PRODUCT NO.: 1-0060 GCC: DS-VR-GP
COMMON NAME: Tolu Balsam, Thomas Balsam, Opobalsam
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Myroxylon balsamum, Toluifera balsamum, Balsamum tolutanum, Balsamum americanum, Myrosperum toluiferum, Myroxylon toluifera
FAMILY NAME: Fabacae (Leguminosae, Pea)
INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Tropical America
COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, West Indies
HISTORY INFORMATION: Since the 1500's, Tolu Balsam was used as a cough medicine to promote expectoration. In WWII, Japanese troops were issued bandages soaked in tolu to prevent tetanus. The wood is used to make furniture and resembles mahogany. Tolu also used as a fixative in perfumes, colognes and cosmetics. It can also be found in some baked goods, soft drinks and cough syrups. Its high cinnamic acid content makes it a good fixative.
GENERAL INFORMATION: This is a true balsam, which is extracted pathologically. The tree is usually beaten around the trunk, V-shaped incisions are made into the trunk and the resulting resin (produced to heal the tree) is collected. There is a steam distilled product that is an essential oil and it is not as rich in scent. The dry distillation produces a product that solidifies when cooled and it has a much richer scent. Tolu Balsam is an essential oil, but it is solid at room temperature. To use this oil, it must be thinned or heated so that it becomes liquid.
DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A tall, graceful tropical tree that branches at 45 feet, growing to 120 feet with glossy, dark green, oblong leaves covered in oil glands bearing small white flowers producing winged, fruited beans.
PARTS PROCESSED: Pathological extraction of tree resin. Wood chips.
PROCESSING METHODS: Crude balsam dry distilled. Steam distilled wood.
COLOR RANGE: Pale yellow brown. Amber.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Ester. Cinnamic acid (increases as dries), benzoic acid,terpenes,eugenol,vanillin,farnesol
YIN\YANG: Yin
PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antitussive, anticatarrah, antiseptic, balsamic, expectorant, stimulant, urinary antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. Used especially with the respiratory system for bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, croup, laryngitis. Also used for chronic urinary inflammation.
MENTAL USES: I can find my way in life. I know my mission and I am doing it.
EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling disconnected, unsupported, alone TO feeling part of a working whole, feeling good about what you do, your contribution is valued.
SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have been through some very trying experiences. You have done a good job working through them. Now it is time to connect with yourself and life on a higher level. Tolu Balsam will help you get in touch with your spiritual teachers or guides. It is time to connect with your soul at a higher level, and be more in tune with your higher guidance.
APPLICATIONS: Bath with carrier oil, massage, mist spray.
WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, skin sensitizer.
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Contact Gritman Essential Oils at:
info@gritman.com
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