What do you know about aspen bark tea?!
Question: Aspen bark can refer to any of a number species of Poplars, or Aspens, such as Quaking Aspen, White Poplar, Big Tooth Aspen, or Balsam Poplar. It is the inner bark of the young branches and roots that is used in herbal medicine.
It is anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce pain, which makes it good for arthritic conditions. Because of the salicylic acid it contains, it should be avoided by people who are allergic to aspirin, although some people that get sick from aspirin, don't have any problems with this herb. Unlike aspirin, it does not cause damage to the lining of the stomach, so it is a good aspirin alternative, much like Willow Bark.
It is also a diuretic, and urinary tonic. I have seen good results in elderly people using this for bladder problems.
It can also help to strengthen appetite & digestion, relieve coughs and cold symptoms, menstrual cramps, lower fevers, and be used as a healing, astringent, antiseptic wash or ointment for burns, scrapes, cuts, hemorrhoids, acne, rashes, and other skin problems.
I am sure it has a number of other uses, but this is what I have personally used it for, on myself and my clients.
If you are preparing a tea from cut bark pieces, you should be making a decoction, rather than an infusion to extract more of the properties.
To make a decoction, place 1 tsp per cup of water into a pot. Bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and turn the knob to the lowest heat setting. Simmer for 20 minutes, then turn off the element. Allow the mixture to cool, and if possible, let it sit overnight before straining and using it, so you have a stronger decoction.
If you will be using the powdered bark, then an infusion would be fine, but it should be left to steep for at least 1 hour for good results.
I hope this helps
Answers: Aspen bark can refer to any of a number species of Poplars, or Aspens, such as Quaking Aspen, White Poplar, Big Tooth Aspen, or Balsam Poplar. It is the inner bark of the young branches and roots that is used in herbal medicine.
It is anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce pain, which makes it good for arthritic conditions. Because of the salicylic acid it contains, it should be avoided by people who are allergic to aspirin, although some people that get sick from aspirin, don't have any problems with this herb. Unlike aspirin, it does not cause damage to the lining of the stomach, so it is a good aspirin alternative, much like Willow Bark.
It is also a diuretic, and urinary tonic. I have seen good results in elderly people using this for bladder problems.
It can also help to strengthen appetite & digestion, relieve coughs and cold symptoms, menstrual cramps, lower fevers, and be used as a healing, astringent, antiseptic wash or ointment for burns, scrapes, cuts, hemorrhoids, acne, rashes, and other skin problems.
I am sure it has a number of other uses, but this is what I have personally used it for, on myself and my clients.
If you are preparing a tea from cut bark pieces, you should be making a decoction, rather than an infusion to extract more of the properties.
To make a decoction, place 1 tsp per cup of water into a pot. Bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and turn the knob to the lowest heat setting. Simmer for 20 minutes, then turn off the element. Allow the mixture to cool, and if possible, let it sit overnight before straining and using it, so you have a stronger decoction.
If you will be using the powdered bark, then an infusion would be fine, but it should be left to steep for at least 1 hour for good results.
I hope this helps