Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam (unspecified)
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Balsam, a term that may refer to resins from various trees such as Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon balsamum), Balsam of Tolu, or Balm of Gilead, has been traditionally used in many cultures for the treatment of wounds, skin infections, and abscesses. Historical records and ethnobotanical sources indicate that these balsamic resins were valued for their aromatic, antiseptic, and supposed healing properties. For instance, Balsam of Peru has been mentioned in traditional medicine as a topical agent for promoting wound healing and reducing infection, which could include use on abscesses. The sticky, resinous nature of balsams was believed to form a barrier over wounds and may have provided some protection against microbial contamination before the advent of modern antibiotics.
However, scientific validation of balsam’s efficacy specifically for abscesses is limited. While some components in balsams (such as benzyl benzoate and cinnamic acid derivatives) have demonstrated mild antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings, there are no robust clinical trials or modern studies confirming their effectiveness in treating abscesses. Furthermore, balsams are known allergens and may cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals, which limits their modern medical use. Thus, their continued association with abscess treatment is rooted primarily in traditional, not scientific, evidence.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Balsam (unspecified)
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (respiratory)
Angina
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Gout
Headache (general)
Herpes
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Menopause