Balsam Tolu Oil

Balsam Tolu Oil

Balsam of Tolu is in fact a close variant of balsam of Peru (link this to the balsam of Peru page). The resin, as well as the leaves and fruit of the balsam of Tolu have traditionally been used by the people of Central America and South America to relieve coughs and asthma, and to treat wounds since time immemorial. The name Tolu is derived from native pre-Columbian people that used to inhabit the place known as Tolu, nowadays a small town by the Caribbean sea, South America. Balsam of Tolu is predominantly found in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and some areas of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

In order to make the oil, the balsam Tolu is tapped through the trunk of the tree by making incisions into the bark. It is then dried. The dry resin has an intricate aroma consisting chiefly of the cinnamon and vanilla flavour with slight sprinklings of a floral character. The balsam Tolu oil contains about 60% cinnamein, a volatile oil that is extracted by steam distillation and used extensively for making perfumes, cosmetics and soaps.

Tolu balsam is flexible and malleable when it is warm and develops fractures and cracks when it is cold. The spicy scent of balsam Tolu oil makes it a perfect candidate for perfumery, although it is often used as a natural remedy for skin rashes and to make cough syrup formulas. If not used carefully it may also trigger a form of skin energy called dermatitis.

Balsam Tolu oil is highly effective for killing bacteria, harmful fungi and various other germs. It also helps reduce inflammation, alleviate coughs and reduce phlegm. As always it is better to consult your physician or an experienced aromatherapist before you decide to take it internally.

Important Notes