Description

Benzoin oil is extracted from resin of the Styrax Benzoin tree and belongs to the Stryracaceae family. It is also known as gum benzoin, luban jawi (meaning frankincense of Java), Benjamin or Styrax benzoin.

This resinous oil has a great calming and uplifting effect on the mind and helps to comfort the sad and lonely, while boosting circulation and easing respiratory disorders. At the same time it boosts the skin’s elasticity, while calming redness, itchiness and irritation.

Oil properties

Benzoin oil has a sweet, warm and vanilla-like aroma and is golden brown in color, with a treacle-like viscosity.

Origin of benzoin oil

The tree is from Java, Sumatra and Thailand and grows to 8 meters (20 feet). Deep incisions are made in the trunk of the tree, from which the grayish colored sap exudes. When the resinous lump becomes hard and brittle, it is collected from the bark.

Benzoin, also known as gum Benjamin, is one of the classic ingredients of incense. In ancient civilizations it was used in fumigation and it is also an ingredient of ‘Friar’s balsam’, an aid to respiratory problems. It is also used as a fixative in the perfume industry.

Extraction

Benzoin oil is extracted from the resin of a seven years and older tree by solvent extraction and yields about 65-85 % oil.

Chemical composition

Benzoin oil’s main chemical components are benzoic, cinnamic acids, benzyl benzoate, benzoic aldehyde, vanillin and coniferyl benzoate.

Precautions

When concentration is needed, it is best to avoid using benzoin oil as it can have a very relaxing effect.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of benzoin oil include the following; antiseptic, anti-depressant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and vulnerary.

Uses

Benzoin oil can be used for bronchitis, coughs, colds, wounds, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, scar tissue, circulation, nervous tension, stress, muscle pains, chilblains, rashes and mouth ulcers.

Summary

Benzoin oil’s greatest benefit lies in that it has a calming effect on the nervous and digestive systems, a warming effect on circulation problems and a toning effect on the respiratory tract.

It furthermore boosts the pancreas, which in turns helps digestion, and is thought to be involved in controlling blood sugar, which makes it valuable for sufferers of diabetes.

The effect it has on the skin is to improve elasticity, helping cracked skin, while aiding the healing of sores and wounds and at the same time reducing redness, irritation and itching.

Burners and vaporizers

In vapor therapy Benzoin oil can be used for the nervous system, calming and bringing comfort to the depressed and emotionally exhausted.

• Blended massage oil or in the bath
  • Benzoin oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with general aches and pains, arthritis and rheumatism, as well as chronic bronchitis and coughing. Poor circulation will also benefit from this oil, as well as stiff muscles. It also has a calming effect and helps to ease depression. It furthermore gives the skin a general boost by increasing elasticity, reducing redness, irritation and itchiness, while helping wound healing.
• Blended in a cream
  • Benzoin oil is a good remedy for dry, cracked skin, cuts and wounds, as well as for acne and irritable and itching skin, while at the same time improving elasticity.

More information about Benzoin

This is the essence of Nature ~ Benzoin Oil ~ mind ~ body ~ spirit healing energies ~ 100% Naturally

Skin Care ~ boosts skin’s elasticity ~ anti-bacterial properties ~ beneficial in treating redness, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, scar tissue, cracked skin, rashes, cuts, chapped, wounds, inflamed, irritated & itchy skin conditions & acne ~ excellent natural deodorant mixed into aloe vera & witch hazel

Circulatory System ~ warming affect for circulation problems ~ useful for treating chillblains

Digestion System ~ calming affect

Musculoskeletal System ~ anti-inflammatory properties ~ beneficial in treating rheumatism, arthritis, muscular aches & pains

Nervous System ~ recommended to relax & calm the mind & body ~ anti-depressant & sedative properties ~ brings comfort & eases depression & emotional exhaustion, excellent calming & uplifting effect on the mind ~ wonderfully beneficial in treating nervous tension, anxiety & stress

Respiratory System ~ used to treat bronchitis, coughs, colds & flu, sore throat, asthma, laryngitis .

Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ helps to comfort the soul & when sad & lonely ~ offers guidance to the pathway of inner enlightenment ~ warming & energising

Blends well with ~ Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Myrrh, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tangerine

Safety ~ non-toxic, non-irritating & non-sensitizing