Balsam Poplar, Populus balsamifera
Populus balsamifera (Populus candicans, Populus michauxii, Populus tacamahaca)
Balsam Poplar (Balm Of Gilead, Balm Poplar, Black Poplar, tacamahac)
Salicaceae
History and Origin
Balsam poplar is a tall tree reaching 35 meters in height. The essential oil is extracted from the strongly aromatic buds, hairless and resinous. Balsam poplar grows everywhere on the territory, but its presence as a hardwood tree is most remarkable in Northern regions. It is found from Alaska to Newfoundland and Labrador in humid boreal forests, coulees and swamps, but also in significantly drier sites. Mooses, deers and beavers can eat from it and bees use the sap to lock away intruders. The Native people use the ashes to prepare a cleaner for the hair and buckskin clothing. They
also use balsam poplar to prepare a salve from the buds, an analgesic steam bath against rheumatisms, a decoction from the rotten leaves for use as an analgesic bath, a poultice to treat respiratory pains, etc.
| Distilled part |
Buds |
| Extraction |
Steam distillation |
| Main components |
a-bisabolol, ß-eudesmol, ?-eudesmol, nerolidol, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons |
| Essential Oil’s Characteristics |
Transparent liquid with a unique aroma, resinous and sweet. |
| Properties |
Balsam poplar essential oil is anti-inflammatory+++, disinfectant and antiallergic++. |
| Uses among health professionals |
It is used to treat dry eczema (in a St. John’s Wort salve), allergies and various pains. |
| Energetic and Emotional Effect |
Balsam poplar offers very interesting properties on the subtle level. It can be combined with neroli (or ravintsara) and applied on the Crown chakra to stimulate and develop psychic communication.
For an emotional healing, it is suggested to combine it with ginger and black spruce (apply on the first and third chakras) and golden rod (on the forehead). |
| Chromatography typical |
Populus balsamifera |
Aromatic
Balsam poplar essential oil presents a sweet and resinous aroma that brings a special touch to various dishes.Safety Data
Non toxic and non irritant. No contraindication known under normal physiological doses.References
La Flore Laurentienne et Native American Ethnobotany.
Discharge
Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. It is important to inform yourself concerning contraindications or incompatibilities with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used according to the physiological doses.