Benefits of Balsam Of Peru Oil And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Nov 30, 2024
Balsam of Peru essential oil is one of the most versatile oils on the planet. Though not well known, this oil is used to treat a variety of ailments and diseases due to the host of benefits that it can offer. As it is a diuretic, it can be used to clear the body off harmful toxins. It has antioxidant properties and can help boost the immune system and remove free radicals. It can even help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer. It is a great stress buster as it controls the release of stress hormones in your body. It is great for the skin and hair. It is also great for oral hygiene due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Furthermore, it also reduces inflammation and prevents bacterial infections from occurring. It is also known for clearing out the respiratory tract, and can be used to treat scabies.
Balsam Of Peru Oil
Balsam of Peru essential oil is not very well known when compared to other essential oils, however, it is an extremely potent oil with a wide range of health benefits. As it is not exported as widely as other popular essential oils, it may be slightly hard to come across. Balsam of Peru essential oil comes from a resinous substance that is known as Balsam of Peru. This substance comes from a tree called Myroxylonbalsamum that is found in South and Central America. Apart from Balsam of Peru essential oil, this oil is known by a host of other names such as Black Balsam, Tolu, Quina, China Oil, Indian Balsam, Balsamo, Balsam fir oil, and Balsam fir oleoresin.
Nutritional Value of Balsam Of Peru Oil
Although not much is known about the actual nutritional value of Balsam of Peru essential oil, it is known for the different substances that it is composed of. It is these substances that ultimately contribute to the multitude of health benefits it has to offer. Some of these substances are Cinnamic Acid, Benzoic acid, Benzyl Benozoate, Benzyle cinnamate, Nerolidol, and Vanillin.
Health Benefits of Balsam Of Peru Oil
Prevents the occurrence of chronic diseases
Balsam of Peru essential oil is known to help with the stimulation of the immune system. This is before it has antioxidant properties. This means that it removes free radicals from the body and can ultimately help prevent the occurrence of many chronic diseases, including cancer. Removing free radicals from the body also frees up the immune system to work on more important task, such as preventing diseases.
It prevents bacterial infections
Balsam of Peru essential oil contains a host of active ingredients. These active ingredients help fight against bacteria and germs, and can be used to cleanse areas where germs and bacteria are more likely to enter the system, such as wounds. It can be applied to the skin to form a protective layer. This is why it is so widely used to prevent scabies (as scabies is caused by mites who can be repelled by this oil). This happens to be one of its most popular uses.
It clears the respiratory tract
If you’ve got a respiratory ailment, then balsam of Peru essential oil is the perfect oil for you. In order for it to work in this capacity, you must use it with a diffuser to create a form of aromatherapy. The oil helps expel all the phlegm that is collected in your respiratory tract, clearing it completely. Not only does this allow for better breathing, it also prevents infections and diseases. This is because mucus and phlegm tend to capture a whole bunch of bacteria and germs in them, which can grow and lead to problems if not expelled from the body.
It reduces stress and anxiety
In today’s day and age when the competition in any field is high, and employees are used to working long, grueling hours, this may just be the most important benefit of this oil. Balsam of Peru essential oil has been widely used in order to relieve various mental afflictions such as stress, nerves, and anxiety. If used in an aromatherapy session (you can easily install a diffuser in your home for regular use), it can help by inducing certain hormonal shifts, which basically lower your stress hormones. This allows you to calm down and also gives your body the break it needs from the physical exertions of stress.
It reduces inflammation
Balsam of Peru essential oil has a host of anti-inflammatory properties. These properties range from helping to heal wounds when applied topically, relieve the ache in joints, to a host of benefits for your internal system, such as lowering the blood pressure, and improving the health of your heart. Its anti-inflammatory properties are highly versatile, making this oil vital for most homes. It can even help patients who suffer from hemorrhoids by bringing the much needed relief from that uncomfortable ailment.
It is a diuretic
Clearing out toxins that are present in the body is a vital task and Balsam of Peru essential oil helps with that. It induces urination, thus helping your body flush out the harmful toxins, excess water, and even fat from your body. It needs your kidneys working well and your whole system healthy.
It’s great for your hair
Balsam of peru essential oil can be used to treat your hair and make it healthy. By mixing a little bit of it with water and washing your hair with it, you can ensure that all the dead cells from your scalp and hair are eliminated. It cleanses the entire scalp and even prevents dandruff from occurring.
It’s great for oral hygiene
While using an oil for dental care may just seem slightly odd, it is a great idea as Balsam of Peru essential oil is great for dental care. A bunch of different properties come into play here. It is an astringent. It has antibacterial properties. It has antiseptic properties as well. Due to all of this, Balsam of Peru essential oil is widely used in various dental hygiene products. It helps to get rid of any dangerous bacteria in the oral cavity that may harm your teeth or gums. Furthermore, it helps with other issues as well such as the inflammation of gums. It can also be used for its antiseptic properties by people who are prone to developing ulcers or cutting the insides of their mouth.
Uses of Balsam Of Peru Oil
Balsam of Peru essential oil has a host of uses due to the wide range of benefits that it provides. It is most commonly used in aromatherapy by adding it to a diffuser. It can be blended with different essential oils to create different therapeutic effects such as cinnamon essential oil, vanilla essential oil, and clove essential oil. It can also be mixed with patchouli, rose, lavender, and spice oils such as black pepper. It also mixes really well with ylangylang essential oil. Balsam of Peru essential oil is also used in a variety of perfumes and mists. This is because its natural smell is like a combination of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove, which can be very pleasant. Medicinally, Balsam of Peru essential oil is used in cough syrups. It is used in the food and beverages industry as well to flavor food. It is also used in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry in order to flavor daily items such as shampoos, soaps, and candles. It is also used to flavor certain types of drinks as well.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Balsam Of Peru Oil
Unfortunately, Balsam of Peru essential oil is listed as the top 5 allergens in the world. The resin in it is one of the most allergic substances that are found on the planet. Therefore, people who are highly vulnerable to developing allergies should just stay away from this oil, or consult their doctor before using it. The allergic reaction to this substance usually presents itself in the form of contact dermatitis, which means that if you are allergic to it, your skin will break out in rashes or itch the minute you touch it. It can also lead to inflammation of the tongue, lips, or mouth. You can even get blisters all over your body and these are generally highly painful. It can also lead to rhinitis and common symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, and in some cases, hives. Ideally, you should perform a patch test before using this oil. This can help you determine whether it is safe to use.
Cultivation of Balsam Of Peru Oil
Balsam of Peru essential oil comes to South America, and even some places in Central America. It is derived from a tree known as Myroxylonbalsamum, which is native to these regions. As it is not very widely used, you may find it hard to come across in your local store or supermarket.
References
- Douglas JD. Allergic contact dermatitis: Fragrance and myroxylon pereirae. Dermatology Nursing. 2010;22(1):1. [Cited 20 June 2019]. Available from:
- Scheman A, Rakowski EM, Chou V, Chhatriwala A, Ross J, Jacob SE. Balsam of Peru: past and future. Dermatitis. 2013 Jul 1;24(4):153-60. [Cited 20 June 2019]. Available from:
- Forsbeck M, Skog E. Immediate reactions to patch tests with balsam of Peru. Contact Dermatitis. 1977 Aug;3(4):201-5. [Cited 20 June 2019]. Available from:
Table of content
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors