Peru Balsam
Special Precautions of Peru Balsam
Balsam of Peru and its essential oil have a major issue of allergy. This resin is one of the most allergic substances in nature. It has been classified among the top five allergens to be found in allergy patch test. This shows that many people who are vulnerable to allergies can be susceptible to this ingredient. An allergic reaction to Peru Balsam essential oil usually shows up as contact dermatitis. However, it can lead to severe inflammation of the lips, mouth or tongue. Blisters may pop up and they may be quite painful. It can lead to rhinitis with symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and even hives. Therefore, one should always perform a patch test before using Balsam Peru essential oil. There is not much information on the safe dosage and interactions of this essential oil.
Health Benefits and uses of Peru Balsam
- Bronchitis and Respiratory Conditions : Balsam of Peru essential oil is incredibly helpful in respiratory conditions in which there is productive cough. It acts as an expectorant and helps the lungs expel all the attached phlegm. This clears the airway from congestion and provides relieved breathing. In this way, it helps in cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia and other conditions which overproduce phlegm. For these conditions, add 3 – 4 drops of Peru Balsam essential oil in a vaporizer and let its aroma diffuse in the air all around. Its sweet cinnamon like aroma helps one to breathe easily and congestion is reduced. After a few minutes, do a warm salt water gargle as a home remedy to loosen the phlegm. This procedure also reduces inflammation in the nose and throat. Because of its antibacterial activity, it kills some species of bacteria in the air, especially when mixed with other antibacterial essential oils like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil.
- Sore Muscles : Add about 2 – 3 drops of Peru balsam essential oil in about 100 ml of carrier oil. Massage the painful muscles with this oil combination. It reduces inflammation within the cramped muscle and provides relief from soreness in a few hours. Apply this home remedy 2 times a day.
- Stress : The aroma of Peru Balsam essential oil is soothing to the senses. Its aroma can lower your stress after a tiring day at work or help to reduce stress due to some stressful situation. One can inhale its aroma by diffusing it in a diffuser or oil burner, or one can add a few drops to a bath. Either way it reduces stress and mental exhaustion.
- Scabies : Balsam of Peru essential oil is used to treat scabies, a skin condition caused by scabies mites. These are microscopic mites that burrow into the skin and lead to rashes. This skin condition can be relieved by applying balsam of peru oil in low dilution. Add 2 – 3 drops of this essential oil to extra virgin olive oil and massage it on the skin. Apply it specially on places where one can see the burrows of these mites. With regular application, one would witness and improvement in the symptoms of scabies. In a similar manner, it can be applied to get relief from eczema lesions.
- Skin : Balsam of Peru essential oil is also used for many skin conditions. Dilute it by about 50 times in a carrier oil and apply as a massage on the skin. It is used to heal broken, damaged skin which is seen in many skin conditions. It is helpful in skin rashes and chapped skin.
- Treats Dandruff : Adding just 2-3 drops of balsam of Peru essential oil to a glass of water makes it a nice home remedy for dandruff. It scrubs off dead skin cells from the scalp and cleanses it. This alleviates dandruff. Use this home remedy once every week.
