Benzoin Herb

Styrax benzoin

The Benzoin herb is also known as Gum Benjamin, Friar’s Balsam, Spice Bush, Gum Benzoin, Siam Benzoin and Sumatra Benzoin.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The oil from the Benzoin herb is prepared from the crude resin from the trunk of a tall evergreen tree.

It is native to the tropical areas of the Far East such as Indonesia. It produces a balsamic resin called Benzoin.

It is gathered after hacking the trunk with an axe that enables the liquid to accumulate under the bark, it then seeps from the cut and flows down and hardens into lumps. The resin ranges in color from pale yellow to reddish brown and has a camphor/cinnamon smell.

When the herb is taken internally, it is absorbed rapidly. The Siam and Sumatra types of Benzoin are the ones most widely used. The resin or gum of the Benzoin tree is used for medicinal purpose as well as an aromatic in cosmetics and perfumes.

It is also added to cosmetics to prevent fats from turning rancid. It is regarded as a sedative in Western aromatherapy and will lift the spirits and ward off depression and the feeling of loneliness.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* relief from coughs

* asthma

* bronchitis

* respiratory congestion

* clearing sinuses

* relief from nervous tension

* expelling fluid waste from the lungs

* calming digestion

* balancing blood sugar

Use externally for:

* dry, cracked, and chapped hands

* arthritis and rheumatism

* poor circulation

Use in vaporizer for:

* croup

* laryngitis

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

The Benzoin herb is available in health food store in various compound tinctures. Use the recommended dosage for each one.

Parts used: Resin

Constituents: Benzoin acid, vanillin, cinnamic acid, benzoresinol, sumarisinotannol, styrol, styracin

Collection: The resin or gum is collected from trees that are about seven years old.

Actions: Antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, carminative, diuretic, stimulant, antioxidant, preservative

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious:

* When Benzoin is taken in the recommended dosage there are no known safety issues or interactions.

* Do not take this or any essential oil without consulting a qualified physician if you are pregnant, nursing, epileptic, have liver or kidney damage or cancer.