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Botanical Name: Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms

Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae).

Synonyms: Myroxylon toluiferum Kunth; Myroxylon balsamum var. balsamum ; Balsam of Peru, Peruvian balsam, Black balsam.

Origin: Native to Central America, but growing in a very limited area and production mainly takes place in San Salvador, but also Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico.

Botanical Description: A large tropical tree up to 20-meters (66 ft) high, with a very smooth straight trunk. Has very fragrant flowers and beautiful foliage. The balsam is collected from the bark exudates in the form of a dark brown or amber semi-solid mass. The balsam is an oleoresin containing 25-30% resinous material and 60-65% essential oil.

Oil Extraction: The resin-free essential oil is obtained from the crude balsam by high vacuum dry distillation. The oil can also be co-distilled from the resin using solvents. The oil is a pale amber to reddish-brown slightly viscous liquid.

Aroma Profile: Has a balsamic rich deeply sweet top note. Body note is slightly spicy and vanillin-sweet. Very tenacious.

Major Constituents: Benzyl cinnamate, benzyl benzoate, nerolidol.

Adulterants: Benzyl alcohol.

Regulatory Status: GRAS 182.20.

Aromatherapy: Exotic, anchoring, strengthening.

Blends well with: Patchouli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang, also oriental bases.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Possible contact allergen.

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