Balsam of Tolu

Myroxylon balsamum

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Balsam of tolu is a tall tree that is native to northern South America. It produces white flowers and winged seed pods. Balsam trees are tapped like rubber trees to collect their resin like gums.

The gums are used commercially and sold as balsam.

The Balsam tree must be at least 20 years old before it can be tapped for its gum. The gum has a vanilla-like taste and smell and is used as a food additive.

It is also used as a flavoring in cough syrups, soft drinks, confectioneries, and chewing gum.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* upper respiratory problems

* excessive mucus

* colds, flu, strep throat

* suppresses cough

Use externally for:

* skin rashes

* eczema

* skin parasites

* kills bacteria

PREPARATION:

Filtered resin diluted in warm water. (This herb is rarely encountered by itself today.)

Ointment:

Mix 1 part balsam gum or oil with 3 parts of a carrier oil and apply it to wounds, rashes, or skin parasites twice daily.

Tonic:

Place 5 drops of the essential oil in a small glass of warm water and take twice daily for excessive mucus and upper respiratory problems. Part Used: Resin, Bark

Constituents: 80% resin, which is rich in cinnamic acid and benzoic acid, plus a little vanillin.

Actions: Antiseptic, expectorant, emollient, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anitfungal

SIDE EFFECTS: None expected.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* WARNING: This herb has been reported to cause allergic skin reactions, so discontinue use if a rash develops.

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