Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam
For the health condition: Bites and Stings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Balsam, which typically refers to resinous substances derived from certain trees (such as balsam of Peru or balsam fir), has been used traditionally in various cultures to treat minor wounds, bites, and stings. The traditional use is largely based on balsam’s reputed antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Folk remedies often involved applying balsam directly to the skin to help reduce swelling, prevent infection, and alleviate discomfort caused by insect bites or stings. However, while these practices are well-documented in traditional herbal medicine, there is a lack of robust scientific studies specifically validating the efficacy of balsam for bites and stings. Most available evidence is anecdotal or derived from broader claims about balsam’s effects on skin conditions in general. Additionally, balsam (especially balsam of Peru) can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, which may complicate its use on broken or irritated skin. Overall, while there is a historical basis for the use of balsam in this context, scientific support is minimal, and caution is advised due to the possibility of contact dermatitis.
Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings
Aloe verabasil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic compounds
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazilian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fomes fomentarius
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fleabane
Fir
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Guazuma ulmifolia
Honey
Heal-All
Homalomena
Hydrocolloid
Hound's Tongue
Helicteres isora
Henna
Hairy Arnica
Herb Robert
Hyaluronidase
Hemp
Horsemint
Huang Hua
Ilex
Indian Coraltree
Isobutylamides
Jessica's Sticktight
Lime
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Laggera pterodonta
Lodhtree
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Lewis's monkey flower
Mountain horopito
Mustard
Melia
Monoterpenes
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Milkweed
Morning Glory
Marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Nasturtium
Nimbidin
Osha
Oxystelma
Propolis
Phyllanthus
Purple Tephrosia
Pluchea
Prepared Aconite Tuber
Pellitory
Peucedanum
portulaca
Plumbago zeylanica
Papayotin
Petiveria
Plectranthus amboinicus
P-menthane-3,8-Diol
Quisqualis
Rue
Resin
Red Spiderling
Rubia yunnanensis
Rhus glabra
Spilanthes
Sinapis arvensis
Sesbania
Spanish Needle
Smartweed
Solanaceae
Sesquiterpenes
Self-Heal
Smooth Alder
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Sensitive Plant
Solanum indicum
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Southernwood
Soapberry
Stellaria dichotoma
Sapindus mukorossi
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Storax
Terpenoids
Trumpet Vine
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymus
Thymol
Tansy
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Vervain
Witch Hazel
Weak Jumby Pepper
Winter Savory
Yerba Mansa
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Balsam
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Belching
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)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting