The Balsam of Peru is a lanky, 15 to 20-metre-tall tree covered with a greyish bark, found in San Salvador, Colombia and in Venezuela that was once traded through Peru (hence its name). Today, the main exporter is Salvador, where the tree grows at altitudes of 600 to 1,500 metres, especially in the country’s southwestern mountain chain, Cordillera del Balsamo. The Balsam of Peru is the thick brown resin collected from its upper trunks by hand in a very acrobatic fashion, according to tradition. In perfumery, the Balsam of Peru is used as a bottom note for its hot, smoky, woody and vanilla fragrance. It is found in powdery Eastern fragrances and has a warm, mild and bewitching scent that inspires travel.

The Balsam of Peru essential oil is used in arotmatherapy to help relieve colds and cough.

Directions:

Topical (adults): Mix 1 drop in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vegetable oil; apply locally 3 times aday. Inhalation (Adults): Apply 1 to 6 drops of undiluted essential oil onto a handkerchief and inhale occasionally, up to 3 times a day.

Warning:

FOR EXTERNAL AND OCCASIONAL USE ONLY. DO NOT TAKE ORALLY. DO NOT USE ESSENTIAL OILS UNDILUTED. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek urgent medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; if this happens, rinse thoroughly with vegetable oil. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have epilepsy or asthma, consult a health care practitioner prior to use. May cause allergic reaction (e.g. skin rashes, irritation, dermatitis, irritation of the respiratory tract); in which case, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner. If nausea, dizziness, headache or allergic reactions occur, discontinue use. If you have a history of eczema, abnormal skin reactions, or a tendency to develop allergic reactions, do not use this product. Not for use on inflamed, broken, irritated or sensitive skin or if suffering from dermatitis. Avoid exposing treated area to sunlight. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen or persist.