Tree of Central and South America. Also called Balsam of Peru and Chinese Cedar among many others. The Black Balsam is the resinous exudation obtained by making an incision in the trunk of the tree.

Properties of Black Balsam

It contains the following active ingredients: resin -80% - (resin alcohols combined with benzoic and cinnamic acids), free aromatic acids (10-15% cinnamic, 8% benzoic), esters (benzoate and benzyl cinnamate); traces of vanillin, eugenol, ferulic acid.

The juice of the trunk or black balm, which is first an amber liquid and after coffee or reddish-dark, pleasant smell and bitter taste, is used as a wound healing in wounds, ulcers and osteomyelitis. It is used in ointment in equal parts with Vaseline.

Uses of black balm

It is used in amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, as an antispasmodic, stimulant, in rheumatism, asthma, catarrh, as a wound healing, ulcers and in osteomyelitis.

♦ For amenorrhea (suppression of the rule), dysmenorrhea (painful rule), as an antispasmodic and stimulant, the tincture of the fruits is used at a dose of 20 drops 3 times a day and for several days. the tincture is prepared as follows: 30 fruits are crushed and macerated in 70 c.c. of alcohol, for several days and then filtered.

♦ As antispasmodic, antirheumatic, asthma and colds, the decoction of 6 grams of the leaves in 160 c.c. of sweetened water and 2 tablespoons are taken every 2 hours.

♦ It is used as a stimulant, expectorant, béquico, spasmolytic, digestive, antiseptic, healing, antiparasitic.

♦ Cystitis, urethritis is indicated.

♦ In topical use: wounds, skin ulcers, scabies. Its topical use can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive people.

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