Swedish balsam, Jerusalem balsam, and Persian balsam are examples of which tincture?

• A. Compound benzoin tincture
• B. Menthol tincture
• C. Garlic tincture
• D. Compound tincture of benzoinated

Answer: (A)

These balsams are forms of a resinous tincture made from benzoin. Swedish balsam, Jerusalem balsam, and Persian balsam refer to traditional names for the compound tincture of benzoin, a hydroalcoholic solution in which benzoin resin is dissolved to form a sticky, amber film that dries to a protective coating on skin or mucosa. This type of tincture is specifically the benzoin tincture used as a protective astringent film, which is why it’s the best match. Menthol tincture would be menthol in alcohol for cooling and local anesthetic effects, garlic tincture is garlic extract in alcohol with antimicrobial properties, and a benzoinated tincture would imply a different preparation involving benzoin used to benzoinate another substance, not the standard benzoin tincture referred to by these balsam names.