Tolu balsam (Myroxylon balsamum) trees grow in the northern part of South America. Primarily Colombia. Supposedly, the best tolu trees grow in the lower delta of the Magdalena River near the city of Santiago de Tolu.

A member of the Fabaceae family, the same as the Peruvian balsam tree, the tolu tree can grow its straight trunk up to 40 feet high. All parts of the tree have an aromatic fragrance and the balsam discharges from V-shaped cuts in the bark and is collected in containers.

The balsam is soft and can be kneaded easily. It can contain small crystals and it hardens over time to to a dark or reddish-brown color. It has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments including coughs, headaches, gout and various stomach ailments.

It combines the smell of vanilla, cinnamon and (oddly) fresh mown grass due to vanillin, cinnamon acid and coumarin in the resin. It is a calming and relaxing scent when burned and lends an air of harmony as well. It is a great resin to burn just before sleep to calm your busy mind and to prepare for a good nights sleep.

It works well when blended with tangy ingredients in an incense mixture as it softens them and enriches them as well.

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