Herbal Balm of Gilead-

The biblical Balm of Gilead, Commiphora opobalsamum of Arabia, Somalia, etc., also known as Bursera, family Burseraceae has been discussed in another thread, but the name Balm of Gilead also has been applied to remedies from poplars and cottonwoods of North America, Family Salicaceae. Except that both belong to the flowering plants, they are unrelated.

Buds of several of the poplars or cottonwoods have been used as salves or internal remedies. All are soothing, but internal use is questionable. They have some use as an antiseptic salve on cuts and scrapes, but how effective- ?

The salve made from buds of the 'black poplar' of England, Populus nigra, is traditional for aches and dry skin. The 'hybrid' P. nigra x P. deltoides, is used in the Appalachians. See www.localharvest.org/store/item.jsp?id=3123.
In the west and elsewhere, Populus balsamifera (tacamahacca or candicans) or P. trichocarpa buds are used. See www.familyherbalremedies.com/balm_of_gilead.html for a 'how to'.
A description of
Populus candicans here: www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/herbhunters/balm-gilead.html

In the high altitude mountains of the Rockies, chewing the leaves of the quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides, is recommended to allieve altitude sickness. I have used this remedy myself and swear by it.

This family of trees has been subject to reclassifications; I don't pretend to know what names are most used now- a long time since I studied plants in university.