Balsam oil, also called Peru Balsam or Balsam Peru oil, is an essential oil of Myroxylon pereirae. It is a native of South America.

Balsam oil originated in ancient Greece and it is still made in rural areas. Balsamo in Greek means remedy, relief. Balsam oil is made out of a yellow flowering plant that grows on its own. In ancient times they used it as a remedy for burns, for skin irritations, and for cosmetic purposes.

Peru balsam comes from the Myroxylon tree, literally "fragrant wood" in Greek, or Quinoa/Balsamo, which also produces Tolu balsam; the latter differs in production and in its odor profile, being a little sweeter and fresher than Balsam of Peru. The plant is mainly cultivated in the South America and the West Indies, although it has spread to other part of the world as well. Today El Salvador is the main exporter of Peru Balsam.

Interestingly, the name of Balsam of Peru is a misnomer, since it was originally assembled and shipped to Europe from the ports of Callao and Lima, in Peru, even though the species is not indigenous to Peru; however it is a highly invasive species when introduced into tropical countries where it is not native due to the absence of natural enemies and its increased adaptability to differing light conditions.

The use of these balsams in rash ointments, soaps, detergents, creams, body lotions, hair tonics, anti-dandruff preparations, cough syrups, and feminine hygiene sprays is only a small part of the beneficial role they play. 

The drug first was imported from Spain through Peruvian ports, from which the material derives its name. Peru balsam has been used for the treatment of topical wounds and infections, and as a flavoring in the food industry. The Indians of Central and South America used the material to stop bleeding and to promote wound healing. They also used the material as a diuretic and to expel worms.  Today, the material is in a number of pharmaceutical preparations and plays an important role in perfumery. It is not used as an internal medication.

Benefit & Uses: Peru balsam has been used in the treatment of dry socket in dentistry, topically as a treatment of wounds and ulcers, and in suppositories for hemorrhoids. The material has no use as an internal medication.

Peru balsam has mild antiseptic properties and is said to promote the growth of skin cells. The balsam has been used in dentistry in the treatment of dry socket and as a component of dental impression material. It formerly was used widely as a treatment for scabies and it has been used in suppositories for hemorrhoids.

Peru balsam Oil use of Peru balsam as a treatment of partial thickness wounds. Studies tend to be small and limited, but some benefit has been shown for the use of a castor oil-balsam of Peru-try sin ointment as a treatment of skin graft donor sites.

Traditionally, Peru balsam has been used as a cough suppressant, as an anti-bacterial and as a treatment for ulcers. People inhabiting the island of Chirac, off the coast of Costa Rica; use the resin to cure toothaches. Other traditional peoples also used it to treat colds, the flu, bronchitis and poor circulation, as well as to soothe sore muscles.

In aromatherapy, Peru Balsam essential oil is considered warming and opening, and is traditionally used as an antidepressant. It blends well with earthy, resinous and woody aromas like cedar wood, myrrh, patchouli and sandalwood.

Peru Balsam’s best known, however, for its skin benefits. It has a reputation as a natural remedy for hemorrhoids, bedsores, leg ulcers, scabies, eczema, chapped skin, rashes, ringworm, and other skin diseases. It’s a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial agent, so it has the ability to naturally kill a lot of bugs that can cause skin and wound problems.

Peru Balsam in products like anti-dandruff shampoos, wound sprays, diaper rash ointments, and skin creams, usually both for its fragrance and its natural healing properties. It’s also a potent antiseptic and promotes the restoration of harmed or burned tissues. Preliminary evidence shows it may help actually promote skin cell growth in people who have suffered serious skin injuries, like second- or third-degree burns. More studies need to be done, however, to find out more.