Balsam Poplar Essential Oil (Populus balsamifera)

Overview

Balsam Poplar may also be referred to as Balm Of Gilead, Balm Poplar, Black Poplar and Tacamahac. It is typically processed using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the strongly aromatic flower buds, hairless and resinous.

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Balsamic Exotic Fresh Resinous Sensual Sweet Warm Woody
Common Name(s): Balm Of Gilead, Balm Poplar, Black Poplar and Tacamahac
Botanical Family: Salicaceae
Botanical Genus: Populus
Chemical Family: Sesquiterpenes, Sesquiterpenols
Perfumery Note: Base
Indigenous Country: Canada
Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
Part Typically Used: strongly aromatic flower buds, hairless and resinous
Shelf Life: 8 - 10 years

Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Therapeutic Benefits of Balsam Poplar:

Analgesic Anti-allergenic Anti-arthritic Anti-histamine Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-rheumatic Anti-septic Anti-spasmodic Astringent Calming Cicatrisant Expectorant

Cautions & Safety

Safety Precautions for Balsam Poplar:

According to Tisserand & Young, Balsam Poplar essential oil may pose a risk to those on medications that are metabolized by the enzyme CYP2D6.

Traditional Folklore

Traditional Folklore of Balsam Poplar:

The essential oil is extracted from the strongly aromatic buds, hairless and resinous. The collection is labor intensive and the yield is quite low for the essential oil. Balsam Poplar essential oil is also known as Balm Of Gilead, Balm Poplar, Black Poplar and Tacamahac. Balsam Poplar essential oil has been recommended for bruises, sprains, and strains, sore muscles and skin injuries. Balsam Poplar essential oil is also known for its scar reducing and wound healing effects. Balsam Poplar has been effective in helping eczema when blended in a salve of St. John's Wort. Balsam Poplar has been known to have a very strong anti-inflammatory effect. This is because of the oil's α-bisabolol concentration. It is also a wonderful analgesic and antispasmodic. It also known to reduce tension. The buds themselves, infused in oil, have been used by Native American Medicine Men and Women for eons.