balsam (redirected from Balsams)

balsam /bal·sam/ (bawl´sam)

1. a semifluid, resinous, and fragrant liquid of vegetable origin, usually trees; often composed chiefly of resins, volatile oils, and various esters.balsam´ic

2. balm.

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Canada balsam  an oleoresin from the balsam fir, used as a microscopic mounting medium.

balsam of Peru , peruvian balsam a thick brown liquid from the tree Myroxylon pereirae, used as a local protectant and rubefacient.

tolu balsam  a balsam obtained from the tree Myrotoxylon balsamum, used as an expectorant and pharmaceutic aid.

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balsam

[bôl′səm]

Etymology: Gk, balsamon

1 any of a variety of resinous saps, generally from evergreens, usually containing benzoic or cinnamic acid. Balsam is sometimes used in rectal suppositories and dermatologic agents as a counterirritant.

2 See balm.

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tincture [tingk´chur]

an alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution prepared from vegetable drugs or chemical substances.

compound benzoin tincture a mixture of benzoin and several other ingredients in alcohol, used as a topical skin protectant.

iodine tincture a preparation of iodine and sodium iodide in diluted alcohol, used as a topical antiinfective.

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balsam

a semifluid, fragrant, resinous, vegetable juice. Balsams are resins combined with oils, used in various preparations to treat irritated or denuded areas of the skin and mucous membranes. Stains from these preparations are extremely difficult to remove. Friar's balsam, called also compound benzoin tincture, is used as a topical protectant. Balsam of Peru, or Peruvian balsam, is used as a local protectant and rubefacient. Tolu balsam is used as an ingredient in compound benzoin and as an expectorant.

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balsam traumatic

see friar's balsam.