Turnera Diffusa (Turnera diffusa)

Turnera Diffusa (Turnera diffusa) is a member of the Rutaceae family, native to South America, Central America, and North America. Traditionally, its leaves, resin, and bark have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Turnera Diffusa (Turnera diffusa) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Turnera Diffusa (Turnera diffusa) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Turnera Diffusa
Scientific Name	Turnera diffusa
Plant Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Turnera
Species	diffusa
Native Range	South America, Central America, North America
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Resin, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Turnera diffusa
Common Name: Turnera Diffusa
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Peru Balsam, Peru Balm, Balsam Tree
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Turnera

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemose with yellow flowers having five petals and five sepals, actinomorphic symmetry, and a prominent white central stamen cluster.
Stems: Elongated, cylindrical stems with opposite branching, hairy surfaces, and persistent stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a calming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a moderate tonic, in whole-system applications.
Bitter: Traditionally described as a mild bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a cooling carminative, for digestive process support.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.
Extract: Extracts are created by dissolving plant material in a suitable non-alcoholic medium.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.