ON MEDICINAL ROLE OF COPAHU BALSAN

Originally considered in Europe as a panacea, and later as the anti-go norrhoea remedy by excellence, Copahu balsam was forgotten after the d iscovery of penicillin. It is, however, still part of the traditional materia medica that has remained in use in Amazonia and French Guiana. After describing its different uses, the author will stress the skin- healing effects of this balsam, particularly for the healing cutaneous abscesses due to American leishmaniosis among the Aluku (French Guian a).