Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru contains 50% to 70% ester mixtures, the greatest quantity being benzyl ester of benzoic, cinnamein, and cinnamic acid. It’s available in shampoo, lotions, and syrups.
Benefits And Uses of Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru is used topically to help heal infected and poorly healing wounds, burns, pressure ulcers, frostbite, sore nipples, leg ulcers, bruises from prostheses,and hemorrhoids. It’s also used topically to stimulate the heart, increase blood pressure, and reduce mucous secretions. Balsam is used as an antiparasitic to treat scabies and for fevers, colds, cough, bronchitis, tendency to infection, and mouth and pharynx inflammation. It’s used to treat pruritus and advanced stages of acute eczema. All uses are topical.
Administration
- Topical: 5% to 20% Peruvian balsam applied daily for up to 1 week.
- Tolu balsam for internal use: 0.5 g by mouth every day.
Side Effects of Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru may be associated with aphthoid oral ulcers renal damage, allergic skin reactions, uticaria, purpura, photodermatosis, phototoxicity, and Quincke’s disease.
Use of balsam of Peru along with sulfur-containing products may produce additive effects. Advise patient to use with caution. Use of balsam of Peru in conjunction with sun exposure increases the risk of photosensitivity reactions.
Balsam of Peru is contraindicated in persons with a propensity for allergies.Those with hypertension should use balsam of Peru with caution because it may increase blood pressure if ingested.
Clinical considerations
- Caution patient to discontinue use if skin reaction occurs.
- Advise wearing protective clothing and sunscreen and limiting exposure to direct sunlight.
- Warn patient to seek appropriate medical evaluation before using balsam of Peru to treat wound infection or pressure ulcers to avoid a delay in healing and a worsening of the condition.
- Advise him not to use herb with products containing sulfur.
- Instruct female patient who’s using the herb externally to treat sore nipples to remove residue from her breasts before breast-feeding an infant.
- Advise patient to limit external application to 1 week or less.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of balsam of Peru and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.
Tagged under:balsam of peru bronchitis eczema frostbite Herbs oral ulcers scabies sore nipples tolu balsam Uncategorized uticaria Posted by editor on July 21st, 2007 | Filed under Herbs
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