Evidence supporting the use of: Black Poplar
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Black Poplar (Populus nigra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions. The buds and bark of the Black Poplar tree have been used externally in poultices, ointments, and salves by various European herbal traditions. This usage is primarily attributed to the plant's naturally occurring salicylates (compounds similar to the active ingredient in aspirin), as well as its content of resins, flavonoids, and essential oils that are believed to have mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Historical sources, such as Nicholas Culpeper's 17th-century herbal texts, reference the application of poplar bud ointments for soothing irritated skin and promoting healing of minor injuries. The German Commission E monographs also recognize the external use of poplar buds for supporting skin healing.
Despite these traditional uses, modern scientific studies specifically validating Black Poplar’s efficacy in treating scratches and abrasions are limited. Some laboratory studies have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of poplar bud extracts, but these are not conclusive or specific to clinical wound healing in humans. As such, while there is a well-established traditional basis for its use, robust scientific evidence is lacking, and the practice remains primarily supported by historical precedent.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Black Poplar
ArthritisBruises (healing)
Cuts
Inflammation
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Sprains
Wounds and Sores