Peru Balsam

Botanical Name: Myroxylon balsamum var pereirae

Botany and Origins: It is a large and beautiful tree that is valued for its wood. Every part of the tree abounds in a resinous juice. It also has extremely fragrant flowers. The balsam is a pathological exudate obtained from the exposed lacerated wood, after strips of the bark have been removed. The name 'Balsam of Peru' is derived from the fact that it was shipped from Peru. Peru Balsam is produced almost exclusively in El Salvador. The principal areas of trees are mainly along the Balsam Coast where El Salvador meets the Pacific Ocean. 

Method of Extraction: The crude balsam is collected from the trees. In its crude form it solidifies into a dark brown semi solid mass. An essential oil is obtained from the crude by distillation or resin-free oil is produced from the crude balsam by high vacuum dry distillation.

Cultivation: Wild Harvested

Historical and Traditional Uses: Peru Balsam has been extensively used in topical preparations for the treatment of wounds, indolent ulcers, scabies, haemorrhoids, pruritus, and bed sores. The historical uses of Peru Balsam date as far back as the early Mayan culture where it was used as incense for ceremonial purposes. 16th century popes sanctioned the substitution of Peru Balsam for the much harder to find Mecca balsam (Balm of Gilead) for ceremonial incense use as well as for anointing oils.

Indications: Peru Balsam is recommended for the treatment of scabies, for infected and poorly healing wounds and for skin diseases such as pruritus, prurigo and in the later stages of acute eczema. The balsam is a common contact allergen, which may cause dermatitis. It is not commonly used in aromatherapy but it has been suggested for dry and chapped skin, eczema, rashes, sores and wounds, asthma, bronchitis, nervous tension, stress. Like other balsams it has a warming, opening, comforting quality. The balsam is used extensively in topical medical preparations. it is used as a fixative and fragrance component in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions and perfumes. It is used in dentistry for treating dry socket (post extraction alveolitis) and as a component in certain dental impression materials.

Safety: The crude balsam is well known to cause allergies and sensitisations. The distilled oil is free of allergens.

Country of Origin: El Salvador

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)