Here's your opportunity to learn how to gather local tree buds and turn them into a healing balm or salve!  This workshop is now offered for FREE through the following instructions.

Gather buds from November to February each year

If you are sensitive or allergic to Cottonwood tree pollen, this workshop is not recommended!

Balm of Gilead or Balsam Bud Salve  is a traditional salve made from the unopened buds of Black Cottonwood/Balsam Poplar trees (Populus balsamifera).

Learn from Meg Jordan of Restore Earth Connections  what you need to know to ethically and sustainably wildcraft Balsam Poplar buds and the steps needed to turn them into oil and then a salve.

You will need:

• To read through the gathering information below.
• To dress for the weather.
• Wear sturdy footwear. You'll be walking on uneven ground on and off footpaths, with muddy conditions.
• Bring gardening gloves if desired,to protect your hands from sticky resinous buds. But I usually go bare handed.  I learned from an Indigenous woman that rubbing your hands on Alder tree bark helps remove the resin from the Cottonwood buds. and Alders often grow in the same areas as Cottonwood trees! (Rubbing alchohol also works.)
• Read on for the steps of infusing the gathered buds in oil and how to make the salve.   

Step 1, Collecting the buds: 

• Sustainably and ethically harvest the unopened buds of Balsam Poplar/Black Cottonwood (Populus balsamifera).  It is important to only gather buds from windblown branches, as taking buds from a living branch can harm the tree.  Only gather unopened buds, as opened ones may have begun the decomposition process and aren’t suitable.
•  Collect buds in a paper bag (or transfer to a paper bag soon after gathering).  Allow buds to dry out for at least 48 hours; longer is ok.
• It's fun to do this with a friend or two and children love to hunt for the buds!

Step 2, Infusing the buds in oil: 

• Place dried buds in a glass jar, 2/3 full (FYI, the resin from the buds will permanently stain the jar, but jars can be reused for this purpose year to year).  
•  Label the jar with date, oil used, identity of plant material used (Balsam buds in this case)
•  Add olive oil (or oil of your choice) to the jar to completely cover the buds, but leave some headspace, as buds will swell and displace some of the oil.  
• Place on a saucer in a cool, dark place.  
• Cover with a cloth held by a rubber band (not a closed lid at this point).  
• Check on the buds each day for a week—looking for overflow and to be sure they are always covered by the oil.  Stir buds with a chopstick, or other implement.
• After a week, check the buds to ensure they are covered with oil and place lid on jar.  The buds need to infuse in the oil for at least 6 weeks (can be longer—I’ve infused for a whole year and the oil is fine!).
• After the oil has infused, strain the plant material and compost it; Keep the oil in a clean, labeled jar in a dark cool place until ready to use. This oil will keep for years as it has naturally occurring antiseptic qualities!

Step 3, Making the Balm of Gilead/Balsam Bud Salve: 

• Measure strained, infused oil.  For each cup of oil (250ml) you will need 3-6 TBSP of beeswax.
• Using a double boiler, warm the measured oil into the top of the double boiler; add 3 TBSP of beeswax.
•  When the beeswax has melted completely, stir the oil and beeswax mixture and reduce heat.
•  Test the consistency by placing a spoonful in the freezer for a few minutes.  If it is too oily, add more beeswax; if too hard, add a bit more oil.  
• Have containers of your choice ready to be filled.
• When the consistency is to your liking, place the top of double boiler on a cloth (to absorb the moisture on the bottom of the pan).  
• Pour the warm oil into your containers.  Reheat if beeswax begins to harden.
• Leave containers open until completely cooled to avoid condensation.
• Label the containers with date and contents.
• Enjoy using and sharing your Balm of Gilead!!

References:  
Grey, Beverly; The Boreal Herbal, Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North. (Aroma Borealis Press, 2011)
Moore, Michael; Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West.  (Museum of New Mexico Press, 1993).
Pojar and Mackinnon, Plants of Coastal British Columbia. (Lone Pine Press, 1994).
Pursell, J J: The Herbal Apothecary. (Timber Press, 2015). 

Disclaimer: Balm of Gilead is a traditional healing salve. Traditional ways to make the Balm and its uses will be discussed, but no health benefits are claimed or verified.  The owner of Restore Earth Connections is not responsible for the use of the information  provided in the workshop.