Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam (unspecified)
For the health condition: Gout

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Balsam, a term that can refer to various resinous substances from plants such as Balsamum, Balsam of Peru, or Balsam of Tolu, has a history of use in traditional medicine for a range of ailments, including joint pain and gout. Historical texts and herbal compendia from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods occasionally list balsamic resins among remedies for inflammatory conditions, likely due to their perceived warming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these recommendations were based on humoral theory and empirical tradition rather than controlled scientific studies.

Despite the traditional use, there is a lack of modern clinical evidence specifically supporting balsam’s efficacy for gout. No high-quality randomized controlled trials or pharmacological studies have confirmed that any type of balsam directly alleviates the symptoms of gout or reduces uric acid levels. Most references to balsam for gout are found in historical herbals or ethnomedicine, not in contemporary medical literature. Thus, while the use of balsam for gout is rooted in tradition, the supporting evidence is weak, earning a rating of 1 out of 5.

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