Page 234 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

treats wet coughs and bronchitis. Best paired with can be easily detected by the bitter taste. It is usually
other, more potent, herbs. present in small quantity. In large amounts, it can be
deadly; however, in small quantities, hydrogen cyanide
Warning: The seeds are said to have a high concen- has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve di-
tration of hydrogen cyanide, which is a poison that gestion, and suppress cancer growth. Use it carefully.
gives almonds their characteristic flavor. This toxin

discarding the water relieves some of the bitterness as
Cottonwood, well as adding seasoning. It can be used in soups or

eaten as a green. The inner bark is harvested in the
Populus trichocarpa and spring. Dried and powdered it is used as a thickener for
P. deltoides soups. The catkins, which are high in Vitamin C, can be
eaten raw like Alder catkins (they have a nutty flavor)
Some consider the cottonwood a sacred tree; at the or added to a soup, steamed, or sautéed.
least it is an important plant for medicinal purposes. Medicinal Use: Cottonwood buds and bark are rich
Its roots run deep and are said to find water while the in salicylic acids, known for pain relief and treating fe-
tree absorbs the energy of experiences happening vers. The resinous leaf buds are used to create oils and
nearby. “Balm of Gilead” is made from cottonwood salves for topical treatment of muscles, joints, tendons,
buds and smells wonderful!

Cottonwoods grow along streams, rivers, and flood
plains. It loves water, but also grows in dry sites. Black
cottonwood grows in the Northwest from Alaska to the
Rocky Mountains. Other species are found throughout
the United States and Canada. All varieties can be used
for medicinal purposes. It is in the Salicaceae (Willow)
Family.

Identification: The cottonwood is a large tree,
growing 150 to 200 feet (45 meters to 60 meters) tall
when mature. It has deeply furrowed grey bark and
shiny, dark green, triangular leaves with course teeth
along the margin. The leaves turn yellow in the fall be- and inflammation or pain. The recipe below is a very
fore falling. In winter and early spring, the tree pro- cooling and soothing ointment for inflamed tissues.
duces large buds that are long and pointed. The buds Extracts also can be made with oil or alcohol to make
are filled with fragrant resin, yellow-orange to red in pain relievers similar to aspirin. The inner bark is also
color, and are greatly revered for medicine.
used as a tea to being down a fever and as an expecto-
Each tree is either male or female. Male flowers are rant.
reddish, drooping into a catkin shape. Female flowers Joint Pain, Sore Muscles and Arthritis: Cot-
form 4-inch (10 cm) catkins followed by light green
seed capsules. Ripe capsules open into three parts, re- tonwood bud oil is very effective for relieving pain and
inflammation in swollen joints, carpal tunnel, arthritis,
leasing white, fluffy down covered seeds that float on and muscles. Massage the oil or salve into the affected
the wind. When the seeds are released the tree is cov- area 3x/day. A poultice made from crushed fresh
ered in cottony fluff. Many people think they are aller- leaves is also effective in the treatment of arthritis and
gic to cottonwood but usually it is the grasses releasing other joint issues. Cottonwood bark decoction can be
pollen at the same time that are the culprit.
used to relieve menstrual cramping.
Edible Use: Cottonwood leaves are edible and very Skin Injuries: The anti-bacterial, anti-microbial,
nutritious and are rich in protein – they have a higher
amino acid content that of barley, wheat or rice. How- anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties of cottonwood
bud oil or salve make it useful in treating skin injuries
ever, the taste is very bitter. Boiling the leaves and
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