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Poplar
Walnut
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Diseases

Herb name: Poplar, Populus nigra

Family: Salicaceae

Useful plant parts: Leaf buds.

Description: Poplar is a middle sized deciduous tree which can be found in Europe and in certain parts of Africa and Asia. It can grow from 20 to 30 meters tall. The trunk can be up to 1.5 meters wide. Leaves are diamond shaped, they can be from 5 to 8 centimeters long and from 6 to 8 centimeters wide. The leaves are green colored and smooth on both sides.

Certain mushroom species are known to grow often near poplars: Leccinum aurantiacum, Leccinum griseum, Pleurotus ostreatus, but also and many other species as well.

Collecting period and locations: The main source of medicinal properties are the leaf buds which contain most of the active compounds. They can be picked during spring. These buds are mostly used for making various types of grease, cream and similar products. Poplars can be found on humid locations, near ditches, rivers, and on flooded areas.

Medicinal properties and applications: Medications based on poplar are known to be good disinfectants, and they can also contract mucous membrane tissue. The active compounds can help in treating hemorrhoids (in form of grease) and for healing burns. Poplar tea can also be made, it is effective in treating various conditions related to the urinary system and prostate.

Active compounds: Tannins, essential oil, resins, manitol, glycosides.

Recipe: The process of preparing poplar grease, creams and similar preparations is fairly complex, so we will not go into further details here. However, one can easily find natural products based on this medicinal herbs. As for the tea, it can be made by adding one or two teaspoons of dried poplar leaves and/or leaf buds to 1/4 liter of hot water. This is then left for 10 minutes, and after that, the tea can be strained and used.