Tolu Balsam
OTHER NAME(S): Balsam, Balsam of Tolu, Balsam Tolu, Bálsamo de Tolú, Balsamum Tolutanum, Baume de Tolu, Baumier du Pérou, Myroxylan balsamum, Myroxylan toluiferum, Opobalsam, Resin Tolu, Resina Tolutana, Thomas Balsam, Tolu, Toluiferum Balsamum, Myroxylon balsamum, Myroxylon balsamum var. balsamum, Toluifera balsamum, Bálsamo De Tolu, Baume De Tolu
Overview
Tolu balsam is a sap-like substance that comes from the Myroxylon balsamum tree. It is obtained by cutting the tree trunk.
Tolu balsam is found in some foods and beverages as a flavoring agent. It is also used as a fragrance in some soaps and cosmetics. It isn't clear what effects Tolu balsam might have when used as a medicine.
People use Tolu balsam for cough, airway infections, cracked nipples, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Do not confuse Tolu balsam with Peru balsam. These products are made from the same tree but are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Tolu Balsam overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Tolu balsam is commonly added to foods as a flavoring agent. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as a medicine, short-term.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tolu balsam is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Tolu balsam is commonly added to foods as a flavoring agent. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as a medicine, short-term.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tolu balsam is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tolu balsam is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Tolu Balsam overview.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Tolu balsam might be. 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 a 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.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 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