The Balm of Gilead populus x candicans

The Balm of Gilead is another medicinal plant that all of us need to know. It is rich in flavonoids, phenolic glycosides which includes salicin. This also another medicinal plant that resembles aspirin for its anti-inflammatory and fever reducing properties. The parts used for medicinal purposes are the bark and the buds.

Medicinal Uses of Balm of Gilead

• Balm of Gilead is used by pharmaceutical companies in cough mixtures
• It has expectorant, antiseptic and analgesic properties which make it an excellent remedy for sore throats and dry coughs.
• It can also be applied to chapped skin, small wounds, suburns and haemorroids with excellent results.
• Scientific studies have shown balm of Gilead to have significant anti bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties

Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) Herb Benefits

Mullein is a herb mainly used in cough remedies and other respiratory disorders. The parts of mullein that are used for medicinal purposes are the flowers, leaves and aerial parts. Mullein herb is used as an expectorant, demulcent , mild diuretic, sedative, wound herb, astringent and anti-inflamatory.

How It Is Used 

As a Syrup: Take one teaspoon of mullein syrup at least three times a day. The syrup is made by combining 1pint (600ml) of fresh flowers infusion with honey. The combination is boiled and let to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.

Infused Oil: Add drops of the mullein infused oil to a piece of cotton wool and place on a wound or pour into and infected ear. The cotton can also be put on wounds, skin ulcers, piles or haemorrhoids, ezcema, frostbite or as a chest rub for respiratory complaints. The infused oil is made by macerating the fresh flowers in sunflower oil for two weeks and strained. 

Tincture: take three to six dropperfuls of mullein tincture for chronic respiratory infections.