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Balm of Gilead | | Name : | Balm of Gilead | | Synonyms : | Balsampoplar
Tacamahac
| | Parts Used : | Leaf buds, root, bark | | Habitat : | Moist soils. Found on streambanks and planted along roadsides inthe eastern United States, over much of Canada, and into Alaska. | | Description : | Populus balsamifera L.: Grows 30-100 feet. Large deciduoustree with winter buds that are large resinous and aromatic; yellowish,gummy, strongly fragrant, end buds more than 1/2 inch long. Youngtwigs are sparsely hairy. The alternate, broadly ovate to deltoidleaves are dark green on top and whitish underneath, sometimes hairyon the lower veins; leafstalks mostly rounded (rather than flat).The male and female flowers occur on separate, scaly catkins.
There are several trees and shrubs that have been called 'Balm ofGilead':
Quaking aspen (P. tremuloides), the black poplar (P. nigra); P.fremontii; has a slightly bitter mucilage bark similar to slipperyelm bark.
Commiphora opobalsamum L. is a small evergreen tree of thebursera family native to Asia and Africa.
Populus candicans L. The common names are similar to P. balsamifera:balsam poplar, American balm of Gilead, balm of Gilead buds, Meccabalsam. This balm of Gilead has a wonderful fragrance. When boiledin olive oil, cocoa fat, or some other good oil, they make an excellentsalve. Similar medicinal results with P. candicans as with P. balsamifera. | | Constituents : | Balsamic, expectorant, stimulant. | | Uses : | Buds boiled to separate resin, then dissolved in alcohol, once usedas preservative in ointments. Folk remedy (balm) used for sores;tincture for toothaches,rheumatism, diarrhea,wounds; tea used as a washfor inflammation,frostbite, sprains, and muscle strain. Internally, tea is used forcough, lung ailments, expectorant. Inner bark tea is used for scurvy,also as an eye wash,blood tonic. Root teais used as a wash for headaches.Probably contains salicin, explaining its aspirin-like qualities.
Buds can also be made into an inhalant to relieve congestionin the respiratory passages. Their salicin content make them usefulfor the minor pains and achesthat aspirin generally relieves. | | Safety : | Balm of Gilead is a confusing name. It has been freely applied totrees of the balsam family, trees of the willow family, trees of thepoplar family and to at least one shrub found during research on thisherb. Care should be taken when a formula or a recipe for treatmentis given with an ingredient called 'balm of Gilead' in the ingredients.Perhaps they are all similar in the biochemical makeup. Research further,that is what is recommended here if you have doubts as to which isbeing referred to in the recipe. | | Myths : | The balm of Gilead mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 37:25 and Jeremiah8:22) is a different plant, Comminphora meccanensis.
For wrinkles: Take barley water, strain, add a few drops ofoil of balm of Gilead. Place in a bottle and let stand for 10-12 hours,shaking the bottle occasionally until the balsam is entirely mixedwith the water. This mixture improves the complexion and preservesthe appearance of youth. If used only once a day, it removes wrinklesand gives the skin a surprising luster. Wash the face before usingthis fluid. |
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