptoms of malaria, in some cases with better and longer lasting results than quinine.
German Commission E approves Poplar (Cottonwood) Buds as an antibacterial agent and stimulant to wound healing
Of the tincture, use 30-60 drops (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) 4 times daily. As a cough syrup, use up to 1 teaspoon of the balm [with a little honey if you prefer] every 2 or 3 hours.
CAUTION: Although this does not seem particularly well documented, I have found from personal experience that some people are allergic to cottonwood buds and consequently the balm. I would highly recommend before any external and especially internal use to check for a reaction.
OTHER USES: The inner bark or cambium of the Cottonwood is sweet and delicious. It was popular with First Nations Peoples, but they only used it fresh as it does store well.