White Poplar Bark

White poplar (Populus tremuloides), also known as American aspen or quaking aspen, is a deciduous hardwood native to the northern U.S. and Canada. This tree bears broad ovate leaves that are dark green on the top and silver on the bottom. Its smooth, white bark is used for medicinal purposes.

Anti-Inflammatory

• White poplar bark contains salicin and populin, compounds that reduce pain and inflammation. Welsh herbalist David L. Hoffmann suggests white poplar bark as a remedy for the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Digestive Tonic

• Hoffmann also asserts that white poplar bark stimulates appetite and digestion. He suggests white poplar bark as a tonic for the digestive system in conjunction with the herbs goldenseal and balmony.

Fever Remedy

• Use white poplar bark to combat fevers and aches. sick woman image by forca from Fotolia.com

  In his book "Medicinal Plants of North America," Jim Meuninck relates that white poplar bark was traditionally used by Native Americans as a remedy for the common cold. "Organic Materia Medica," an herbal text produced by Parke, Davis & Company in 1888, lists white poplar bark as a febrifuge, or a medicine that reduces fever.