Page 220 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

tinctures. It is best to harvest leaves and young shoots Cover the fir needles and twigs with organic olive oil,
in the spring. Use them fresh to make tinctures and dry filling the jar to within ½ inch (1.25 cm) of the top. Stir
some leaves for use throughout the year. the oil and herbs to make sure no air pockets remain.
Place the jar in a sunny window for 6 to 8 weeks. Strain
Recipes. Balsam Fir Pitch Tea: Dissolve a small the oil through a fine sieve to remove the leaves, twigs,
amount of balsam fir pitch, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 and bark. Store in a cool, dark place, and use the oil
teaspoon, into a cup of warm water or an herbal tea. within one year.
Drink pitch tea as needed to calm throat pain and
bronchial spasms. Warm Extraction: Place the herbs and oil in the
top of a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the double
Extracted Balsam Fir Oil (Cold or Warm boiler with water and heat to a low simmer. Heat the
Extraction). Cold Extraction: Balsam fir leaves, oil and herbs slowly for 2 hours, checking frequently.
twigs, and/or bark, dried, organic olive oil, or another Simmer. Do not boil. Strain the oil through a fine sieve
suitable carrier oil. Fill a glass jar 2/3rds full of dried or cheesecloth. Discard the herbs. Store in a cool, dark
balsam fir needles and small pieces of twig or bark. place, and use the oil within one year.

Balsam Poplar,

Populus balsamifera

Balsam poplar is a member of the Salicaceae (Willow)
Family. It is also commonly known as bamtree or east-
ern balsam poplar. It has similar uses as Cottonwood
Trees (also in this book). It is most commonly found in
Northern North America. It likes moist sites along riv-
ers and in floodplains.
Identification: If you live in an area where balsam
grows, you probably already know this tree. Populus
balsamifera is a deciduous tree growing up to 100 feet
(30m) tall. It has brown bark on the branches in the
first year that turns grey as it ages. This fast-growing Their blooms form in mid-spring. Their fruits are egg-
tree can grow several feet in height each year. The sim- shaped capsules with two to three carpels each. They
ple, toothed, alternate leaves are narrow to broadly are usually hairy.
oval-shaped and pointed. They are 3 to 5 inches long
and 1.5 to 3 inches (4.5 cm to 7.5 cm) wide. Their bases Edible Use: You can dry the inner bark of balsam
taper in a heart shape and are usually rounded at the poplar and grind it into a flour to use as a thickener or
base. The underside is whitish or pale green and the add it to flour for making bread. Catkins can be eaten
tops are a shiny green. Its flowers are borne in catkins. raw or cooked.
The male catkins are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 cm to 5 cm) long. Medicinal Use: The inner bark, leaf buds, and resin
The female catkins are nearly 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
are most often used.

Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, and Respira-
tory Diseases: The inner bark and buds of balsam
poplar have proven to be a highly effective treatment
for respiratory illness. The anti-inflammatory effects
soothe swollen airways, while the herb expels mucus
and relieves pain and fever. It also has anti-microbial
effects that combat the causes of the disease. When
treating severe congestion, try a steam treatment. Put

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