The Secrets of the Garden
History and Nature in Bellavista
Balsam tree
The Balsam tree (Myroxylon balsamum) produces a resin known as black balsam or Peru balsam, which has been used since pre-Columbian times for various religious, medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
A resin is extracted from the tree that produces an incense with a sweet and spicy aroma; it is also used to create a sacred or meditative atmosphere. In traditional medicine, it has been used for various health problems such as rheumatism, coughs, digestive problems, as an anthelmintic (to eradicate parasites), expectorant, and healing. It is also used in the manufacture of soaps, varnishes, ointments, flavoring, deodorants, cosmetics, perfumes, and incense.