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by Amelia E. Stone, RN
Common Name: Benzoin
Latin Binomial: Styrax benzoin
Family: Styracaceae
Other Common Names: gum benjamin, gum benzoin
Production Method: solvent extracted
Countries of Origin: Laos
Typical Constituents: Benzyl benzoate (39.3%), Benzyl alcohol (38.8%), Benzoic acid (18.4%), Ethyl cinnamate (0.8%)
Description of Oil: Resinoid, sticky solid, grayish brown, sweet, like vanilla
Description of Plant: A large tropical tree with pale green citrus-like leaves, bearing hard-shelled flattish fruit about the size of a nutmeg
History, Folklore and Myth: Used in cosmetics for hundreds of years. Ancient peoples considered it a grand remedy for driving away evil spirits. Said to make the skin clear and brilliant.
Properties and Uses: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, styptic, vulnerary
Precautions and Contraindications: HAZARDS: Skin sensitization (low-risk) CAUTIONS DERMAL: Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, children under 2 years. MAXIMUM ADULT DAILY ORAL DOSE: 368mg. MAXIMUM DERMAL USE LEVEL: 2%
Other Interesting Information: Used in food categories including alcoholic and soft drinks.
References: Lawless, Julia. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Shaftesbury, Dorset. Element Books. 1995.
Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1995.
Sellar, Wanda. The Directory of Essential Oils. London: Random House. 2005