Poplar
Botanical Description & Habitat
Populis spp. p. gileadensis, p. tremula, p. nigra, p. candicans, p. balsamifera, p. tremuloides
Family
Salicaeae
Common Names
| Quaking aspen | American aspen |
| Aaspen poplar | Trembling poplar |
| Balm of gilead | Balsam poplar |
| Tacamahac | Black poplar |
| European poplar |
Habitat
P. gileadensis and p. tremuloides are found in mountainous wooded areas of North America; p. candicans found on stream banks and roadsides in eastern U.S, and much of Canada; p. balsamifera found along streams and lakes from Alaska to northern U.S.; p. nigra found in damp woodlands in temperate climates; p. tremula found in open woodlands.
Medicinal Parts
Dried bark, buds
Historical Properties & Uses
The several species of poplar or quaking aspen have been used by both Native Americans and Anglos, as well as Europeans, in the treatment of common ailments, especially of undefined etiology.
It is considered balsamic, febrifuge, stomachic, expectorant, tonic, stimulant; some species are used as diuretics, diaphoretics and vulneraries. Used as teas, gargles, salves, washes, inhalant, etc.
Some of the most popular uses were: to increase digestion, febrifuge, inhalant for congestion of respiratory passages, a soothing salve for skin problems, including wounds and hemorrhoids.
In homeopathy, a tincture made from the leaves is used to treat the urethra and bladder in pregnant women.
Poplar bud is an approved herb by the German Commission E for skin ailments and external hemorrhoids.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Poplar has Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Action
Poplar bark and buds contain much salicin (and benzoyl derivatives of salicin), tannin, populin (a glycoside) and other flavonic derivatives, which together could be expected to have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and pain-killing action.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes p. tremuloides as an anodyne, antiseptic, antirheumatics, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and cholagogue, for use in the treatment of muscular and arthrodial rheumatism, cystitis, diarrhea, anorexia with stomach or liver disorders, and the common cold. Combined with black cohosh and buck bean in rheumatoid arthritis; with barberry and balsomy in anorexia with digestive weakness.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
Due to presence of salicylates, this herb may potentiate the effects of other anticoagulant agents, such as heparin.
Because of its salicylate-like constituents, European poplar may potentiate pas toxicity in patients using aminosalicylate drugs.
By competing for renul tubular secretion, salicylates prolong the half life of penicillin g, increasing both its effectiveness and its toxicity.
This herb's analgesic effects may be additive with other analgesics and anesthetics. It may be inhibited by barbiturates even though CNS depressant effects may occur.
The analgesic property of this herb may be reversed or eliminated by p-chlorophenylalanine, cyproheptadine HCl, and phenobarbital.
The CNS depressant tendency of this analgesic may be potentiated by chlorprothixene HCl, haloperidol, and tranquilizers.
The anti-inflammatory activity of this herb can be seriously inhibited by phenobarbital and certain other sedatives and hypnotics, meprobamate, chloral hydrate (aquachloral) etc., also beta-adrenergic blocking agents (propranolol).
Colchicine may increase sensitivity or enhance the response to this herb.
Comments
Salicylates block renal tubular secretion of methotrexate (cancer drug) thereby increasing the amount of active drug.
Plasma salicylate concentration may be increased by ammonium chloride, vitamin C, and PABA, and decreased by antacids.
The salicylate action of this herb will increase the renal clearance of naproxen, and inhibit the uricosuric effect of sulfinpyrazone. The same is true of the analgesic propoxyphene HCl.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Poplar is nontoxic in therapeutic doses.
Poplar bud has approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
Use 4g of dried buds
Decoction
Use 1-4g of dried herb
Liquid Extract (buds)
Use 4-8ml of 1:1 in 90% alcohol
Liquid Extract (herb)
Use 1-4ml of 1:1 in 25% alcohol
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
20 - 30% Poplar bud in a semi-solid preparation.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Braun, H. & Frohne, D. Heilplanzen-Lexikon Fuer Aerzte und Apotheker. Gustav Fisher Verlag, Stuttgart, New York, 1987.
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Schauenberg, P. & Paris, F. Guide to Medicinal Plants, Keats Publishing, Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut, 1977.
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