Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam (unspecified)
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of "balsam" (which may refer to various resinous substances such as balsam of Peru, balsam of Tolu, or Canada balsam) to support the mucus membranes is primarily justified by traditional herbal and medicinal practices. In traditional medicine systems, balsams have been used for centuries as soothing agents for respiratory and mucosal conditions, including coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis. These substances are known for their demulcent (soothing) and sometimes mild antiseptic properties, which were believed to coat and protect irritated mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and respiratory tract.
There is limited modern scientific research directly validating the effectiveness of unspecified balsams for supporting mucus membranes. Most available studies focus on specific types of balsam (e.g., balsam of Peru or Tolu) and tend to address their antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties in vitro or in topical applications, rather than direct effects on internal mucus membranes. Nevertheless, their longstanding traditional use in syrup formulations and cough lozenges is well documented in European and South American herbal medicine. Given the lack of robust clinical trials but presence of historical usage, the evidence rating is moderate but not strong.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose
Other body systems supported by Balsam (unspecified)
BladderBronchials
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Joints
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Urinary System