Balsam Leaf Salve and Root Tincture

Q: Hello,

could you tell me please if i can make a tincture to take in from balsam root, i just got the flower and i did dry them ,i understand that natives eat the roots but what about the flower ? or shold i try to make a salve ? is that good for bruises to apply on the skin like arnica ?

thanks a million and god bless

A: I understand Balsam Root as Balsamorhiza sagittata.  Before you use this as medicine please be sure this is the plant you have.  Too often there is more than one, completely unrelated, plant with the same common name. 

If this is the plant you are speaking of, I understand the leaves and roots to be used.  The leaves harvested spring to midsummer and dried then used as a poultice or, yes, prepared as a salve.  And the roots, preferably dug in spring, used fresh or dried as a tincture or decoction at times.  The poultice or salve of the leaves can be wonderful for skin ailments, though I am not sure of its use for bruises.

Please let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Comments

[Esmarta Perata]

11-16-08. I just came into a fresh Osha Root. Can i tincuture this root?

[KarenJoy]

Yes, certainly, wonderful!! Is it growing wild, or cultivated. Wash or brush it mostly clean, chop coarsely, fill a jar, then pour 100 proof vodka over to cover so no root showing through. cap, label and let sit cool and dark for at least 6 weeks before decanting, squeezing out the root. I would leave the root in and only remove enough needed to keep the liquid over it.

Karen Joy