Balsamum Peruvianum

Balsam of Peru. Myroxylon Pereiræ. N. O. Leguminosæ. Tincture of the balsam that flows from the stems.

Clinical

Bronchitis / Catarrh / Cracks / Epistaxis / Hectic / Itch / Phthisis / Ulcers

Characteristics

Peruvian Balsam has been chiefly used empirically in catarrhal phthisis or bronchial catarrh with copious purulent expectoration. Sputa thick, creamy, yellowish white; loud râles, night sweats, hectic. Hale has used it with success in "chronic, purulent, fetid anterior or posterior nasal catarrh, with or without ulceration." He says that a cerate of the Balsam is the best application next to Glycerole of Aloes for indolent ulcers, cracked nipples, cracks in fingers and palmer surfaces of hands, or fissured and chapped lips. The Balsam is also used externally for killing the acarus of itch. All parts affected are gently rubbed with it at night and a bath taken in the morning. A single application is sufficient. It has been proved by Lembke.

5. Nose

Bleeding from r. nostril without coryza, or sneezing, or blowing nose; repeated at 7 p.m. Profuse thick discharge from nose, whether chronic or otherwise. Ozæna with ulceration.

9. Throat

Continued scraping of fauces.

11. Stomach

Vomiting of food and mucus; catarrh of stomach. Mucous diarrhœa, &c.

13. Stool

Copious liquid stool, painless. Passage of blood with normal stool (does not have piles).

14. Urinary Organs

Sticking and cutting in urethra. Urination more frequent and copious. Urine scanty, with mucous sediment; catarrh of bladder.

17. Respiratory Organs

Scraping in larynx in forenoon; dry cough.

18. Chest

Cough, mucous and purulent expectoration. Phthisis of mucous type; vomica in lungs.

22. Upper Limbs

Oppressive pain in r. wrist.

23. Lower Limbs

Severe pain in l. tibia. Boring in r. tibia.

24. Generalities

Debility; rhagades of nipples and fingers.