A Description Of An Essential Oil - Benzoin (Styrax Benzoin)

Benzoin essential oil is not really an oil at all, but it is a resin. The large Benzoin tree is tapped and the resin is extracted. The benzoin tree has citrus like leaves and can grow up to 20 meters high. They can produce resin for up to 20 years. Benzoin essential oil is great to use with lavender, and rose essential oils.

Benzoin resin has been used for a variety of purposes for thousands of years. It is often blended with frankincense and myrrh to make incense designed to drive away evil spirits. It is thought to be both calming and soothing. The Greeks and Romans used benzoin and valued it highly. Nostradamus gave many benzoin recipes in his 1556 book for its use as both an antispasmodic and a skin tonic.

Benzoin is found in the tropical regions of Asia, especially Thailand. Once the benzoin resin is extracted from the tree, it hardens up in sunlight. Benzoin resinoid is made when the crude benzoin resin is mixed with solvents. Use benzoin essential oil by heating the bottle in warm water before you able to add drops to your burner or to massage oil.

Benzoin essential oil is non-toxic, non-irritant, and there can be possible sensitization in some people. Contact dermatitis can occur after use.

In China, herbalists used benzoin essential oil for its drying and warming properties. It is also thought to be good for urinary conditions and digestive problems.

Benzoin essential oil can help when suffering from excessive mucus, colds and sore throats. Benzoin is great when used to treat skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, and other skin lesions. Arthritis and rheumatism respond well to benzoin essential oil.

Benzoin oil can be used to treat emotional problems by creating a sense of relaxation, comfort, peacefulness and protection.

Benzoin's other uses include in the food industry as a preservative, in pharmaceuticals and dentistry to treat gum inflammation and as an additive to perfumes.

As with all essential oils, if there is any doubt in your mind on how benzoin essential oil should be used consult a professional in the subject.

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