Myroxylon Pereirae

Klotzsch Balsam of Peru (E); Balsamo (S); Paila (Cu); Pidoquera (Ch); Tache (C) . The gum, regarded as stomachic and expectorant, is used in ointments and perfumes, and to treat ashtma, catarrh, rheumatism, and venereal diseases. The tree yields a good lumber, some exported to the United States. Seeds are used to flavor aguardiente in Guatemala. Grated bark is used to treat the umbilical scars of the Colombian Choco, and to treat female hemorrhages. Panama Choco use the aromatic bark as an underarm deodorant (!). Perhaps this is the Cuna paila or Panama palo santo, an aromatic wood used to make necklaces and toilet water, rubbed over the foreheat to treat headache. The seed is mixed with various black dyes to stabilize them.