Aspen tree and some traditional uses

in #nature6 years ago

Take a look at a grove of aspen trees. If you soften your eyes you may notice you can see the waves of wind move about the leaves. They look as if they are telling a story. Aspen trees are one of the largest organisms on the planet. A foret of aspen trees are all connected at the roots making one grove one giant tree. Aspen leaves and bark are traditional herbal medicine. Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin. This chemical, known as salicin, may help reduce swelling and inflammation. you can collect the inner bark of aspen trees and use on your skin or make a simple extraction with oil, water, or alcohol. the inner bark can be used in combination of other herbs for treating joint pain, bladder irritation, and sun protection. some tribes also smoke aspen bark in a sacred pipe cerimony. Aspen trees are easy to use herbal medicine that you can find through out north America.

quaking-aspen-3.jpg

Sort:  

Did you know that one of the oldest living organisms in the world is a forest of Quaking Aspens called, Pando? Pando is more than 80,000 years old and over 100 acres big. It is amazingly beautiful, though it is at risk now since there is a deer that is eating new shoots before they have a chance to mature.

It is amazing how life thrives on earth!