Balm of Gilead --Salve Making

Here's your opportunity to learn how to gather local tree buds and turn them into a healing balm or salve!

Offered in February each year

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

Join Meg Jordan of Restore Earth Connections to learn what you need to know about how to ethically and sustainably wildcraft Balsam Poplar buds and the steps needed to turn them into a salve.

This workshop will be held outdoors, and you will need:

  • To dress for the weather.
  • Wear sturdy footwear.  We will 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. 

After collecting the buds Meg will demonstrate the steps of infusing the gathered buds in oil and how to make the salve.   

 You will go home with:

  • 1 sample container of Balm of Gilead 
  • Collected Cottonwood buds.
  • Knowledge of how to turn your collected Cottonwood buds into infused oil and later into your very own Balm of Gilead for your home use or as gifts. 
  • Knowledge of how to ethically and sustainably wildcraft Cottonwood buds.

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

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.