Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) has a long history of traditional use by Indigenous peoples and early settlers in North America for the treatment of minor wounds, including abrasions. The sticky resin, or balsam, found in the buds was often used as a topical salve or poultice. Ethnobotanical records describe its application for soothing skin irritations, promoting healing, and providing a mild antiseptic effect. The traditional rationale is largely based on the resin's aromatic, soothing, and protective qualities when applied to the skin, which may help keep abrasions moist and protected from infection during healing.

Modern scientific studies on Balsam Poplar are limited, especially regarding its direct effects on skin abrasions. However, the resin contains compounds such as salicylates, flavonoids, and other phenolics, which may possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties according to in vitro analyses. Despite these promising constituents, there is insufficient clinical research directly validating the efficacy or safety of Balsam Poplar preparations for treating abrasions in humans. Therefore, while its use is well established in traditional medicine, scientific evidence remains preliminary and indirect.