Mr Bear...I'm sure you have poplar trees where you are. When spring comes for you, you can make Balm of Giliad...You harvest poplar buds, in a quart jar you put in a half jar of buds then cover them with pure olive oil. Its good for an assortment of things....Here.
BALM OF GILEAD
Latin Name: Populus candicans
Alternate Names: Poplar Buds, Balsam Poplar, Mecca Balsam, Gileadensis, Tacamahac
Family: SALICACEAE
Parts Used: Leaf buds.
Properties: Alterative, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Bitter Tonic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Vulnerary.
Internal Uses: Bronchitis, Cough, Laryngitis, Sore Throat, Tonsillitis
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup.
Due to its salicin content, it is used for many of the same things that aspirin is used.
Topical Uses: Abscess, Arthritis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rheumatism
Topical Applications: Poultice or compress for arthritis, rheumatism, post-operative abscesses, eczema and psoriasis. Used in perfume, soap, and potpourri.
Energetics: Bitter, Cold.
Chemical Constituents: Phenolic glycosides (salicin), populin, essential oil (arcurumene, bisabolene, cineole, farnesene) gallic acid, tannins.
Contraindications: Can reduce breast milk, so avoid if one wishes to continue nursing. Avoid if allergic to aspirin.
Comments: The common name Balm of Gilead includes the species Populus gileadensis, Populus balsamifer, and Populus nigra, which are used interchangeably with Populus candicans.
ahem...Mr Bear, if you're breast feeding you may want to hold off using this....LOLOL