Balsam of Tolu comes from the South American countries of Columbia, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Much the same as maple sap or rubber it is the product of tapping into the tree and the resulting sap or residue is collected and processed. They take the gummy residue and turn it in a salve or balsam and apply it as medicine. The main supply of Balsam Of Tolu comes from Columbia, Venezuela and El Salvador today.
Native Mexican’s and those from central America used the leaves of this amazing plant to treat such common ailments as external wounds, asthma, colds, flu, and arthritis. Some native Indians used the bark in a powered form as an underarm deodorant while others found it best for lung and cold ailments but those from the rain forest used Balsam of Tolu quite frequently for many more problems such as abscesses, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, headache, rheumatism, sores, sprains, tuberculosis, venereal diseases, and wounds.
The Europeans, especially the Germans, latched on to the use of this herb for pharmaceutical purposes. They found more uses for this Balsam in anti fungal, antibacterial and anti parasitic remedies. Quickly the uses compounded to include treatment for scabies, ringworm, lice, minor ulcerations, wounds, bedsores, and diaper rash. Don’t be surprised when you see it listed as the primary ingredient in salves used for ulcers, wounds and scabies.
Look all around you and you’ll see it used in hair tonics, anti dandruff shampoos, feminine hygiene sprays and as a natural fragrance in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes.
It smells like vanilla, tastes like it to, and is used to flavor soft drinks, cough syrups, candies and chewing gum. You will find Balsam Of Tolu in any place that sells aroma therapy products. It is considered by many to be healing and especially comforting. The unique aroma is used for meditation and relaxation and for an exotic floral fragrance.
If you are sensitive or have allergies you might want to try a little first because it is known to cause a rash or allergic reaction to those who are sensitive. It is after all a sensitizing oil. If you are not allergic, Balsam of Tola it is great for skin rashes, eczema and the whole range of parasites including lice, scabies and ringworm.
