The sweet smelling, sticky sap of the Cottonwood is known as “Balm of Gilead” and has been used for centuries for everything from soothing sore muscles to softening rough hands. It is also helpful for soothing skin irritations such as eczema, cuts, rashes, burns, psoriasis, insect bites, sunburn, dry or chapped skin. A recent customer used this salve on external hemorrhoids with excellent results (she said it worked better and faster than a well known brand she bought at the store!).

I make this salve from locally collected cottonwood buds, sustainably harvested from naturally downed trees and branches (we get a lot of wind here). I use olive oil along with grape seed oil, as it absorbs into the skin a bit more readily. The salve is available in reusable metal tins in 1 oz and 2 oz sizes.

I have kept this salve simple - no essential oils, no extra herbs to help with aches & pains. I use this salve for mild arthritis in my hand and don’t want to worry about having to wash my fingers off thoroughly (like when using cayenne). I prefer to let nature do its thing and have only added high quality beeswax (another amazing gift) to keep things firm.
 
Use regularly on the affected area(s). External use only. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid keeping in direct sunlight or hot cars. If melting occurs, place in the refrigerator to re-harden.