Tolu (Balsam)
Botanical Name: Myroxylon balsamum
Common Names and Synonyms: Balsam of Tolu, Balsam Tree, Balsam
of Peru
Background: Native to Central America, the leaves and fruits
of this slender and straight tree have been used by the indigenous tribes
of Mexico and Central America in the treatment of asthma, catarrh, rheumatism,
and external wounds. The sap, or balsam, comes mainly from large trees
which grow along the coast of El Salvador, and not Peru, although
it received the name "Peru," from the 16th century Spaniards
who shipped the resin to Europe from both the Callao and Lima shipping
ports in Peru. The sap is extracted by tapping, similar to the tapping
of rubber trees. The resin has a fragrance of cinnamon when freshly
harvested; the aged resin has the fragrance of vanilla and is highly prized.
The finest scent is extracted from the small white flowers. The "white
balsam" from the fruit also has a pleasing scent and is used in hair tonics
and soaps. Balsam of Peru has been included in the US Pharmacopeia since
1820, being used for bronchitis, laryngitis, dysmenorrhea, diarrhea, dysentary
and leucorrhea. Herbalists use balsam of tolu as an expectorant
in cough syrups or tinctures. It is thought to work mainly with the
mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.
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Tolu in the Cayce Readings
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Edgar Cayce recommended tolu in various forms, such as balsam (resin) for
use in formulas to be taken internally, powder for use on skin disorders,
and as a tincture in mixtures for fume baths. Taken internally, the
balsam of tolu was described as a blood clarifier and systemic cleanser.
-
Tolu was typically recommended with other substances in a compound. Although
a wide diversity of formulas were given, the most common substances
mentioned in the same readings with tolu were as follows:
| Wild Cherry |
214 readings |
| Yellow Dock |
209 readings |
| Sarsaparilla |
203 readings |
| Burdock Root |
133 readings |
| Elder Flower |
131 readings |
| Calisaya |
122 readings |
| Buchu Leaves |
114 readings |
| Eucalyptus |
103 readings |
| Sassafras |
98 readings |
| Mandrake |
97 readings |
Cayce Quotes on Tolu
5664-1
The alcohol a stimuli and carrier, as is the Tolu for the digestive
system.
1019-1
These, in combination with the QUANTITY of the alcohol as a preservative,
with the activity of the Balsam of Tolu in same, will make for activities
of a general stimulation.
3724-1
... those to function of the organs of the Pelvis from the Elder Flower
and the Balsam of Tolu with its action on those organs.
4650-1
... the stimulus and the effect to reduce the kidney action is given
in the Buchu and the active principle of the alcohol with the Tolu, see.
643-1
The alcohol with the tolu; the one is a preservative,
the other an active principle to make the whole compound more palatable
- and yet specific in its activity.
4815-1
... the stimulus, and the forces of the alcohol and balsam to give
the preservative within the system or its action to those organs necessary
to receive the vibration. [Sedimentary] forces created by the balsam
in the secretions in the system proper.
5536-1
The Balsam as that of a clarifier of the blood,
separating in its activity that portion which COMES to be in the system
the ability to form the differentiation between white and red blood; while
with the REST of the reaction of the Balsam and the Turp will act directly
with the portions of kidneys that will AID the respiratory system as in
reference TO the action of the lymphatic circulation and the hepatic circulation
...
3291-1
When the irritation over the body becomes very serious,
dust with powder carrying Balsam of Tolu in same. This will keep
down irritation.
1958-3
(Q) Would having fumes of some kind in the room help? If
so, what kind?
(A) The fumes of Turpentine and Balsam of Tolu from a croup cup
in the room would be helpful for the mucous membranes causing the cough.
For, this arises from that known as Whooping Cough, - or is a glandular
affection of the throat and stomach.
That to be warned against the most is the swallowing
of the phlegm, or infection, that might find lodgment or produce the germ
of colitis, or a colon affection.
1005-6
(Q) Any local application for the itching?
(A) There may be added for that where the irritation becomes
severe, those of Magnesia, Chalk and Tolu. This would be rubbed on.
The tolu is, of course, that as is powdered.
(Q) Should this be prepared in equal parts?
(A) It's compounded, you see, here. Powers & Whitman;
also Parke Davis; also those of many of the others make such a preparation.
Chalk and Balsam, see? Like they use for babies!
984-2
(Q) What causes the breaking out of pimples on the face?
What outside application will help?
(A) Those as indicated for the purifying of the bloodstream.
Local applications are rather hindrances than helpful things; though, of
course, any astringent that will carry in same Balsam of Tolu would be
relieving to the burning sensation.
528-1
And when using the powder for face (as blotches
on face), only use the pure talcum with stearate and balsam of tolu in
same; that is, the balsam and stearate and PURE talcum AS a powder.
None of those that have been highly scented with other ingredients.
437-7
Also we find that to dust on irritated portions
a powder that carries Balsam of Tolu will be most helpful. The Stearate
of Zinc with Balsam.
1641-2
... the activities of the eucalyptus and the activity from the Tolu
are to clarify or purify the lung tissue itself.
480-17
Also as an effective reaction to prevent the irritation,
we would STEAM those portions of the puba and the buttocks with a basin
of hot water in which there would be put - to two gallons of water almost
boiling - a tablespoonful of Essence of the Tincture of Tolu, or Essence
of Tolu, with the same quantity of Compound Tincture of Benzoin.
This should be done about once or twice in two or three days. Remain
over same, stooping over same, with those portions of the body exposed
- over the steam - for fifteen to twenty to thirty minutes.
304-46
Also we would find it most helpful to keep the Mullein
Stupes but in between bathe off the portions with a tuft of cotton and
Tolu Solution, so as to heal and to make for assisting the circulation
to absorb and not cause so much irritation.
219-3
Well were the body to use before each period, also,
those of the steam or sitz baths from that of hot water - VERY hot - two
gallons - and in same place at least half a teaspoonful of Tincture of
Myrrh and half a teaspoonful of Tolu in solution. This to steam exposed
portions of the system where the troubles have occurred.
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