Peru Balm, distilled

Peru balm does not come from Peru. The tree is native to Central America. The name dates from the colonial trade, when the balsam was shipped to Europe through Peruvian ports. It is a variety of the same species that gives Tolu balm.

01 · Origin

Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae is a tall tree of the legume family, Fabaceae. The balsam is a dark, viscous exudate collected from the trunk of wild trees. This oil is distilled from that resin in France.

02 · Process

Crude Peru balsam is thick and resinous, and difficult to work in a formula. Distillation separates the volatile fraction from the heavy resin. Benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate lead, the pair historically known as cinnamein. Benzoic and cinnamic acids follow. The result is a pourable oil.

03 · In Practice

Sweet, warm and balsamic, with vanilla-like and cinnamic tones. A base note and fixative in natural perfumery. Used at low concentration in massage blends, bath preparations and diffusion. Comparative work beside Tolu Balm (No. 2890) shows the two varieties of one species side by side. Blends with benzoin, vanilla, sandalwood, rose, ylang ylang and frankincense.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.