Peru Balsam
OTHER NAME(S): Balsam, Balsam of Peru, Balsam Peru, Bálsamo del Perú, Balsamum Peruvianum, Baume du Pérou, Baume Péruvien, Baume de San Salvador, Black Balsam, Indian Balsam, Peruvian Balsam, Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae, Myrospermum pereirae, Myroxylon pereirae, Toluifera pereirae, Bálsamo Del Perú, Baume Du Pérou
Overview
Peru balsam is an oily sap obtained by removing the bark of the Myroxylon balsamum tree and scorching the exposed wood. It is used to make medicine.
Don't confuse Peru balsam with tolu balsam, which is obtained from the same tree, but by making a V-shaped cut through the bark and underlying wood.
Despite serious safety concerns when taken by mouth and possible safety concerns when applied to the skin, people take Peru balsam for cancer, infection of the intestines by parasites, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Peru balsam might prevent bacterial growth and kill tiny insects (mites) that cause a skin condition called scabies.
Peru balsam might prevent bacterial growth and kill tiny insects (mites) that cause a skin condition called scabies.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Anal itching.
- Bruises.
- Burns.
- Cancer.
- Diaper rash.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers).
- Frostbite.
- Minor bleeding.
- Skin irritation.
- Leg sores caused by weak blood circulation (venous leg ulcer).
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Peru balsam for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Peru balsam is LIKELY SAFE in the small amounts used as a flavoring in some foods. Peru balsam is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth as a medicine because it can damage the kidneys.
When applied to the skin: Peru balsam is POSSIBLY SAFE when used on the skin over a short period of time (less than one week). It can cause allergic skin reactions.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Peru balsam is LIKELY SAFE in the small amounts used as a flavoring in some foods. Peru balsam is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth as a medicine because it can damage the kidneys.
When applied to the skin: Peru balsam is POSSIBLY SAFE when used on the skin over a short period of time (less than one week). It can cause allergic skin reactions.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Peru balsam is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. It can cause kidney damage. Peru balsam is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to apply to the skin during breast-feeding. If it gets on the nipple, the nursing infant might be poisoned. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Peru balsam is safe to apply to the skin when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Kidney disease: Peru balsam might cause kidney damage and might make existing kidney disease worse. Don't use Peru balsam if you have kidney problems.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Peru Balsam overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Peru balsam depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Peru balsam. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Turic P, Lipozencic J, Milavec-Puretic V, Kulisic SM. Contact allergy caused by fragrance mix and Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru) - a retrospective study. Coll Antropol 2011;35(1):83-7.
- Tan S, Tam MM, Nixon RL. Allergic contact dermatitis to Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru) in papaw ointment causing cheilitis. Australas J Dermatol 2011;52(3):222-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00772.x.
- Thyssen JP, Carlsen BC, Menné T, Johansen JD. Trends of contact allergy to fragrance mix I and Myroxylon pereirae among Danish eczema patients tested between 1985 and 2007. Contact Dermatitis 2008;59(4):238-44. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01418.x.
- Avalos-Peralta P, García-Bravo B, Camacho FM. Sensitivity to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru). A study of 50 cases. Contact Dermatitis 2005;52(6):304-6.