Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) has been used traditionally by various Indigenous peoples in North America for treating minor external bleeding and wounds. Preparations made from the buds or bark, often as poultices or salves, were applied topically to cuts, abrasions, and other minor injuries. These uses primarily stem from traditional herbal medicine practices, which valued Balsam Poplar for its purported antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and mildly astringent properties. However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence specifically validating its hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) effect. Most modern pharmacological studies focus on the plant’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, such as salicylates and flavonoids, rather than direct effects on bleeding. As such, the evidence supporting its use for external bleeding relies mostly on ethnobotanical records and anecdotal accounts rather than on controlled clinical research. Therefore, while Balsam Poplar has a traditional reputation for supporting external wound care, its efficacy for stopping bleeding should be considered unproven by modern scientific standards.

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