View source for Tolu balsam

'''Tolu balsam''' or '''balsam of Tolu''' (a variant of [[balsam of Peru]]) is the resinous secretion of ''[[Myroxylon|Myroxylon toluifera]].'' The resin, as well as the leaves and fruit, have been traditionally used by the people of [[Central America]] to relieve coughs and asthma, and to treat wounds. The resin is tapped from the trunk of the tree through incisions into the [[bark]] and collected when dry. The colour of the resin is light to reddish brown. Tolu balsam is pliable when warm and fractures in a pattern similar to flint when cold. The dry resin has a complex aroma consisting chiefly of [[cinnamon]] and [[vanilla]] notes with a slight floral character.

The resin is still used in certain [[cough syrup]] formulas. However its main use in the modern era is in [[perfumery]], where it is valued for its warm, mellow yet somewhat spicy scent. It is also used as a natural remedy for skin rashes. Ironically, it is a well known cause of [[contact dermatitis]], a form of skin allergy.


==See also==
*[[Toluene]]
*[[Balsam]]
* [[Castor oil]]

[[Category:Resins]]
[[Category:Perfumery]]
[[Category:Incense]]