04/26/2026
Thanks to for a lovely visit and gift of twig remnants left over from the live stake production of Balsam Poplar trees. We took them home and spent over six hours pulling the buds off by hand. We then long-exracted the resin into organic sunflower oil using heat over a month-long period.
The buds of Balsam Poplar are very useful because the aromatic resin produced to protect the buds is anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic. Extracting the resin into oil is one way to preserve and gain access to these properties for practical application. Honey Bees also take advantage of Poplar resin to make proplis. Most research into the benefits of Poplar resin come from studies about Propolis.
We will be making a fresh batch of Poplar Balm, also known as Balm of Gilead, and adding it back to the website soon.
Balsam Poplar Oil Extraction
1️⃣ Sustainable Harvesting
Gather from fallen branches or pruning material and grow your own plants whenever possible
If harvesting from live trees, take sparingly and across many trees
Avoid removing terminal buds
2️⃣ Step 1: Infused Oil
➡️ Slow Infusion
Fill a jar ½ full with buds
Cover fully with oil (olive, sunflower, or jojoba)
Steep 4–6+ weeks, shaking occasionally
➡️ Gentle Heat Infusion (faster)
Combine buds and oil in a jar
Warm in a double boiler 1–4 hours on low heat
Strain once oil is deeply aromatic
3️⃣Step 2: Balm
➡️Beeswax Balm
1 cup infused oil
2 tbsp beeswax
Melt beeswax, add oil, stir, and pour into containers to cool.
➡️Vegan Variation
1 cup infused oil
1 tbsp candelilla wax
Optional: 1–2 tbsp shea butter
Melt, combine, and pour as above.
Topically, Poplar Balm is commonly used for:
Dry or cracked skin
Minor cuts and abrasions
Muscle and joint discomfort
Chapped lips and hands
Seasonal skin irritation / mosquito bites
