Benzoin

Safety data -- non-toxic, nonirritant, possible sensitization.  Compound benzoin tincture is regarded as moderately toxic, due probably to occasional contact dermatitis developed in some individuals.

Family -- Styracaceae

Synonyms – Gum Benzoin, Gum Benjamin, Styrax Benzoin

Herbal/folk tradition - Used for thousands of years in the East as a medicine and incense.  In the West, best known in the form of compound tincture of benzoin or Friars Balsam, used for respiratory complaints.  Externally it is used for cuts and irritable skin conditions; internally it is used as a carminative for indigestion.

Aromatherapy/home use.

Skin care -- cuts, chapped skin, inflamed and irritated conditions.

Circulation, muscles and joints -- arthritis, gout, poor circulation, rheumatism.

Respiratory system -- asthma, bronchitis, chills, colic, coughs, laryngitis.

Immune system – flu.

Nervous system -- nervous tension and stress related complaints.  It warms and tones the heart and circulation both physically and metaphorically – “this essence creates a kind of euphoria; it interposes a padded zone between us and events”.

Other uses -- compound benzoin tincture is used in pharmaceuticals and in dentistry to treat gum inflammation.  The resinoid and absolute are used extensively as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes, especially Siam benzoin.  Both types are used in most food categories, including alcoholic and soft drinks.

Distribution -- native to tropical Asia; the too main regions of production are Sumatra, Java and Malaysia for Sumatra benzoin, and Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Thailand for Siam  benzoin.

Extraction -- the crude benzoin is collected from the trees directly.  Benzoin resinoid or resin absolute, is prepared from the crude using solvents like benzene and alcohol, which are thenremoved.  Commercial benzoin is usually sold dissolved in ethyl glycol or a similar solvent.  A true absolute is also produced in small quantities.

Characteristics

1.  Sumatra crude benzoin occurs as grayish brown brittle lumps with reddish streaks, with a styrax-like like odor.  There are several different qualities available -- the so-called almond grade is considered superior.

2.  Siam benzoin comes in pebble or tear-shaped orange-brown pieces with a sweet-balsamic, vanilla-like scent, this type having a more refined odor than the Sumatra type.  Benzoin resinoid is produced from either the Siam or Sumatra types or a mix of the two.  It is an orange-brown  viscous mass with an intensely rich sweet-balsamic odor.  It blends well with sandalwood, rose, jasmine, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, juniper, lemon, coriander and other spice oils.

Actions -- anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, styptic, vulnerary.

NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESENT

Back to Oils