Benzoin essential oil has a sweet and vanilla like aroma. Best known for its warming effect on circulation problems and calming effects on the respiratory and nervous systems. It is also useful on chapped and inflamed skin.
- Latin Name
- Styrax Benzoin
- Family
- Styracaceae
- Note
- Base
- Extraction
- Solvent Extraction
- Constituents
- Coniferyl cinnamate, sumaresinolic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid with traces of styrene, vanillin and benzaldehyde.
- Origin
- France
The Plant
Large tropical tree which grows up to 20 metres high with pale green leaves, its fruit is hard and flattish. The benzoin is formed when the tree trunk is cut as it exudes a balsamic resin which hardens when exposed to air and sunlight.
As Benzoin in its raw state is a thick resin, this Benzoin is diluted with 50% Benzyl Benzoate to enable it to be poured.
History
Benzoin has been used for thousands of years in the east as a medicine and incense; the vapour is believed to drive away evil spirits. Also used by the Chinese herbalists for its heating and drying qualities, as a good urinary antiseptic and as an aid to digestion.
