Harvest Journal: Cottonwood Buds

First harvest of the season! I think I harvested cottonwood buds last year in late February or early March. The buds were ready much later this year because of the late spring. After my husband pruned our cottonwood tree, my son and I harvested the buds. They were sticky with healing resin and smelled amazing! I infused them in organic sunflower oil and will make a healing salve with it. I am also making a tincture with the buds.

Cottonwood  
Populus spp
Family: Salicaceae 

Cottonwood buds benefits and uses: 
-The resin from the cottonwood buds contains “salicin” – the same compound that gives aspirin its pain relieving and fever reducing benefits. The resin is a topical analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.
-A cottonwood bud oil infusion is great for relieving sore and strained muscles, bruises, and joint pain.  I have been using it on my sore neck and shoulders and it works wonders!
-The tincture is known to reduce fever, pain and loosen phlegm.
-Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal, making it a great wound healer and wart remover.
-Contains anti-oxidants (great for skin care, I have been using it on my face and love it!)
-Natural fragrance, I love the way it smells! Slightly floral and earthy
-Natural preservative properties

You can find cottonwood bud oil in the following Herbal Beauty Products:
-Muscle and Joint Salve
-Muscle and Joint Oil

For educational purposes only. For more information on harvesting guidelines and plant identification, please do your own research.