title: Basics of compounding with balsams.
abstract: Balsams have been used in pharmacy for centuries for many different purposes. Balsams include benzoin, Peruvian balsam, storax, and tolu balsam. Balsams are aromatic and usually oily resinous substances flowing from various plants and generally containing some amount of benzoic or cinnamic acid. Historically, they have been used orally and topically in various formulations. Today, their primary use is topically in solutions, ointments, creams, and lotions. Today, the most common use would be in diaper ointments and to treat various skin disorders. Pharmacists are still called upon to compound various preparations using balsams.
authors.affiliation: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, Edmond, OK 73034, USA. lallen@ijpc.com
authors.forename: Loyd V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Allen
mesh_terms: D001453:Balsams; D001573:Benzoin; D004339:Drug Compounding; D031317:Liquidambar
chemical_list: D001453:Balsams; C025080:Peruvian balsam; D001573:Benzoin; C030213:Tolu balsam