What a wonderful weekend it was to finally make it out for the first forage of Black Cottonwood buds!
For years now, mid-winter, after a few nights of some particularly strong winds, or heavy snowfalls, we head out into the forest in search of newly fallen branches, ripe with the dormant resinous buds of this popular Poplar. This sacred time in nature, within the precious Poplar groves, the treasure hunt of finding fallen branches, the fragrant smell, and the sticky fingers, all of it is such a gift to receive.
A staple medicinal ingredient in so many of our topical herbal offerings, 'Populus trichocarpa' brings with it an energy that is warm, dry and astringent, and has an affinity with the lungs, liver, skin and digestive systems of the body.
The infused oil of these Cottonwood buds, applied topically to sore muscles, sprains and strains, has a distinctly soothing and pain relieving effect, as well as helping to protect and soothe dry skin and heal inflammatory skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. Wonderful as well for healing burns, you can utilize this oil for an anti-aging effect and for beautifying and moisturizing the skin.
You can find this fresh forest gathered 'Cottonwood Body Oil' and 'Cottonwood Salve' available at the online Herb Shop.