Balsam of Tolu
Myroxylon toluifera balsamum
(Columbia)

Balsam of Tolu - Myroxylon toluifera balsamum - from Columbia in brittle form. All parts of this tree have an aromatic fragrance.The trunk is tall and bare, and at about 40 to 60 feet from the ground throws out its branches, producing a rounded crown of foliage. The younger the tree the larger the foliage of obovate leaflets, older trees suffering from the drainage of balsam. The flowers are borne in dense, axillary racemes, 3 to 43 inches long, and the calyx tube is rather tubular. The fruit is an oblong, linear legume, scarcely narrowed at its base. The tree, which is an evergreen, rises to a height of 70 or 80 feet.

Tolu Balsam, like Benzoin, has a bitter top note which yields to reveal a warm balsamic fragrance with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. The fragrance is considered to be healing and comforting. It is useful for meditation and relaxation.

Tolu Balsam was officially listed in 1882 in European medicine and available in apothecaries as a remedy for coughs and colds as well as for headache and stomach problems. Balsam of Tolu, like that of Peru, is a stimulant, tonic, and expectorant, and may be used as a substitute for it in chronic catarrhs, and other pulmonary affections not actively inflammatory in their character. It is usually preferred on account of its more agreeable flavor, and for which it is often added to cough-mixtures. The balsam, dissolved in ether, and the vapor therefrom inhaled, is reputed beneficial in coughs and bronchial affections of long standing. Two parts of Tolu, 3 of almond oil, 4 of gum Arabic, and 16 of rose water, make an excellent liniment for excoriated nipples. The dose is from 10 to 30 grains, frequently repeated, and given in tincture, syrup, or similar to balsam of Peru.

Family: Fabaceae

Synonyms: balsamó

Origin: South America, primarily Columbia

Parts Used: oleo resin (balsam - brittle)

Aroma Description: warm, peppery, fruity, vanilla-like balsam with a touch of cinnamon

Emotional Attributes: creativity, meditation, sleep, relaxation, restores emotional balance

Cosmetic Uses: none known

Culinary Uses: resin is used in chewing gum, ice cream, candy, soft drinks, bakery products, etc.

Medicinal Attributes: treats lung congestion, coughs and colds. Was used to treat headaches, gout and stomach problems. Can cause allergic reactions.

Element Association: Air

Magical Associations: Prosperity

Astrological Association: Leo, Aquarius

Planetary Association: Sun

Season: Summer

Aromatic Note: Base note

Essential Oil: Yes, solvent extracted absolutes are available

Mixes Well With: benzoin, cassia, cinnamon, clove, copal-black, cedar, juniper, labdanum, musk seed, opoponax, palo santo wood, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, sweetgrass, vanilla, orange peel, etc. Medical Disclaimer: Information on this web site is for entertainment purposes only. This information is NOT intended as medical advise.

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Prices:
Per oz. (28 grams) $5.25
Per 4 oz. (112 grams) $19.95
Per half pound (224 grams) $38.55
Per lb. (448 grams) $71.50 - Save over 20%!