Essential Oil - Benzoin
Essential Oil – Benzoin
Botanical Information
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) belongs to the Styracaceae family and is a large tropical tree that can grow up to 20 metres in height. It has pale green, citrus-like leaves that are whitish underneath and produces hard, flattened fruits about the size of a nutmeg. Benzoin is a true balsamic resin, formed when the tree trunk is cut, causing the tree to exude a fragrant resin that hardens upon exposure to air and sunlight. The plant is also known as gum benzoin, gum benjamin, and styrax benzoin.
Distribution and Traditional Uses
Benzoin is native to tropical Asia. Two principal types are commercially produced based on their geographic origin. Sumatra Benzoin is harvested mainly in Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia, while Siam Benzoin is produced in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Thailand. Although numerous Styrax species produce benzoin resin, they are generally classified as either Sumatra Benzoin (Styrax paralleloneurus) or Siam Benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis).
For thousands of years, Benzoin has been valued in Eastern cultures as both a medicinal remedy and incense. Traditionally, its aromatic smoke was believed to purify the environment and ward off evil spirits. In Chinese herbal medicine, it was used for its warming and drying properties, helping to support urinary health and digestion. In Western herbal medicine, Benzoin is best known as an ingredient in Compound Tincture of Benzoin (Friar’s Balsam), which has long been used to relieve respiratory conditions. It has also been applied externally to soothe cuts, irritated skin, and minor wounds, while internally it has served as a traditional digestive aid.
Essential Oil and Characteristics
The crude benzoin resin is collected directly from the tree after natural hardening. Benzoin resinoid, sometimes referred to as resin absolute, is produced by solvent extraction, while a true absolute is manufactured in limited quantities. Commercial benzoin is commonly supplied dissolved in ethyl glycol or similar solvents.
Sumatra Benzoin appears as greyish-brown brittle resin with reddish streaks and possesses a rich styrax-like aroma. The highest-quality grade is known as the Almond Grade. Siam Benzoin occurs as orange-brown pebble-like or tear-shaped resin pieces and has a sweeter, smoother, vanilla-like balsamic fragrance. Benzoin resinoid is an orange-brown viscous material with an intensely rich, warm, sweet balsamic aroma. It blends exceptionally well with sandalwood, rose, jasmine, copaiba balsam, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, juniper, lemon, coriander, and many other spice essential oils.
Chemical Composition
The composition of Benzoin varies according to its origin.
Sumatra Benzoin primarily contains coniferyl cinnamate, sumaresinolic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, together with small amounts of styrene, vanillin, and benzaldehyde.
Siam Benzoin is composed mainly of coniferyl benzoate (65–75%), along with benzoic acid, vanillin, siaresinolic acid, and cinnamyl benzoate.
Therapeutic Benefits
Benzoin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, styptic, and vulnerary properties.
In aromatherapy, it is widely used to soothe dry, cracked, inflamed, and irritated skin while supporting the healing of minor cuts and wounds. It is also valued for relieving arthritis, gout, poor circulation, and rheumatism. For respiratory health, Benzoin may help ease asthma, bronchitis, coughs, chills, laryngitis, and symptoms associated with influenza. Emotionally, its warm, comforting aroma is highly regarded for reducing nervous tension, stress, and emotional fatigue while promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Safety and Precautions
Benzoin essential oil and resinoid are generally considered non-toxic and non-irritating when used appropriately, although skin sensitisation may occasionally occur in susceptible individuals. Compound Tincture of Benzoin may cause contact dermatitis in some people because it contains additional ingredients such as aloe, storax, and Tolu balsam. A patch test is recommended before topical application.
Industrial Uses
Benzoin is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in Compound Tincture of Benzoin and dental preparations for treating gum inflammation. Benzoin resinoid and absolute are highly valued as fixatives and fragrance ingredients in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and toiletries, especially Siam Benzoin because of its rich vanilla-like aroma. In addition, both Sumatra and Siam Benzoin are extensively used as flavouring agents in confectionery, baked goods, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and many other food products.
