Cottonwood, aka Poplar, is an amazing tree you may only glance at on occasion but deserves far more attention. For you see, the cottonwood gives us a multifaceted medicine that’s an incredible healer for countless skin ailments, sore muscles, restless sleep, and a whole lot of other good things.
You may be wondering why you should be making this recipe, so let me fill you in!
The Balm of Gilead has amazing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-rheumatic properties making it perfect for athletes or for those who lead active lifestyles. It relieves the pain associated with sore muscles, bruising, general aches and pains, and arthritis. In fact, if you make this simple salve with cayenne pepper added to it, it is REALLY amazing for all kinds of pain.
You can also apply this balm to bites, stings, rashes, burns, cuts, scrapes, dry scaly skin, abrasions, chapped skin, diaper rash (make sure there is NO cayenne for this application obviously), as well as eczema, psoriasis, and minor wounds.
Smelling its aroma is a fantastic mild sedative before bedtime. I use it this way by applying a small amount under my nose before opening a book to read at bedtime. It works so well and the smell is just wonderful for stress relief.
Apart from looking awkward sneaking around the neighborhood snagging gooey cottonwood buds, you can often find poplars near natural springs and canyons.
An obvious indication of harvest time, cottonwoods will give off a pleasant aroma that can only be described as “fresh and woodsy with vanilla undertones”. It’s sort of amazing and is reason enough to make The Balm of Gilead.
So who or what is Gilead anyways? If you are familiar with Biblical lore, Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River that was well known for its spices and healing ointments. “The Balm of Gilead” was one such ointment believed (metaphorically) to have healing and soothing powers. There are a number of references in the Bible as well that are interesting to read:
“Balm of Gilead” has three references in the Bible. In Genesis 37:25, as Joseph’s brothers contemplated how to kill him, a caravan of Ishmaelites passed by on their way to Egypt from Gilead. In their cargo were “spices, balm, and myrrh.” Jeremiah 8 records God’s warning to Judah of what Babylon would do to them. Upon hearing the news, Jeremiah laments, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” (verse 22). His question is a poetic search for hope—a plea for healing. Then, in Jeremiah 46:11, as God describes an impending judgment on Egypt, He taunts them: “Go up to Gilead and obtain balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt! In vain have you multiplied remedies; there is no healing for you!”
The resin exuded from cottonwood buds is referred to as the Balm of Gilead because of its healing properties and pleasant resinous aroma.
• Fresh gooey fragrant cottonwood buds
• Extra virgin olive oil (can sub sweet almond or refined coconut oil)
• Beeswax
Loving Preparation- Balm of Gilead
• Harvest enough cottonwood buds to fill half a mason jar
• Pour the oil over the buds until you reach the shoulder of the jar
• Cap tight and put in a warm sunny windowsill or warm area of the house for 4-6 weeks
• Once 4-6 weeks has passed, strain the oil through a nut milk bag (I keep one specifically for herbal preparations) into a large pyrex measuring cup
• Begin to heat a double boiler then add 1oz of beeswax and let it melt
• Next add in 1 cup of the cottonwood oil infusion
• You can also add one capsule of Vitamin E oil for extra moisture if desired (you can also add essential oils at this point as well once the heat is turned off)
• Once everything is melted and mixed together you can pour it into little salve containers
• Allow to cool completely before use
The remaining oil can be stored for up to a year if kept in a cool dark place.
This recipe fills four 2oz salve containers and two lip balm tubes (which are super handy to have in your pocket or purse).
***NOTE
You can make this process go a whole lot faster if you need to by putting the fresh cottonwood buds into a double boiler with the olive oil. Just measure out 1 part cotton wood buds and two parts oil to get a good strength. Simmer this for 1 hour and strain.
Personally, I prefer to make the Balm of Gilead using the folk method(waiting 4-6 weeks) before straining because it helps retain the wholesome healing goodness of the cottonwood resin.
For more great Balm of Gilead recipes and info:
Cottonwood Buds: The Balm of Gilead and Tincture
Cottonwood Bud Salve
Harvesting Balm of Gilead for pain and inflammation
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