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A herbal way of treating diseases and wounds in Peru is by using the balsam of Peru. The balsam of Peru is a large, beautiful tree found in the forests of San Salvado in Central America. The tree contains medicinal value and therefore is used to treat external wounds and infections, burns, bedsores, frostbite, leg ulcers, bruises and hemorrhoids. It is also very useful in treating scabies and skin diseases.
The balsam is an effective antiseptic expectorant. It can be used to stimulate the heart and increase blood pressure. Taken as an internal medicine the balsam reduces mucous secretions and helps in various cases like bronchorrhoea, chronic bronchitis and asthma. Peru's balsam can be used independently or as an ointment.
The balsam of Peru is a resin that is extracted from the balsam tree. It contains a colorless liquid which is oily and has a typical aroma, cinnamein, dark resin peruviol, vanillin and cinnamic acid. The antiseptic nature of balsam helps it to fight bacteria and kill parasites. Balsam in Peru is used as a herbal medicine to treat bronchitis, cold, cough, fever, sore throat, infections, wounds and burns. When used externally, balsam of Peru should not be applied for more than a week. The preparations should contain no more than 20% balsam. The dosage for internal use consists of 500 milligrams every day.
Usage of balsam as a medicine requires a few cautions. Taken in more than required quantities, the balsam of Peru can cause damage to the kidneys. External side effects include skin reactions and allergies. The balsam makes the body very sensitive to sunlight and therefore exposure to sun has to be reduced while using balsam. Used mostly as a stimulant, the balsam is warm and soothing and is specially used for rheumatism and chronic coughs.
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