Peruvian Balsam

Myroxylon pereirae syn. M. balsamum

COMMON NAMES

• Balsam of Peru
• Peruvian Balsam

Peruvian balsam - evergreen tree growing to 50 ft (15 m). Has gray bark, compound leaves dotted with oil glands, white pealike flowers, and yellow seed pods.

Although Peruvian balsam thrives chiefly in EI Salvador, in the region bordering the Pacific Ocean known as the Balsam Coast, this imposing tree is popularly called balsam of Peru. Peruvian balsam received its geographically confusing name in the 16th century, because the Spanish shipped its thick resin, or balsam, to Europe from ports in Peru. Today the tree grows wild throughout much of Central America, in southern Mexico, and in parts of northern South America.

Easily grown from seeds or cuttings, the balsam of Peru is sometimes cultivated in the tropics as a shade tree and is often planted for shade on coffee plantations. Peruvian balsam averages 50 to 65 feet high, but has been known to grow much taller. Its evergreen leaves are divided into glossy, oblong or oval, 2- to 3 1/2-inch-long leaflets, each besprinkled with transparent dots. Clusters of fragrant white flowers are borne at the ends of the branches.

But it is not its leaves, nor its flowers, nor its graceful form that gives the balsam of Peru its commercial value. Rather it is the balsam itself - the thick, delightfully fragrant resin (it smells like cinnamon when fresh, like vanilla when aged) found in the trunk - that people have sought for centuries. The Indians in Central and South America, including the mighty Incas who ruled Peru, knew that the balsam was effective in stopping bleeding and in promoting healing. They also used the leaves as a diuretic and to expel parasitic worms. The Indians introduced the tree's medicinal virtues to the Spaniards, who quickly recognized it as a potentially lucrative item of trade and began sending it home.

Today the trade in balsam is vigorous. The resin finds its way into antiseptic and fungicidal ointments used for such varied skin diseases or disorders as scabies (an itch caused by parasitic mites) and ringworm (a fungus infection). In the United States, the resin is also an ingredient in dental cements and in suppositories marketed to relieve the itching of hemorrhoids. Peruvian balsam is employed, too, to flavor cough drops and to perfume toiletry goods.

PARTS USED

Oleo-resin.

USES

Peruvian balsam is strongly antiseptic and stimulates repair of damaged tissue. Peruvian balsam is usually taken internally as an expectorant and decongestant to treat emphysema, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma. It may also be taken to treat sore throats and diarrhea. Externally, the Peruvian balsam is applied to skin afflictions.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to Central America, Peruvian balsam grows wild in tropical forests. Peruvian balsam is cultivated in Central and South America and India. A thick, reddish brown oleo-resin (balsam) exudes from incisions made in the bark.

CONSTITUENTS

The oleo-resin contains 50-65% volatile oil (mainly benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate) and resins.

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