An elder taught me about the wonderful “sticky buds” from the cottonwood tree. Walking by a cottonwood one day on the edge of her property she spoke about a medicine she made for her livestock and herself as a young woman. Each spring the Laughing Lichen crew harvests a limited amount of the sticky and sweet smelling unopened leaf buds. They are loaded with resin which protects the developing leaf as it grows. This sticky resin not only protects the trees developing leaves but also contains medicinal properties that support skin conditions when used in a balm or ointment.
Our Poplar bud salve (also referred to as Balm of Gilead) is a multi purpose salve that can be used as an aid in the treatment of bug bites, sun burn, dry itchy skin, psoriasis, eczema, light rashes and wind burn.
Health Benefits:
Willow leaf and inner bark, which contain salicin, an anti-inflammatory compound similar to the active ingredient in aspirin, may help reduce pain and inflammation. Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Yarrow is reputed to increase circulation and aids in the healing of bruises, itchy bug bites, rashes and swelling. Plantain has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties and may be useful in treating insect bites, rashes, and other skin irritations. Spring poplar buds contain salicin, which can help reduce pain and inflammation, making them useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, muscle and joint pain, and skin irritations.
Ingredients and Use:
Our salve is carefully crafted with a blend of hand foraged wild willow leaf and inner bark (Salix sp), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), plantain (Plantago major), and spring poplar buds (Populus balsamifera), each known for their potential medicinal benefits.
To use, simply apply a small amount of our Balm of Gilead Salve to the affected area and massage gently into the skin. Allow the healing properties of the salve to work their magic and soothe your skin.
Using wild products not only benefits our health but also supports the natural environment. Our “Balm of Gilead Salve” is made with locally-sourced and wild-harvested ingredients that are free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. By using natural ingredients, we ensure that our products are gentle on your skin.
But there’s more to using natural products than just the health benefits. There’s a special kind of magic that comes with using products that are handcrafted with love and care. Our “Balm of Gilead Salve” is made in small batches by our skilled artisans, who take pride in every jar they create. Each jar is infused with positive energy and the spirit of the wild, creating a connection between you and the natural world.
By sourcing our ingredients from local farmers and wild-harvesting in a sustainable manner, we reduce our carbon footprint and support the local economy. By choosing our “Balm of Gilead Salve”, you are making a conscious decision to make a positive impact on the world around you.
Our “Balm of Gilead Salve” is a way to treat yourself to a moment of self-care while feeling good about your impact on the world.
Topical Use Only, as with any new product please test a small patch of skin to rule out allergies. Please note that this product should be avoided by anyone that is allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family or to salicin.
Cindy (verified owner) –
Love, love, love! The healing powers of this salve are amazing. The scent is like a long walk in the woods
Cindy (verified owner) –
Awesome product!!! Smells so good!
Mark Romanetz (verified owner) –
Works well for dry skin
Jenna (verified owner) –
This salve does soothe my psoriasis patches and I actually really like the “tree-like” smell. I’ve only been using it for about 3 days now, but I do notice that my patches are less flaky and less “raised”. Would definitely repurchase!
Vernon Ball (verified owner) –
First time use – good results so far.
Sharon Dragon (verified owner) –
Poplar Bud Salve – I use it daily! Love it!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
The salve is really good in clearing my skin rashes. It works better than the prescription cream and there is no side effects.
Robert Buchanan (verified owner) –
Melody Chamberlain (verified owner) –
My hands are always in very rough shape at this time of year and this salve is helping a great deal. Also love the smell it reminds me of home. It takes very little to be effective!
Karen (verified owner) –
Helped the psoriasis on my arms. They are finally healing.
Cynthia M. (verified owner) –
I purchased this Balm of Gilead for the treatment of my Psoriasis and I have had fantastic results. It has also been wonderful in keeping my skin soft and supple. I will continue to buy this product.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
This salve is amazing for skin irritations and chapped hands. I gave one to my daughter last year and she requested another for Christmas. Great smell as well!
Coral D. (verified owner) –
Sylvia C. (verified owner) –
It has soothed and moisturized my atopic dermatitis areas to both of my hand. I adore the smell of the salve.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
This is a new product for us. Good so far, but very early.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Being a California transplant from Whitehorse in 1964 I felt I had to try this product from up near my old stomping grounds…sort of;) I am very happy with this Poplar Bud Balm. Would buy it again.
Sonja K. (verified owner) –
All time favourite since years ♥ please keep in range ♥
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Dale Gueret (verified owner) –
I find this salve very soothing/healing on my patches of dry skin.
Margaret E Gordon (verified owner) –
Chantal (verified owner) –
Mary T. (verified owner) –
This has been the only product that really deals with mosquito bites for myself and several relatives have also thanked me for getting them this product
Amy (store manager) –
Thank you Mary for sharing this helpful information!
Marlajoy Pollock (verified owner) –
No abrasion, or skin ailment gets the best of this product.
Ouse mine daily and the smell is so sublime! It keeps my skin so solfeggio and healthy. I’ve ordered and enjoyed many times!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Kathy (verified owner) –
I love this salve! I am a nurse and wash my hands frequently. My hands were dry, red, cracked and painful. I put the salve on before bed, and in the morning they were healed. I now use it regularly, and it keeps my hands super soft.Highly recommend this to anyone with skin issues.
Amy (store manager) –
Thank you Kathy for sharing!
Mardell –
Absolutely love this salve! I developed a mysterious painful, itchy, blistery rash on my hands, the poplar salve soothes, softens, and heals without stinging. I love it. I bought the small sample pack of 4 and now I am coming back to buy a bigger container.
Marliese Pasay –
Balm of Gilead SalveI used this product on dermatitis on my hands and I couldn’t believe how well it healed after a week of applications. Better than the prescription steroid cream!
Deirdre –
Great product, no chemicals, smells lovely, heals…..cracked thumb skin in the winter.
The kind of skin crack that feels like a razor when you hit it. This Balm took the nasty
ouch out of it almost immediately. Will recommend and be buying more.
Crystal –
My brother gave this as a gift, and it was my go-to for my babies’ diaper rash and drool rashes on their cheeks. This works better than any zinc baby bum cream I’ve tried.
Nancy –
This stuff is the best. I use it on sunburns, shaving bumps, heat rashes, anything. It smells great, isn’t greasy, and my skin loves it.