Balsami

Balsami are aromatic resins or balm-like substances derived from plants, traditionally valued for their fragrance, medicinal properties, and use in perfumery, flavorings, and pharmacy. In Italian, the term balsami denotes several resinous exudates obtained or processed for commercial use, often collected by tapping trees or scraping bark. They are typically solid or viscous substances rich in essential oils and complex resins.

Common balsami include benzoin resin (balsamo di benzoe) from Styrax species, used as a fragrance fixative and in traditional medicine; balsam of Peru (balsamo del Peru) from Myroxylon balsamum, a complex resin employed in perfumery and flavorings with notable allergenic potential; balsam of Tolu (balsamo di tolu) from Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae, used as a base resin in perfumes; storax or sweet storax (balsamo di storace) from Liquidambar styraciflua, used in incense and as a fragrance ingredient; and copaiba balsam (balsamo di copaiba) from Copaifera species, used in varnishes and pharmacology.

Uses and properties: balsami contribute fragrance, fixative properties, and sometimes flavor to perfumes, cosmetics, and medicinal products. They are also employed as base resins in varnishes and as incense ingredients. Their compositions vary, but many contain benzoic or cinnamic compounds and resinous constituents that influence scent and longevity.

Safety and regulation: some balsami are potent sensitizers; balsam of Peru and benzoin can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. For this reason, labeling and regulatory restrictions on fragrance ingredients exist in many regions.

See also: balsam, resin, perfumery, incense, aromatics.