Suppression
Friar’s Balsam
Category: Medicines - non plant based
Type
Voluntary
Introduction and description
Friar's Balsam contains Cape aloes and storax (liquidambar resin) along with Benzoin resin - a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. It was invented by Dr Joshua Ward around 1760.
It was and is used as an inhalant. It is inhaled in steam as a treatment for various conditions including bronchitis and colds. It is also used for a variety of nose problems including sinusitis, as its bacterial action helps to fight the bacterial infection.
For more details on all the possible effects and observations please turn to the constituent descriptions: