Cottonwood Bud Salve

Description

I know some people call Cottonwood trees a nuisance but this tree brings great healing. The Balm of Gilead hides in the buds and heals all kinds of pains and inflammation. The name Balm of Gilead comes from a resin oozing tree related to myrrh and frankincense mentioned in the Christian bible and the Torah.

Fun Fact: In the spring, bees collect the resin from the Cottonwood trees to make the bee medicine called Propolis. They also use it to seal their hives from intruders, prevent decay and protect the hive.

Cottonwood Bud salve soothes all manner of skin irritations like eczema, cuts, rashes, burns, psoriasis, stings, bites, sunburn, athletes foot, dry skin, chapped hands and diaper rash.

It is anti-inflammatory and pain relieving so it helps stiff, sore, aching muscles, strains, and bruises.

If you have ever seen the branches of a Cottonwood tree you notice that the tips of the branches kind of look like gnarled fingers.  The Doctrine of Signatures says that sometimes the plants give you an indication of how they can help, by how they look. Think grandma’s poor arthritic fingers. In addition the resin contains salicin, the same compound that gives aspirin its pain relieving benefits. A little Cottonwood Bud salve can ease the pain of arthritis.

It is a mild sedative and you may find you have a better night’s sleep after rubbing a bit of the salve under your nose at bedtime. You can even use it as a chest rub to help clear a mucousy cough.

People with aspirin sensitivities or tree allergies may need to use caution if using Cottonwood Bud Salve.

Ingredients: Cottonwood Buds infused in organic extra virgin olive oil and thickened with beeswax.