Written by Linda Conroy
In the Midwest, winter brings a world of beauty and adventure! We embrace the joy of skiing, skating, ice fishing, and hunting—there’s always an exhilarating outdoor experience waiting for us. Yet, while we revel in these activities, plant foragers find inspiration by seeking out nourishing food and healing remedies from nature.
The colder months reveal a treasure trove of harvestable plants. One of my favorite plants to gather in February and/or March is the Cottonwood bud (Populus spp ), a tree in the Salicaceae family. The leaf buds are harvested in the month of March, and can be transformed into Balm of Gilead oil, a time-honored remedy with a deep, sweet aroma.
This oil holds the promise of relief, easing inflammation and pain. Growing along waterways, Cottonwood trees often shed branches during storms, offering a sustainable way to collect the buds while respecting nature.
Recipe for Making Infused Cottonwood Oil (Balm of Gilead Oil)
Ingredients
- 2 ounce poplar tree buds
~8 ounce jar
~Olive Oil 8 ounces to fill the jar
Instruction
1, Place buds in the jar (they will swell once the oil is added)
2, Pour olive oil over the buds to cover
3, Place a cheese or other cloth over the top of the jar and place a rubber band around the cloth
4. Let the buds steep or macerate in the oil for 6-8 weeks
5. Strain out the buds and place the oil in an amber jar.
*The oil can be applied topically to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is particularly helpful for sore or arthritic joints.