The efficacy and function of Peruvian balsam gum

I believe many people are familiar with the Chinese medicinal material Peruvian balsam. As a common Chinese medicinal material, Peruvian balsam is rich in nutrients. Let us learn about it in detail.

[Alias] Balsam (Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica), Bailubalsam (Dictionary of Botany).

[Source] It is the resin of the Peruvian balsam tree, a plant of the legume family. Usually collected in winter. When collecting, the tree trunk is hit with a stick to damage the internal tissue and produce resin ducts. The cork layer of the injured part is then removed, about 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. After a few days, the resin will seep out and is usually absorbed with cloth. After about seven days, smoke it again and a large amount of fragrant resin will seep out. Finally, remove the maple bark to expose the xylem and harvest it using the same method. The fragrant resin will completely seep out within one and a half months. Then treat the upper part of the wound as before. Put the cloth that absorbs the aromatic resin in water, boil it and squeeze it, then the aromatic resin will sink to the bottom of the water, and the resin can be obtained by removing the moisture and impurities.

[Original form] Tree, up to 30 meters high. The bark of young branches has resin ducts, but they fall off early, while the trunk has no resin ducts at all. Odd-pinnate compound leaves, with 9 to 13 leaflets, elliptic, acuminate at apex, entire margin. Inflorescence axillary; flowers white. The pods are yellow.

[Habitat distribution] Distributed in the forest areas of El Salvador and Honduras along the Pacific coast of Central America.

[Properties] It is a thick oily substance, brown-red or even dark brown in color. The thin layer is transparent, reddish brown, and has no stickiness or stringiness. The aroma is similar to vanillin. The taste is bland at first but then becomes bitter and spicy. An acidic reaction. The specific gravity is 1.135~1.160.

[Chemical composition] Contains 56-70% benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate, about 28% resin, and 10% free cinnamic acid. The resins are esters of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid. The volatile oil contains a large amount of nerolidol.

[Pharmacological action] The oil contained in this product has a disinfecting effect, and the oleoresin part can promote tissue repair. The resin also has a local protective effect and reduces inflammation. Therefore, it can be used for chronic inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes (such as chronic bronchitis); and can promote the healing of ulcers and wounds (mixed with castor oil as a dressing applied to the wound). It can also treat certain fungal infections of the skin and is also used topically or taken internally (in cream) to treat tuberculosis (skin or throat tuberculosis). The effect of oral administration is questionable, and topical application is sometimes irritating. In vitro tests showed some effect against Trichomonas vaginalis. The monoquaternary ammonium salts of cinnamic acid and its derivatives contained have curare-like effects.

【Functions and indications】 ① "Kunyu Tushuo": "Apply to wounds and lesions, and it will not cause scars on acne."

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

【Source】 From "Medicinal Plants"

The above is a detailed introduction to the effects and functions of Peruvian balsam gum. When choosing it, pay attention to the dosage to avoid causing harm to your body.