Benzoin resin

Styraxbenzoin

Styrax, a resinous greenish-brown mass With spicy balsam aroma, collected from tall (more than 15 m) branched treesLiguidambarorientalis of the Hammameliaceae family, and benzoin resin from treesStyraxbenzoinorStyraxtonkinensis Styrax family.

Benzoin gum was well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Slavs called it “dewy incense.” The homeland of styrax trees, which are a source of aromatic resin, is Southeast Asia and its tropical regions. Styrax is cultivated in China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, as well as Java and Sumatra.

The Styrax family is quite large, and although most trees produce resin, its chemical composition differs significantly. Currently, Indonesian and Siamese (Tonkinese) benzoin resins are known. The most valuable in terms of its characteristics is Siamese resin. Vanillin in its composition (up to 1.5%), coniferyl alcohol, cinnamic acid and other ingredients create an enveloping warm sweetish-balsamic aroma with a bright note of vanilla.

The fragrant resin is still used to this day for cult incense in Buddhist temples. There was a belief that its aroma drove away evil spirits. Benzoin has been known for thousands of years in Chinese traditional medicine as an effective remedy for asthma, indigestion and genitourinary tract infections. In the 14th century, benzoin resin was brought to Europe by Arab merchants. It quickly gained popularity as an antiseptic. It was used for colds, cuts, wounds, and skin irritations.

Medicinal properties

1. Prescribed for asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, influenza, acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis.
2. Tones the activity of the cardiovascular system.
3. Improves blood circulation.
4. Indicated for infections of the genitourinary organs, cystitis.
5. Relieves gum inflammation.
6. A good remedy for arthritis, gout, rheumatism.
7. Analgesizes muscle pain.
8. Used for exhaustion.
9. Antioxidant agent.
10. Effective for cuts, ulcers, wounds, skin cracks, eczema, psoriasis.
11. In folk medicine it is known as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, cardiac, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, healing, warming agent.
12. Calms the nervous system and improves mood. Recommended for stress and anxiety conditions.
13. An excellent product for caring for aging skin. Natural deodorant.

Dosage

Prescribed individually by an aromatherapist.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance.