Tolu balsam
Scientific names: Myroxylon balsamum, Myroxylon balsamum var. balsamum, Toluifera balsamum
Family: Fabaceae/Leguminosae
Alternate names: Balsam, Balsam of Tolu, Balsam Tolu, Bálsamo de Tolú, Balsamum Tolutanum, Baume de Tolu, Baumier du Pérou, Myroxylan balsamum, Myroxylan toluiferum, Opobalsam, Resin Tolu, Resina Tolutana, Thomas Balsam, Tolu, Toluiferum Balsamum
Background
Tolu balsam is a sap-like substance that comes from the Myroxylon balsamum tree. It is obtained by cutting the tree trunk.
Tolu balsam is found in some foods and beverages as a flavoring agent. It is also used as a fragrance in some soaps and cosmetics. It isn't clear what effects Tolu balsam might have when used as a medicine.
People use Tolu balsam for cough, airway infections, cracked nipples, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Do not confuse Tolu balsam with Peru balsam. These products are made from the same tree but are not the same.
Tolu balsam is found in some foods and beverages as a flavoring agent. It is also used as a fragrance in some soaps and cosmetics. It isn't clear what effects Tolu balsam might have when used as a medicine.
People use Tolu balsam for cough, airway infections, cracked nipples, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Do not confuse Tolu balsam with Peru balsam. These products are made from the same tree but are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Tolu balsam is commonly added to foods as a flavoring agent. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as a medicine, short-term.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tolu balsam is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tolu balsam is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tolu balsam is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using Tolu balsam for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Tolu balsam might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Tolu Balsam interacts with any medicines. Before taking Tolu Balsam, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 21/02/2022 10:53:57. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
