Balm of Gilead
Botanical Name: Cedronella canariensis or Cedronella triphylla
Family: Salicaceae
Other Names: Balsam popular, balsam tree, balsamodendron gileadensis, bechan, gileadensis, mecca balsam, p.balsamifera, popular buds
Description: Evergreen perennial shrub or small tree. Height 120cm/4ft. Leaves-toothed, oval, aromatic. Stem-square, ridged, prickly-woody after the 2ed year. Flowers-pink clusters late summer-early autumn
Native to: Arabia, North America
Part Used: Leaf buds, bark
Cultivation: Well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Propagation: Seeds sown early spring. Stems cut early autumn. Can be grown indoors
Harvesting: Leaves-just before the flowers open or early autumn. Buds when available
Actions: Analegsic, antipyretic, expectorant, stimulent
Constituents: Phenolic glycosides –salicin, populin, cinnamrutinosides. Volatile oil –a-caryophyllene, cineole, arcurcumene, bisabolene, farnesene, acetophenone. Flavonoids –apigenin, chrysin, galengine, pinocembrin, pinobanksin
Respiratory: Bronchitis, coughs, laryngitis