Peru balsam is a tree native to Central America, known for its fragrant resin used in herbal remedies for centuries. Its resin is used as a food additive and flavoring agent, and in topical preparations for wounds, ulcers, and skin parasites. It is also used in aromatherapy to treat stress-related ailments.
Peru balsam, also known as balsam peruano or balsam of Peru, is a tree native to Central America, particularly El Salvador. The tree’s name derives from the products made from its resin that were once shipped to Europe from the ports of Lima, Peru. However, it is not native to the area. Balsam of Peru is commercially valuable for its thick, fragrant resin that has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries.
In appearance, Peru balsams are tall and graceful, with glossy evergreen leaves and a smooth, straight trunk. Peruvian balsam wood is valuable in many parts of the world and is similar in composition to mahogany. The trees average about 65 feet (19.8 meters) tall, though some have been known to reach as high as 115 feet (35 meters). Fragrant white flowers appear at the end of the tree’s branches, and the resin found within the trunk can be harvested for 30 years or more.
Peru balsam resin is extracted from the trunk of the tree after it has reached at least 20 years of age. A single fully grown tree will produce approximately 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of resin per year. The resin smells like cinnamon and vanilla, and is often used as a food additive and flavoring agent in products such as chewing gum, cough syrup, and soft drinks. However, it is most popular for its use as an herbal medicine.
Traditionally, the indigenous tribes of Central America and Mexico used the resin of balsam of Peru to treat external wounds, colds and flu, rheumatism, and asthma symptoms. In the 17th century, the resin was first exported to Europe, where it was used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. It was listed in the German Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for wounds, ulcerations, bed sores, scabies, lice, and ringworm. Balsam of Peru was first documented in the United States Pharmacopeia in 1820 to treat diarrhea, dysentery, bronchitis, and laryngitis. A pharmacopoeia is a book published by a government or medical society that contains a list of all accepted medicines and medications, along with articles on their use and preparation.
In modern times, the resin of the balsam of Peru tree is most commonly used in topical preparations for wounds, ulcers, skin lacerations, and parasites. It is found in commercial anti-dandruff products and hair treatments, and as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. Other documented uses of the resin include the treatment of coughs, sore throats, respiratory problems, emphysema, pruritus, purigo, eczema, low blood pressure, hemorrhoids, leucorrhea, headaches, abscesses, excessive mucus, fungal infections, worms, gout, colic, dandruff and venereal disease.
Balsam of Peru is widely available around the world in essential oil form or as a pure gum. These products are intended for external use, although they can be taken internally in small amounts. Peru balsam essential oil is also used in aromatherapy to treat nervous tension and various stress-related ailments.
For topical use, the recommended dosage is one part resin or oil combined with three parts carrier oil, such as olive or almond oil. The mixture is applied twice daily to rashes, wounds, or skin parasites. For internal use, five to ten drops of Peru balsam essential oil are dissolved in a cup of warm water and taken twice a day to treat respiratory diseases. Although the substance is generally safe when taken properly and no drug interactions have been reported, it is always a good idea to consult a qualified physician before taking any new herbal remedy.
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