What is "tolu balsam"

n. aromatic yellowish brown balsam from the tolu balsam tree used especially in cough syrups [syn: tolu, balsam of tolu]

Myroxylon balsamum]]

Tolu balsam is a recent (non-fossil) resin that originates from South America (Colombia, Peru, Venezuela), similar to Balsam of Peru.

It is tapped from the living trunks of Myroxylon balsamum (see Myroxylon). It is a brownish, sticky, semisolid mass. An essential oil is also distilled from the balsam. The balsam contains a fairly large amount of benzyl and cinnamyl esters of benzoic and cinnamic acid ( benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate).

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