Cottonwood

Populus candicans

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Salicaceae, or Willow family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Poplar thrives in flood plains. It grows primarily in the northernmost America and grows trans-continentally. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Dried, unopened leaf buds ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Antibacterial
• Stimulates wound healing ^[2]
5. Indications:
• Superficial skin injuries: sores, bruises, cuts, pimples
• External hemorrhoids
• Frostbite
• Sunburn
• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis, dry eczema ^[1]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Essential oils
• Flavonoids
• Phenol glycosides ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Integumentary system
• Musculoskeletal system ^[1]  
8. Energetics:
• Cooling
• Mobile
• Smooth
• Moistening ^[1]
9. Safety:
• Avoid use if:
• Sensitivity to popular buds, propolis, Peruvian balsam, salicylate ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• None known  ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The prepared oil is a beautiful pale yellow, and it smells amazing. The smell is incredibly floral and transports me to a forest in the summertime. It is also woody, like sap.
2. Preparation Method:
• Infused olive oil provided by instructor.
3. Usage Notes:
• This oil is not as soothing as the comfrey. I used it on my damaged cuticles and the sensation wasn’t pleasant – sort of stingy (open wound). However, I love the feeling of this oil on my (intact) skin. The comfrey oil was cloudy and gritty, this is smooth and clear. It feels very moisturizing. I will be using this oil for cracked/dry skin this winter.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
2. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Vulnerary Herbs Powerpoint. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum