Cottonwood Bud Oil

Cottonwood buds (Populus balsamifera) are ready to harvest now as you will have read in my last blog post. And here, as promised in my last blog, is how to make a Cottonwood Bud infused herbal oil.

Cottonwood buds are used to make a Balm of Gilead - reminiscent of the Balm of Gilead in the Bible, though the Biblical balm is made from Myrrh. Cottonwood buds are rich in salicin and, used externally, are a pain relieving anti-inflammatory among other things.

I described in detail how to harvest the buds in my last post, so have a look at that if you haven't done so. Once you have your harvest safely home you are ready to make your oil. Once you have made your oil, if you have enjoyed your remedy making I would encourage you to come along to one of our Medicine Making Workshops where you'll learn how to make lots of different herbal remedies, syrups, tinctures, poultices, salves and balms.

This is a simple oil to make and you will need the following equipment:

Ingredients: