Essential Oil Database

Photo: Styrax Tonkinensis

Benzoin Resinoid

Essential Oil

Botanical Name:

Styrax Tonkinensis

Family Name:

Styracaceae

Source Country:

Thailand

Plant Parts Used:

Resin from cut bark

Extraction Method:

Solvent extraction

Major Constituents:

Coniferyl benzoate, vanillin, benzoic acid, siaresinolic acid, cinnamyl benzoate

Botanical Description

Photo: Styrax Tonkinensis

Styrax Tonkinensis is native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the world. It is a tropical tree commonly known as Siam Benzoin growing between 2 meters to 14 meters tall. Other important varieties are commonly known as Styrax Benzoin and Sumatra Benzoin.

Benzoin resin is collected from incisions cut into the tree bark, and the absolute is produced by solvent extraction of the hardened resin.

Styrax resin has traditionally been used for incense, medicine and scents.

Photo: Styrax Tonkinensis

Fragrance

Benzoin absolute has a mildly bitter sweet scent reminiscent of vanilla.

Benzoin is a golden brown thick and viscous resinoid liquid.

Benzoin blends well with cypress, frankincense, jasmine, juniper, lemon, myrrh, rose and sandalwood.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Styrax Tonkinensis

Properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, sedative

Aids: circulation, skin elasticity.

Alleviates: arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, colic, colds, coughs, rheumatism, skin irritation, itching and lesions, stress, stomach pain.

Fryer’s Balsam, a Benzoin tincture (resin dissolved in alcohol), is traditionally used for its antibacterial properties.

Safety Data

May cause allergic sensitisation.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.