Yellow Balsam

Croton flavens has many reported uses. Its aromatic sap has been distilled for scented toiletries, and its leaves used for scrubbing dishes to remove odors or crushed to use as an insect repellent. As traditional medicine, Croton flavens has been used to treat sore throat, earaches, leg aches, menstrual cramps, postpartum pain, pneumonia, and cholera. It has also been used to relieve pain and prevent swelling from wasp and bee stings, and to treat infected cuts and sores. Additionally, Croton flavens has been used as an herbal abortifacient. In Montserrat, locals have crushed and smoked Croton flavens to relieve congestion or like a tobacco product. In Curaçao, locals have crushed and chewed it like a tobacco product or used it to make tea. A research study in 1983 suggested that the chewing or drinking of the Croton flavens may be linked to increased rates of esophageal cancer in Curaçao. Local insects utilize Croton flavens as well. The plant provides pollen and nectar to bees and butterflies such as the tropical leafwing.