Sat on pharmacy shelves for hundreds of years, Friars Balsam has certainly earned itself a reputation as one of those old school treatment remedies that is actually quite effective.
A dark sticky, tar-like substance that has a clean smell with an oddly warm, medicinal aroma that evokes images of grandparents and chairs filled with steam bowls.
However, more than nostalgia, this mixture of medicines has its everyday useful applications from unclogging runny noses to repressive veil skin to coating bandages.
In this piece, I examine what Friars Balsam is all about, how users make use of it, the literature, and where the boundaries of reasonable self-medicating practice should be.
What is Friars Balsam
Friars Balsam is a mixture of benzoin tincture- that is, benzoin resin and other aromatic compounds dissolved into alcohol;
It has in the standard British Pharmacopia, benzoin, storax, tolu balsam and aloe.
The result combined all of these to produce a thick, amber-to-dark-brownish liquid with a very strong vanilla and cinnamon aroma.
Alternatively, you may find it sold as “compound tincture of benzoin” or, where available it may be sold as just benzoin tincture (this plain version is not brought to you with the extra ingredients).
Origins and history The term Friars Balsam dates to the 18 th century—legend attributes an early version to crusading Portuguese friar, Bernardus, during the age of chivalry.
It became popular in medicine throughout Europe it was possible being used to treat respiratory problems, skin complaints, wounds and abrasions.
By the 19 th Century it had become a common household drug found in the pharmacy at least in Britain and the rest of the Commonwealth and even featured in their pharmacopoeia.
But its long history isn’t just a nice piece of trivia—more importantly it shows the real clinical usefulness that has been known to generations of clinicians.
How it Works: Properties and action The active constituents in Friars Balsam work by several different mechanisms:
The mild antiseptic action of the benzoin resin is derived from the benzoic acid released from it.
On application to skin the alcohol quickly evaporates, leaving a tacky, protective resin layer on the skin.
Transformed into steams on inhalation the aroma constituents exhibited mild expectorant properties and was soothing to irritated mucous membranes.
The net effect is not one of aggressive pharmacology but of local protection, modest anti-microbial coverage and symptom relief–all required in many simple complaints.
Modern Uses of Friars Balsam
However, even after 200 years it has not disappeared without a trace;
It is still sold directly to consumers in many countries and has a number of practical uses at home and in clinical situations.
For Steam Inhalant Cold and sinus congestion The traditional application is inhalation of steam.
The aromatic vapour can also be of some benefit by relaxing mucus, relieving congestion, and temporarily alleviating the feeling of being blocked up that often accompanies a cold or sinusitis.
Be cautious with young children under 12 and asthmatics. The vapour is highly concentrated and can irritate the airways in some cases, rather than relieving.
- As a topical antiseptic, skin protectant (applied directly to cuts, abrasions, dry or cracked skin)¬ as the alcohol carrier evaporates%, it deposits a thin resinous film.
Is also used on chapped lips, abraded heels, and points of rapid wear.
That initial sting is real, but short – and many people regard it as reassurance that something is actually happening.
As an adhesion promoter for dressings and tapefs Podiatrists (and sports medicine clinicians) have been applying Friars Balsam to enhance tape adhesion on skins for many years.
Tried to the skin before strapping, produces a tacky base that greatly prolongs the adhesion of athletic tape or wound dressings – through sweating or activity.
Probably its most specialised modern use, and this certainly works well.
Literature, Efficacy and Limitations
What research and clinical experience point to Rigorous clinical trials, exclusively devoted to research on Friars Balsam, are lacking.
Nevertheless, its individual constituents – specifically the benzoic acid and aromatic resins – have have known antimicrobial and film-forming effects.
In the UK, the following has been further indicated by regulators that compound benzoin tincture continues to be approved as a pharmacy only product for skin protection and inhalation use [53].
Empirical support for its function as an adhesive additive in sports medicine favor its popularity in this context, though, there are some clinical skills.
Myths, home cures and misconceptions There are a few websites that promote Balsam as a cure for (or remedy for) fungal infections, acne, and a range of major lung maladies.
Those assertion are not supported with credible evidence.
It’s a relieving medicine—not a cure. for anything serious.
It’s not safe to drink it – the alcohol and resin it contains are dangerous if taken internally.
Possible reactions and contraindications for use: Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common reaction—especially in those sensitive to perfumes and Peru balsam.
The ability to be sensitive to the respiratory system occurs in some on inhaling.
Since it is alcohol based, the product is flammable therefore keep away from heat.
Any individual with known resin allergy, asthmatic conditions or broken skin over a large part of the body should seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor before using.
Practical tips Keep Friars Balsam in a cool, dark area.Store with the lid securely on.
Keep the water hot enough that the vapour is given off, but not boiling (super heated steam can burn the airways).
Never use near eyes or on deep wounds.
Make sure the product has dried completely when used as a skin protectant, before covering with tape or a dressing.
What to select and how to use friars balsam in the present time and context: The category and features of products: The main point is to differentiate between vanilla compound benzoin and Benzoin Causae which are just plain tincture of Benzoin.
The compound version has the full traditional formula. The plain version is plain benzoin (a type of chemical) in alcohol.
The following oil formulation is usually suitable for protection against inhalation and skin protection.
Here’s the product labeling, look for how concentrated it is and if indicated, what the active ingredients are. Good pharmacy brands will state the active ingredients clearly.
When should a doctor be seen instead of self-medicating Friars Balsam is suitable for simple, self-limiting conditions.
Require assessment if congestion persists for more than ten days, if wounds display signs of infection, or if there is an increase in skin response after application.
Serves effectively in conjunction with appropriate self-care- rather than substitute in for consultation with medical practitioner when symptoms are abnormal or long term: