Evidence supporting the use of: Tolu Balsam
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tolu Balsam has been traditionally used as a topical remedy for minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions. The resin is derived from the Myroxylon balsamum tree and has a long history in folk medicine dating back to Central and South American indigenous cultures, as well as European pharmacopeias from the 18th and 19th centuries. Historically, Tolu Balsam was included in ointments and salves due to its aromatic, sticky nature and the perceived antiseptic and healing properties of its constituents, such as benzoic and cinnamic acids.
However, there is limited modern scientific research directly supporting its efficacy for wound healing or as an antimicrobial agent in the context of scratches and abrasions. Most of the available evidence comes from historical usage and anecdotal reports rather than controlled clinical trials. Some in vitro studies suggest mild antimicrobial activity, but clinical relevance has not been clearly established. Additionally, Tolu Balsam is a known contact allergen and can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals, raising concerns about its safety when used topically.
In summary, the use of Tolu Balsam for scratches and abrasions is primarily justified by traditional use, with minimal to moderate historical evidence but a lack of substantial modern scientific validation. Caution is recommended due to potential for allergic response.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
Aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
Mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
Zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
Yarrow
Moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
Wood betony
White oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
Asclepias cordifolia
Acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
bee propolis
babchi
bai ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
blackthorn
bleeding heart
Bridges\' penstemon
black-eyed Susan
blackbrush
Brazilian peppertree
bisabolene
bloodroot
benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
bindweed
black poplar
Bletilla
barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
babassu
black root
bittersweet
Calochortus
comfrey
candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
cattail
columbine
cornflower
common thatching grass
common zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
cranesbill
Chinese thoroughwax
carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
castile soap
Chiococca alba
cocklebur
copaiba oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
dragon\'s blood
devil\'s club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
deerbrush
Erigeron
elephant vine
European hazel
English elm
emu oil
elkweed
Eupatorium
elemi
fiesta flower
figwort
Formosan sweet-gum
fleabane
fireweed
fir
four-leaved grass
Gleditsia
Glycerite
glyceryl monolaurate
Gumweed
Gambir
Genipa americana
golden ragwort
Golden Willow
Heliopsis
hartstongue
hound\'s tongue
henna
hairy arnica
Immortelle
Jewelweed
jojoba oil
Jessica\'s sticktight
Kochia
Kelloggii's Monkey-flower
lacquertree
lac resin
Lygodium
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Labdanum
Mountain bluebells
Mountain horopito
Monardella odoratissima
Mountain mahogany
Mahonia
Microtea debilis
Marking Nut Tree
Manchurian thorn
Oak
Ocotillo
purple Tephrosia
Psacalium peltatum
Purple Avens
Povidone
Pepper Bark Tree
Plumeria lancifolia
proteolytic enzymes
peacock\'s tail
Pink Root
Pellitory
Panthenol
Plumbago zeylanica
Peroxidase
Pacific madrone
Potentilla
Quebracho
Queen's Delight
Rupturewort
red alder
red soapwort
Rhus coraria
rubber rabbitbrush
red spiderling
Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Sargentodoxa
Silverweed
Soft rush
Smooth Alder
Sangre de Grado
Snakeroot
Southernwood
Spiraea
Siberian Elm
Soapberry
Sapindus mukorossi
Storax
Stone Root
Teucrium marum
Trumpet Vine
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Tridax
Triplaris peruviana
Tansy
Toadflax
Tea Tree Oil
Tynanthus elegans
White Dead Nettle Flower
White Heather
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Wild Daisy
Woodwardia
White Poplar
Weak Jumby Pepper
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by Tolu Balsam
AbrasionsBites and Stings
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Lesions
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores