Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Balsam, derived from various resinous plants such as Balsamum or Balsam of Peru, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In several folk medicine systems, balsam was applied for its purported warming, stimulant, and expectorant properties, which may have included addressing symptoms like chills, often as part of broader cold or flu treatments. The rationale was that balsam's warming nature could help "drive out" coldness from the body, a concept common in traditional humoral medicine and herbalism. However, there is no robust scientific evidence to support the use of balsam specifically for treating chills. Modern clinical research has not validated its efficacy for this symptom, and no pharmacological studies directly link balsam with relief from chills or shivering. Its traditional use likely stems from general warming or stimulating effects attributed to aromatic resins, rather than any demonstrated ability to treat chills per se. Therefore, while its application is rooted in historical practice, the evidence supporting balsam's use for chills is weak and not substantiated by scientific research.

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