The food industry uses benzoin to flavor foods and beverages...

Benzoin has an intensely rich sweet-balsamic scent.

Nature: balancing, uplifting, euphoric

It warms and tones the heart and circulation, both physically and metaphorically.

It soothes inflamed, chapped and irritated skin conditions.

Ideal in a massage or compress to ease the discomfort of arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation.

Principal Actions: Respiratory expectorant; healing to the skin; calming effect on the digestive and nervous systems.

Practical Uses

For therapeutic uses tincture of benzoin is recommended.

Methods of Use: application, hot compress, inhalation, massage, mist spray

Skin Care with Benzoin

Benzoin is useful for relieving bedsores, skin ulcers, skin irritations, cracked and/or dry skin, and even frostbite. The healing properties help reduce redness, irritation and itchiness; it can be used for skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Benzoin has rejuvenating properties for mature skin; it gives the skin a general boost by increasing elasticity.

To heal cracked or damaged skin, or eczema: Mix 2 drops benzoin, 2 drops German chamomile and 6 drops lavender in 20g/4 tsp of a carrier oil such as aloe vera gel or sweet almond oil. Apply to affected skin as needed.

Circulation, Muscles & Joints

The warm and penetrating nature of benzoin is good for massage of stiff, tired muscles; it stimulates circulation. It can be included in a massage blend or hot compress to ease the discomfort of arthritis, gout and rheumatism.

Respiratory System

Benzoin is best known in the form of compound tincture of benzoin or Friars Balsam, used for respiratory complaints. Benzoin has a toning effect on the respiratory system. The antispasmodic properties of Benzoin make this a good choice to ease spasmodic coughs, bronchitis or asthma. The soothing nature of benzoin is helpful as an inhalation for laryngitis and hacking coughs.

To ease spasmodic coughs: Mix 2 drops benzoin, 4 drops myrtle, 4 drops myrrh to 20g/4 tsp of a carrier oil such as sweet almond and apply it to your chest , twice daily.

To soothe a sore throat/laryngitis: Mix 2 drops benzoin and 4 drops sandalwood and use as an inhalation.

Immune System

Benzoin has antiseptic and antiviral properties and can be incorporated into blends to ease the symptoms of influenza.

Nervous System

Calming, balancing, re-directing. This oil comforts and eases the mind during grief-stricken times, during loneliness, when we are stressed or mentally exhausted.

To calm and soothe deep emotional stress: Vaporize 3 drops benzoin and 3 drops cardamon.

Safety Data: Generally considered non-toxic and non-irritant although it can cause dermatitis in some individuals. Possible sensitization. People with dry or sensitive skin may require additional dilution in a carrier oil when applying topically. Use in moderation in small amounts.

Benzoin in Aromatherapy

Botanical Name: Styrax benzoin

Note: Base

Parts Used: resin and essential oil are obtained from the bark

Source: Extracted from the styrax benzoin trees in Thailand; the tree secretes an aromatic resin when injured. The crude benzoin is collected from the trees directly. The resin is soaked in chemical solvents to produce a thick, reddish liquid called Benzoin Resinoid, which is not actually a true essential oil, but an aromatic extract. Commercial benzoin is usually sold dissolved in ethyl glycol or a similar solvent. The absolute is used exclusively as a fixative and fragrance component for soaps, cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes especially Siam benzoin. For therapeutic uses tincture of benzoin is recommended.

Description and Odor Effect: an orange-brown viscous mass with an intensely rich sweet-balsamic odor. The scent is warm and penetrating, and brings about a sense of euphoria.

Blends well with: citrus oils, clary sage, coriander, frankincense, geranium, ginger, juniper, lavender, myrrh, nutmeg, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang

Applications: application, hot compress, inhalation, massage, mist spray

Therapeutic Properties: anesthetic, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antipruritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antitussive, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cicatrizant, cordial, deodorant, disinfectant, diuretic, drying, euphoriant, expectorant, fixative, healing (skin), insecticide, laxative, pectoral, preservative, regulator, rejuvenator, sedative, soothing, stimulant (circulatory system), tonic, uplifting, vermifuge, vulnerary

Safety Data: Generally considered non-toxic and non-irritant although it can cause dermatitis in some individuals. Possible sensitization. People with dry or sensitive skin may require additional dilution in a carrier oil when applying topically. Use in moderation in small amounts.

Chemical composition includes: benzoic, cinnamic acids, benzyl benzoate, benzoic aldehyde, vanillin and coniferyl benzoate.

Benzoin – Quick Reference

Skin: acne, cuts, chapped skin, eczema, improves elasticity, inflamed and irritated conditions, psoriasis, rashes, scar tissue, wounds

Circulation, Muscles & Joints: arthritis, gout, poor circulation, rheumatism

Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, chills, colic, coughs, laryngitis

Immune: influenza

Nervous: emotional exhaustion, nervous tension, stress-related complaints

Keyword: Soothing

Benzoin Magic: make an incense of benzoin, cinnamon and basil, and burn to attract customers to your place of business.

Benzoin is an extra powerful protector against anything that might bring harm.

Benzoin Harmony

Add these oils to 20 ml / 4 teaspoons carrier oil

To lift the spirits and relieve vulnerability:

• 2 drops Benzoin Resinoid
• 4 drops May Chang
• 4 drops Neroli

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