Poplar, trembling
Botanical: Populus tremuloides (MICHX.)
Family: N.O. Salicaceae
---Synonyms---American Aspen. White Poplar. Quaking Aspen.
---Part Used---Bark.
---Habitat---North America.
---Description---This tree does not grow well in Britain, but in America it grows up to 100 feet in height. It has a pale yellowish bark on the young trunk and main branches; broadly ovate finely-toothed leaves averaging 1 3/4 inch long and wide, and having fine hairs on the margin.
The bark should be collected in spring. It has a bitterish taste and no odour.
---Constituents---The bark probably has similar properties to that of Populus tremula of Europe, i.e. salicin and populin.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Febrifuge and tonic, chiefly used in intermittent fevers. It has been employed as a diuretic in urinary affections, gonorrhoea and gleet. The infusion has been found helpful in debility, chronic diarrhcea, etc. Is a valuable and safe substitute for Peruvian bark.
---Dosages---Fluid extract, 1 drachm. Of salicin, in intermittents, 10 to 30 grains. Of populin, 1 to 4 grains.
---Other Species---
P. grandidentata, the large Aspen, is said to have more activity and bitterness.
P. candicans is also used.
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