Herbal Healing with Balsam of Tolu

Balsam of Tolu is also known as balsamo, balsam of Peru, myroxylon, Estoraque in Peru, Tolu in Colombia, Quina quina in Argentina; in trade, sometimes named Santos Mahogany and Peruvian balsam and Tolu balsam. It gets its name from its Latin names Myroxylon balsamum and myroxylan pereirae. It is part of the Fabaceae or Legume family and it is native to Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.

The Balsam of Tolu bears flowers that are white with yellow stamens and bears a fruit that is a pod which grows to be 6 to 10 inches long and it contains a single seed. The wood of the balsam of Tolu is dark brown with deep red heartwood. The balsam tree is tapped like tree is yield the vanilla scented resin.

Did you know that balsam of Tolu is an antiseptic that fights bacteria, promotes wound healing and kills parasites? Did you know that when balsam of Tolu in taken internally it helps to loosen phlegm? Did you also know that it has been used in the United States to treat bronchitis, diarrhea, and laryngitis and as basis of cough mixtures?

It is used exclusively in topical preparations today for treatment of scabies, ulcers and wounds and it can also be found in hair tonics and anti-dandruff preparations. It is used as a natural fragrance in creams, detergents, lotions, perfumes and soap but sometimes it can cause allergic reactions.

Balsam of Tolu has some specific benefits for treating health conditions that include the following:

Injuries - balsam of Tolu has a very high content of volatile oil that relieves various kinds of inflammation and soreness. A component of the oil, cinnamaldehyde, slows the multiplication of the cells that release inflammation causing chemicals. The oil contains another component, benaldehyde, which slows the release of inflammatory chemicals from these cells. These chemicals combined together ease the dull ache of sore muscles.

Ringworm - components contained in balsam of Tolu act directly to kill bacteria, fungi and parasites.