Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam (unspecified)
For the health condition: Chills
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Balsam is a term that can refer to various aromatic resins or plant-derived substances, such as balsam of Peru, balsam of Tolu, or Canada balsam. In traditional medicine systems, especially in parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, different forms of balsam have been used as remedies for a variety of ailments, including symptoms associated with chills and colds. The rationale for its use typically stems from its warming, aromatic properties, which were believed to promote circulation, induce sweating, or help "drive out" cold from the body. These uses are documented in herbal medicine texts and folk traditions, where balsamic preparations were sometimes included in warming liniments, chest rubs, or infusions intended to manage chills or fevers.
However, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of balsam for treating chills specifically. Modern research on the medicinal properties of balsam generally focuses on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or skin-protective effects, rather than on its ability to influence body temperature or treat chills. As such, current use of balsam for chills is primarily justified by tradition, with anecdotal support but minimal clinical validation.
Other ingredients used for Chills
allspicegreen chiretta
betel
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
clove
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
mustard seed
pear
rhizome
schizonepeta
thyme
water
squawvine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingusticum wallichii
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
siler root
hyacinth bean
zanthoxylum
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Anamu
Aconite
Asteracea
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Capillary Artemisia
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cinchona
Chirata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Mustard
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