This resinous herb is from scorched tree trunks while Tolu balsam is a resin from incised tree trunks of the same plant. Peruvian balsam is approved for treatment of wounds, burns, and hemorrhoids while Tolu balsam treats mucosal inflammation by homeopathy.
Balsams treat wounds as an antiseptic and promoting granulation. Peruvian balsam is also antiparasitic especially for scabies due to benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnomoate which combined comprise 50-75% by weight. Resins consisting of cinnamic ester polymers comprise another 20-30%. Volatile oils such as nerolidol are other active compound extracted from this herb. There are significant mucocutaneous reactions to both balsams including allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, oral ulcers, purpura, angioedema, photosensitivity, and phototoxicity. Renal failure with widespread topical use has been reported (3,22).