This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. In North America, and on the bulk botanicals market, "balm of Gilead" refers to a tree that grows in the eastern U.S., much of Canada, up to Alaska. The North American tree is more commonly known as "balsam poplar" and the scientific name is Populus candicans. The tree may reach as high as 30 metres (100 feet), but usually it does not grow as high. In the winter the resinous buds are collected and dried. They are aromatic and medicinal. Populus candicans buds are balsamic (hence the name "balm", a contraction of "balsam"), expectorant and stimulant, according to John Lust in his "The Herb Book". They are used like other poplars, the quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and the American balm of Gilead or tacamahac (Populus balsamifera), in tea for external and internal use, or in a soothing salve. The tea is used for coughs and as a gargle for sore throat, and is used externally for inflammations, cuts, wounds, and burns. The buds can also be used as an inhalant to relieve respiratory congestion. The buds contain salicin which helps to explain their aspirin-like pain relieving property. Grieve"™s classic "˜A Modern Herbal"™: Populus candicans is called Balm of Gilead in America. The buds are used, and called Balm of Gilead Buds, as are those of P. Nigra and P. balsamifera, the product of the last being imported into Europe under the name of Tacomahaca. They are covered with a fragrant, resinous matter, which may be separated in boiling water, the odour being like incense, and the taste bitter and rather unpleasant. They are stimulant, tonic, diuretic, and antiscorbutic. A tincture of them is useful for complaints of the chest, stomach, and kidneys, and for rheumatism and scurvy. With lard or oil they are useful as an external application in bruises, swellings, and some cutaneous diseases. In ointments they are a little inferior to paraffin as a preventive of rancidity. The bark of P. balsamifera is tonic and cathartic. Dosages: Of solid extract, 5 to 10 grains. Of tincture, 1 to 4 fluid drachms. Of fluid extract, 1 to 2 drachms. Of extract of the bark, 5 to 15 grains.