Balsam Oil

Balsam means resin rich in oil. It's used to indicate various pleasantly scented plants. They produce gummy or oily resin which contain cinnamic or benzoic acids. They grow either as trees or shrubs. They are evergreen with white flowers. It grows to 25 m and has fragrant flowers. The most popularly known is myroxylin which comes in two species Peru Balsam from South America and Tolu Balsam from Central America. Its scent is remiscent of the green olives and vanilla.

It has a dark brown color. It's extracted by steam distillation of the resin. It has a sweet vanilla like, earthy, woody and fresh scent. It has a thick consistency.

Uses

1. On the body

v  The aroma of the oil uplifts one’s emotions and can assist to ease nervous tensions and helps one to relax. It promotes tranquility of the mind.

v  To reduce anxiety blend together 5 drops frankincense, 5 drops orange oil and inhale as needed.

v  It encourages emotional healing.

v  It has anti-inflammatory properties so it's used to ease muscular aches and pains. It's particularly effective on muscles caused by fatigue.

v  It's a good decongestant and is thus used to ease spastic cough. It also relieves nasal congestion. It breaks up mucus in the sinuses and lungs and assists in draining the mucus thus helping one to breathe easily. This is particularly helpful in coughs and colds.

v  It's soothing to rheumatic pain. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

v  The oil can be mixed with carrier oil as a chest rub or to a steam bath to ease cough and colds.

v  It prevents infections due to its antiseptic qualities. It kills bacteria and fungi and due to this property it's used to treat scabies and ringworms.

v  It helps to increase blood circulation and treats blood pressure.

2. On the skin

v  Due to its antiseptic properties it's used to sooth irritated skin and to heal small wounds. For troubled skin mix the oil with carrier oil.

v  It softens the skin without being greasy. This is due to the fact that it is readily absorbed by the skin.

v  It rejuvenates the skin due to the fact that it promotes cell growth. Thus it aids in removing wrinkles.

v  It protects the skin and heals cracked and rough skin. It can be used in cold weather to ease chapped skin.

v  It heals cuts by forming scar tissue which ensures that the wound heals quickly. This also prevents the wound from being infected.

It blends well with jasmine, lavender, sandalwood, ginger, ylang ylang, rose and black pepper.

Precautions

It's non-toxic and non-irritant but it should not be ingested. It's possible that it could cause an allergic reaction. It could also heighten your sensitivity to sunlight. When taken in large doses it might cause damage to the kidneys. Pregnant mothers should not be allowed to sue this oil with first consulting with their doctor.