Common Name: Balsam of Peru, Balsam of tolu, Peru balsam, tolu balsam, balsamo, baume de tolu, pau de balsamo, tache, estoraque, cabreva veremelha, nabal, chirraca, sdalo

Botanical Name: Myroxylon balsamum
Family Name: Fabaceae
Parts Use: Resin, Bark

Balsam of tolu (Myroxylon balsamum), a tall tree native to northern South America, is found predominantly in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and some areas of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. A closely related species called balsam of Peru (M. pereirae) is native to Central America farther north. Balsam of Peru was named such because it was originally assembled and shipped to Europe from the ports of Callao and Lima, Peru, but the species is not indigenous to Peru.

Balsam oil is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antiseptic (pulmonary and urinary), anti-catarrh, cicatrizant - promotes epithelial cell growth (epithelium: cellular tissue covering surfaces, forming glands, and lining most cavities of the body), diuretic, expectorant, and a stimulant.

Balsam oil is beneficial for dry, chapped skin (use on skin diluted in carrier oil), eczema, rashes (diaper), cracked nipples, sores, wounds, parasites (ringworm, itch mite, and eggs), scabies, fungus, chronic asthma, bronchitis (chronic and asthmatic), coughs, and tuberculosis. Lessens mucus secretions and assists rheumatism pain. Balsam oil stimulates the heart and increases blood pressure. Balsam oil helps with flu, colds, viral infections, cystitis (coli-bacillus).