POPULUS.—AMERICAN POPLAR. Related Species: Populus candicans (Balm of Gilead)

Populus candicans, Aiton.—The buds of the Populus candicans, Aiton, or Balm of Gilead, possess virtues similar to the above. The tree is of less stature than the P. balsamifera, the leaves are broader, and heart-shaped, with a distinct sinus at the base; the petioles are hairy and the branches terete (G.) Poplar buds are reputed stimulant, tonic, diuretic, and antiscorbutic. A tincture has been beneficially employed in affections of the chest, stomach, and kidneys, and in rheumatism and scurvy. With lard or oil they form a useful external application in bruises, swellings, wounds, some cutaneous diseases, rheumatic pains, etc. Added to ointments they prevent, in a great measure, their liability to become rancid, but in this respect are not equal to paraffin, which will wholly prevent rancidity in cerates and ointments prepared with it, as discovered by Prof. E. S. Wayne. The bark is said to be tonic and cathartic, and to have proved of service in gout and rheumatism. Dose of a tincture of the buds, from 1 to 4 fluid drachms; this is excellent for colds and pain in the chest. An extract of the bark made with diluted acid, in the dose of from 5 to 15 grains, 3 times a day, is a useful tonic in debility, intermittent fever, rheumatism, etc.