Quaking Aspen

A feof the compounds attributed to the medicinal value are salicin and populin. Both of these compounds have properties similar to aspirin: fever reducing abilities, pain relief and anti-inflammation.

PARTS OF PLANT USED : The leaves, bark, and buds of Populus tremuloides are used. Collect the bark in spring. Gather it from pruned branches or branches that have fallen to the ground. This has bitter taste but no odor.
PLANT ANALYSIS : The bark of Populus tremuloides contains salicin, an aspirin like substance. It is considered anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and slightly sedative. Salicin breaks down in the body to salicylic acid, a substance related to active ingredient in aspirin.
MEDICINAL ACTION : Quaking aspen is considered tonic, stimulant, febrifuge, diuretic, anodyne, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, bitter, and a cholagogue.
MEDICINAL USES : The chief use of Populus tremuloides is for intermittent fevers. It has been used as a diuretic, and as a treatment for gonorrhea. An infusion of the bark is said to be helpful for chronic diarrhea, and a safe substitute for Peruvian bark.
The traditional uses for quaking aspen include: stomach or liver disorders, arthritis, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), cancer, common cold, cystitis, debility, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, fever, fibrositis, flatulence, inflammation, rheumatism, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Native American uses of this plant include: root bark tea for excessive menstrual flow; poultices made of the root for cuts and wounds; and a tea made of the inner bark for venereal disease, stomach pain, urinary ailments, worms, colds, and fevers. The leaf buds may be used in a salve for colds, coughs, and irritated nostrils. The tincture of the bark contains salicin and is a remedy for fevers, rheumatism, arthritis, and diarrhea.
The buds are slightly sticky and can be made into tea or salve for internal or external use. Boil the buds in olive oil or lard to make a soothing salve.
Aspen has been used externally as a wash for inflammations, cuts scratches, wounds and burns.
A tea may be used for coughs or gargle for sore throat.
DOSAGE : To make a decoction of the bark use 1 ounce of dried bark to 1 quart boiling water.
As an Extract: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, as directed by health care professional. Always take with plenty of juice or with water at mealtime, unless instructed otherwise. - geocities.com

Hello, a Sioux gave me a piece of Aspen bark to stop my severe motion sickness and to much my surprise it WORKED!! I've never had anything help me the way this tiny piece of bark did.
My question is, what it the inner bark and where can i purchase it?
Thank you
Shirley

Hi Shirley,

Welcome to Permies.   You are responding to an old thread. The individual posting it may no longer be active on this site.

Hi Shirley -
Welcome to Permies. I have aspen growing on my land but am across the Altantic form you - so not much use as a supplier!  Fascinating to hear about a good use for Aspen. How did you prepare the bark? Was it in hot water, or just ground?
I've tried searching on the Permies site and there doesn't seem to be much information here unfortunately. Aspen is quite a common tree though, so you should be able to find a supply locally.  

Shirley Burdette wrote:Hello, a Sioux gave me a piece of Aspen bark to stop my severe motion sickness and to much my surprise it WORKED!! I've never had anything help me the way this tiny piece of bark did.
My question is, what it the inner bark and where can i purchase it?

DOSAGE : To make a decoction of the bark use 1 ounce of dried bark to 1 quart boiling water.
As an Extract: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, as directed by health care professional. Always take with plenty of juice or with water at mealtime, unless instructed otherwise

This sounds like maybe it can be bought as an extract.

I don't know what it was in the bark that helped though I do know that the bark is available in powdered, shaving, or essential oils probably in your local health food store.