Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam of Peru
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Balsam of Peru has a long history of traditional use in topical applications for minor skin injuries, including abrasions. Its use dates back to indigenous practices in Central and South America and was later adopted into European herbal remedies. The main rationale for its application has been its antiseptic and mildly anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to its complex mixture of cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, and various esters. Historically, these properties were thought to help prevent infection and support the healing of superficial wounds. However, scientific validation for these effects is limited. Most modern medical literature references Balsam of Peru in the context of allergic reactions and contact dermatitis, rather than wound healing. Few clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy for abrasions specifically, and its sensitizing potential has led to decreased use in contemporary wound care. In summary, while Balsam of Peru's use for abrasions is primarily rooted in tradition and some pharmacological plausibility, robust scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this condition is lacking.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
aloe verabeeswax
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
glycerin
goldenseal
gotu kola
hyaluronic acid
lavender
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mucin
plantain
protease
purified silver
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
siler root
oriental arborvitae
assam indigo
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Asiaticoside
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Blackthorn
Balsam
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bee hive
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Bombax
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cattail
Cocoa Butter
Cymbidium goeringii
Cornflower
Cowherb
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Cocklebur
Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
English Elm
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
fibroblast growth factor
Little ironweed
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Balsam of Peru
AbrasionsBurns and Scalds
Cuts
Scratches and Abrasions
Wounds and Sores