Peru Balsam Oil – South America’s secret to health

Peruvian balsam, derived from the balsam tree, is a perfect example of just how powerful and effective the force of nature can be when used correctly. Natural medicine can be an excellent alternative in many situations. Thanks to its properties, Peruvian balsam oil has been used for hundreds of years in the countries of Central America, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil, where it is known as a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial agent for treating skin irritations.

The balsam tree – where does it come from?

The balsam tree (Latin Myroxylon balsamum), is a tree native to South America, also known in Poland as the balsam tree. It belongs to the group of evergreen trees in the Fabaceae family. According to some sources, the largest recorded specimen of the balsam myroxylon grew to a height of 45 metres. However, specimens 20–34 metres tall, with trunks approximately 1.5 metres in diameter are most commonly found. The branches of this South American balsam tree bear long, spreading clusters of flowers that elegantly droop downwards.

In Europe, Peruvian balsam gained popularity as early as the 15th–16th centuries thanks to Spanish settlers returning to the continent. On the one hand, it was used as an effective balm for wounds, whilst on the other, it was used as one of the ingredients in incense used in churches throughout Europe.

Interestingly,, contrary to what one might think,, the balsam tree does not grow in Peru! This tree is found predominantly in the forests of Central America,, particularly in the region of San Salvador,, the current capital of El Salvador. Despite this,, the name ‘ Peruvian balsam ’ was given for a simple reason. The trade routes leading from El Salvador and other regions of Mesoamerica to Europe ran entirely through ports located in the colonised cities of Peru. Peruvian balsam – what exactly is it? Unlike most other essential oils, Peruvian balsam is not produced from the flowers, leaves or fruit of the tree. The essential oil is obtained first by removing the bark from the tree, and then extracting the flowing resin. The resin, like all tree resins, is the result of the healing process of the plant’s injured tissue.

The tree is deliberately forced to release oily resin, first by removing the bark, and then by cutting and smoking the wood. Subsequently, using this same resin, an extraction is carried out using alcohol, the final product of which is Peruvian balsam.

How is the scent of Peruvian balsam described? Usually, the main feature distinguishing the balsam from other oils is its intense, sweet-spicy scent. Its notes are very similar to the scent of fresh vanilla, to such an extent, that in many countries this product has replaced vanilla itself, used, for example in chocolate production.

Peru Balsam Oil – properties worth knowing

Some of the most important health properties of Peru Balsam essential oil include its ability to reduce inflammation, prevent infections, accelerate wound healing, protect the respiratory system, improve skin health, protect oral health and relieve haemorrhoids. In addition, Peruvian balsam has the following properties:

• Antioxidant – perhaps the most potent therapeutic aspect of Peruvian balsam’s effects. The oil can stimulate the body’s defence mechanisms, which help to eliminate free radicals throughout the body. This helps prevent the development of chronic diseases
• Anti-ageing – thanks to its high antioxidant content, the oil has effective anti-ageing properties. Among the active ingredients with the above effects, we can mention, for example, vanillin, a powerful antioxidant, that protects against the effects of free radicals
• Pain-relieving – by adding 2 to 3 drops of Peruvian balsam essential oil to approx. 10–20 ml of carrier oil, we can effectively reduce muscle inflammation and provide pain relief for up to several hours
• Antiseptic – by applying it topically to the skin, we can successfully create a protective barrier against bacteria for our body’s most important organ – the skin. Traditional medicine speaks of the balm’s health-promoting effects in the prevention and treatment of scabies caused by mites
• It improves blood circulation and treats rheumatic ailments – diuretic, anti-rheumatic and antioxidant properties of Peru Balsam oil have the power to improve the functioning of the circulatory system, thereby eliminating toxic residues from the body, which, in the long term, contribute to a deterioration health
• It combats respiratory problems – the oil is surprisingly useful for breathing difficulties, involving a cough. It acts as an expectorant, helping the lungs to expel all accumulated phlegm. It clears the airways and provides relief when breathing
• Combats anxiety and stress – Aromatherapy inhalation allows the oil to stimulate hormone production and reduce the stress hormones secreted by the body during periods of chronic tension. As a result, the oil provides calm and respite from stress, a state that exhausts the entire body

Practical uses of Peruvian balsam oil – where does it help?

The medicinal uses of Peruvian balsam are primarily focused on skin health and wound healing. Thanks to its powerful antiseptic properties and the fact that the oil contains large amounts of benzyl benzoate and benzoic acid, the medicinal use of Peruvian balsam oil enables:

• Short-term treatment of bedsores caused by prolonged bed rest
• Effective elimination of haemorrhoids
• Relief of sore, and irritated (is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may cause poisoning in newborns)
• Aids in the healing of wounds, such as scratches and cuts. Due to its high acid content, the balm is not recommended for use on burns
• It is an excellent natural antiseptic, which can help cleanse infected wounds quickly without causing side effects
• In the form of an oil, it is used as a natural expectorant, as it helps to quickly eliminate phlegm accumulated in the lungs and bronchi caused by conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and coughs caused by colds
• Itmites, that cause scabies
• It is known to be used in the treatment of infectious diseases, such as gonorrhoea and syphilis

Peru Balsam oil – how to use?

Peruvian balsam can be used in two ways. These include:

• Aromatherapy – Peru Balsam oil is a well-known remedy for respiratory tract infections. It has an antiseptic effect on the bronchi, is antibacterial and expectorant. It clears the respiratory tract and is often recommended for chronic or acute bronchitis, coughs and flu. When inhaled as part of aromatherapy, the oil has expectorant and mucolytic effects
• . When applied to the skin (, e.g. for massage) – at the skin level, the oil is useful against parasites and skin conditions (scabies, ringworm, lice, etc.). It helps with excessive itching, by having a regenerative effect on the skin

To benefit from the health-promoting properties of Peruvian balsam oil, in aromatherapy, we recommend adding 1 to 2 drops to a bowl of hot water. If using a diffuser or a nebuliser, it is a great idea to add 2 to 3 drops diluted in water or 10 to 15 drops to a nebuliser.1630 or 10 to 15 drops of (in the) nebuliser. For external use, however, it is advisable to dilute it in a ratio of ¼ with any carrier oil, such as jojoba).

Interesting facts about Peru balsam oil

• Peru balsam is an extremely interesting addition to aromatherapy sessions! The reason, why many people benefit from its properties, is its wide range of therapeutic effects, which offer real health benefits
• The unique, sweetish-spicy scent of the balm is due to ingredients such as benzyl cinnamate and vanillin
• Peruvian balsam is a common ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics and toothpastes. In addition, it is also found in certain food products, e.g. chocolate. The name ‘Peruvian balsam’ is, in fact, a misnomer. It was given by Spanish colonisers during the early period of the colonisation of the Americas. The harvested balsam was shipped from the dense tropical forests of Central America ((present-day El Salvador)) to the Peruvian capital, Lima, and from there on to Europe
• . Dozens of medicines worldwide utilise the medicinal potential of the balm. As a result, it is the active ingredient in many ointments and tablets with expectorant properties

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“Molecular profiling of Peru Balsam reveals active ingredients responsible for its pharmaceutical properties” – M. Riesmeier, M. Mattonai, S. S. Wong, M-A. Veall, J. Betts, M. Johnston, E. Ribechini, T. Deviese, scientific journal Natural Product Research, Taylor & Francis Health Sciences, 2021.

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