The effect of Peru balsam is antiseptic, antiparasitic and beneficial for wound healing. Due to the bitter taste, the balsam is not suitable for internal use, but acts mainly externally as a component of ointments (5-20% perubalsam) and similar preparations.
External use of Peru balsam
Specific ailments for which Perubalsam can be applied are:
- Infected and poorly healing wounds
- Ulcers (for example, ulcus cruris, ulcers on the lower leg).
- Burns
- Frostbite
- Bedsores (decubitus)
- Hemorrhoids
- Denture pressure points
Peru balsam in folk medicine
In folk medicine, Peru balsam is used in the treatment of itching, rheumatic complaints, head lice and, in the past, scabies, an itchy skin disease caused by skin mites, also called scabies. However, because of the existing allergic risk, the balm has been largely replaced by other remedies.
Application in homeopathy
Perubalsam is used in homeopathy for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, as well as for inflammation of the urinary organs.
Ingredients of Peru balsam
By definition, balsams are soft resins containing cinnamic acid, benzoic acid and their esters in varying concentrations. Peru balsam contains 50-70% of an ester mixture of 2/3 benzoic acid and 1/3 cinnamic acid benzyl esters (collectively formerly known as “cinnamein”). Other ingredients include 20-30% resin components of benzoic and cinnamic acid esters of higher alcohols, traces of vanillin and nerolidol.
Peru balsam: indication
Indications for the use of Peru balsam are:
- Wounds
- Ulcers
- Burns and chilblains
- Bedsores and pressure sores
- Hemorrhoids
- Itching
- Scabies, head lice and parasite infestation
