Canada balsam
Scientific names: Abies balsamea, Pinus balsamea
Family: Pinaceae
Alternate names: Balm of Gilead, Balsam Canada, Balsam Fir, Balsam Fir Canada, Balsam of Fir, Bálsamo de Canadá, Baume de Galaad, Baume de Galahad, Baume de Gilead, Baume du Canada, Canada Turpentine, Eastern Fir, Fir Balsam, Gomme de Sapin, Résine du Sapin Baumier, Térébenthine, Térébenthine du Canada
Actions: Antibacterial activity, Antitumor activity, Endodontic procedure use
Background
Canada balsam is a plant. People use it for medicine.
People use Canada balsam for burns, sores, cold symptoms, pain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Canada balsam is also used as a food additive, in manufacturing, and in dentistry.
People use Canada balsam for burns, sores, cold symptoms, pain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Canada balsam is also used as a food additive, in manufacturing, and in dentistry.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Canada balsam is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. Canada balsam needles and twigs are considered safe for making food flavoring. However, there isn't enough information to know if Canada balsam is safe when taken by mouth in amounts greater than those typically found in foods.
When applied to the skin: Canada balsam is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin. There aren't any known harmful side effects of Canada balsam, but it hasn't been well researched by scientists.
When applied to the skin: Canada balsam is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin. There aren't any known harmful side effects of Canada balsam, but it hasn't been well researched by scientists.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Canada balsam is safe to use in medicinal amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with food amounts.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Hemorrhoids.
- Burns.
- Sores.
- Cuts.
- Tumors.
- Chest pains.
- Cancer.
- Inflammation.
- Use in dental products.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of Canada balsam for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Canada balsam. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Canada Balsam interacts with any medicines. Before taking Canada Balsam, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Canada balsam contains chemicals that kill some types of bacteria and cancer cells.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 15/01/2021 23:14:28 and last updated on 05/01/2015 19:12:54. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
