How To Make Balm Of Gilead

The fragrant scent that emits from the buds of trees in the Populus species is one that is synonymous with spring – rich, fresh and invigorating. If I could capture the smell in a jar to have beside me all year long, I would. The good news is, you can jar up that smell by making a batch of balm of Gilead. In addition to smelling amazing, this salve is an all purpose one that can be used to provide relief to small abrasions, dry skin or insect bites.

The first step to making balm of Gilead is to harvest the poplar buds. Depending on the elevation you are harvesting at, the buds are ready for harvest from mid-March to mid-May. Balsam poplar and black cottonwood are typically found in moist, low-lying drainages and can be identified by the dark furrowed bark on mature trees. As each bud is destined to be a leaf, it is important to collect buds from many trees to avoid causing harm to just one. A good rule of thumb is to harvest no more than one third of the buds, and to never remove a terminal bud. Even better? Head out to harvest poplar buds after a windstorm – wind-fallen branches are easy to access and you are not taking away from the tree.

Once you have collected enough buds, place them in a jar and cover with a carrier oil of your choice. Place cheesecloth or a coffee filter over the top of the jar and allow to infuse for three to four weeks in a dark and cool cupboard. To make the balm of Gilead, combine one cup of infused oil with approximately two tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler. Pour into small containers and let cool completely before placing the lids on. It should have a consistency like an ointment (when making salves and balms, remember that the ambient temperature outside will affect the final product – you may have to add more beeswax in the summer or less in the winter.)