Tolu balm:صمغ التولو

Balsam of Tolu is an herb that comes from a very tall tree that can be found in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. This herb is also called Peruvian Balsam because it was originally exported from Peru, but this is no longer the case. The resin of this tree is the most valuable and is retrieved in the same way one collects the valuable properties of a rubber tree by tapping it. The resin that comes from the tree is then transformed into balsam. Today, the main exporters of Balsam of Tolu are El Salvador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Earlier, it was tribal groups from Mexico and Central America who used the leaves of Balsam of Tolu to treat common ailments such as external wounds, asthma, colds, flu, and arthritis. Some indigenous Indians used the bark in a strong form as an underarm deodorant, while others found it best for lung ailments and colds. Native to the rainforest tribes, Balsam of Tolu was frequently used for a variety of medicinal purposes, including abscesses, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, headaches, rheumatism, sores, sprains, tuberculosis, venereal diseases, and wounds. As the popularity of this herbal plant grew, Europeans were the ones who wanted to get in on the act, and soon the Germans were using it for pharmaceutical purposes as well. They found that Balsam of Tolu worked well for antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic purposes, so they immediately began using it for things like scabies, ringworm, lice, minor ulcers, cuts, bed sores, and diaper rash. Today, it is widely used in topical ointments to treat cuts, sores, and scabies. It can be found in hair tonics, anti-dandruff shampoos, feminine hygiene sprays, and as a natural fragrance in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes. In the early 19th century, the United States also sought to use balsam of tolu, but it was primarily used medicinally as a cough suppressant and respiratory aid in cough lozenges and syrups, for sore throats, and as a vapor inhalant for shortness of breath. Balsam of tolu has a vanilla-like aroma and taste and is often used to flavor cough syrups, soft drinks, candies, and chewing gum. Balsam of tolu is now widely available in the United States. The essential oil distilled from the gum is sold in small bottles and used topically in aromatherapy. The scent is considered healing and relaxing. It is beneficial for meditation and relaxation, which is why it has become so popular in the aromatherapy world. Balsam of tolu has a very unique aroma that makes it excellent for exotic floral perfumes. Topical use is generally recommended for rashes, eczema, and skin parasites such as scabies, ringworm, and head lice. Tolu balsam is considered an allergenic oil, meaning it is more likely to cause an allergic skin reaction or be a skin irritant than other herbal oils, which may be a concern for people who have allergies or are usually allergic to plants and herbs.