Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam Poplar
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) has a long history of traditional use by Indigenous peoples and early settlers in North America for treating various skin ailments, including wounds, sores, and skin infections. The sticky resin or buds of the balsam poplar tree were often made into salves or ointments and applied topically to soothe irritation and promote healing. This traditional use is largely attributed to the plant's naturally occurring compounds such as salicylates, phenolic glycosides, and flavonoids, which are thought to possess mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

While there is some laboratory evidence that extracts from Populus species can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and reduce inflammation in vitro, there are few, if any, robust clinical trials confirming the efficacy of balsam poplar preparations specifically for skin infections in humans. The main support for its use remains ethnobotanical and historical rather than scientific. Thus, the evidence rating is moderate (2/5), reflecting common traditional use and plausible biological activity, but limited modern research.

In summary, Balsam Poplar's use for skin infections is primarily justified by tradition, with mild scientific plausibility and some laboratory support, but lacking strong clinical validation.

More about Balsam Poplar
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