Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam
For the health condition: Eczema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Balsam, particularly balsam of Peru, has a long history of traditional use in topical preparations for various skin conditions, including eczema (atopic dermatitis). Its use is rooted in folk medicine, where it has been valued for its aromatic, antiseptic, and purported healing properties. Balsam has been included in ointments and creams intended to soothe irritated skin and promote healing. However, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating eczema is lacking. In fact, modern dermatological research identifies balsam of Peru as a common contact allergen. It is frequently listed among substances that can trigger or worsen symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, a condition that often overlaps with or mimics eczema. Clinical guidelines now usually advise individuals with eczema to avoid products containing balsam of Peru due to the risk of allergic reactions. Thus, while the use of balsam for eczema is supported by traditional use, contemporary medical literature does not support its efficacy and instead highlights its potential to exacerbate skin inflammation. This underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in dermatology and suggests that balsam is not recommended for eczema management today.
Other ingredients used for Eczema
aloe veraalpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
bacillus coagulans
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black cumin
borage oil
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
coating
coconut milk
colostrum
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
evening primrose oil
forsythia
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gotu kola
heartwood
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoferrin
lauric acid
licorice root
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
marine lipid
marshmallow
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
perilla
phellodendron amurense
plantain
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
streptococcus thermophilus
thyme
triphala
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
dodder
fern
sweetgums
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
polyphenols
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bacteria
Borage
Bifidobacteria
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Colloid
Cocoa Butter
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Castile Soap
Costus
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Goldthread
Little ironweed
Mallow
Orchid
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Sumac
Zucchini
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