Balsam of Peru

An indolent, poorly granulating wound or ulcer in a sluggish, cool tissue state, calling for a warming, stimulating dressing to rouse local circulation and healing.

Chronic catarrh with profuse thin secretions in a relaxed, debilitated patient, used by physiomedicalists as a warming stimulant to mucous tissue.

Overview. Balsam of Peru is the resinous exudate collected from incisions made in the bark of a large leguminous tree native to the forests of Central America and northern South America, historically associated with Peru through its old trade route. The thick, reddish-brown, fragrant balsam is gathered on cloths, then purified by boiling and skimming. Physiomedicalists classed it among the warming, stimulating agents useful for sluggish tissue and indolent sores, and it has long been valued both as an internal expectorant and, more enduringly, as a topical wound and skin remedy.

Clinical Notes. In physiomedical and earlier eclectic practice, Balsam of Peru was reached for when tissue tone was low and healing sluggish: an ulcer that would not close, a chronic bronchial catarrh with thin, unproductive secretions in a cold, relaxed constitution.

Properties and Uses. These two balsams are so nearly alike in character, that they may be considered together. They are pleasant but pungent to the taste; exert a marked stimulating influence on the respiratory mucous membranes; and promote expectoration, at the same time giving a warming impression throughout the lungs.

Description. Natural Order, Leguminosae. This is a large tree native to the forests of South America, and especially to Peru. Leaves alternate, with five pairs of leaflets. Flowers white, on long and woolly racemes in the axils of the leaves.