There are three types of poplar tree. White poplar (P. alba), Black poplar (P. nigra) and American aspen (P. tremuloides), the latter being found in North America. In all cases the bark is used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties of Poplar
The bark contains the phenolic glycosides, salicin and populin (salicin benzoate), which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also contains tannins which give diuretic and astringent action. It is also a stimulant herb.
Poplar Herbal Remedies
Historically Poplar has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Anorexia
Arthritis
Cystitis
Debility
Diarrhoea
Digestive and liver problems
Rheumatism
Other Poplar Information
The powdered bark can be used to make a herbal tea, it is though often found in licensed herbal products aimed at treating arthritis and rheumatism.
Side Effects of Poplar
It should not be taken by people that are hypersensitive to salicylates.
It is speculated that some medications based on salicylates or some platelet inhibiting drugs might interact with herbs that contain salicylates. This herb however contains very low levels of these compounds and it is unlikely to present a problem.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
The safety of poplar during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided unless otherwise directed by a qualified herbalist.
At the time of writing there are no other well known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.
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