Benzoin EO

This golden, aromatic, thick, resinous oil with a vanilla-like aroma has been used for thousands of years, in some of the oldest civilizations for religious ceremonies and as a medicine.

Styrax benzoin is a tree with hairy, oval leaves and fleshy, greenish yellow flowers, it grows to about 20 m (66 ft). Originating in Laos and Vietnam, now grown in Malaysia, Java and Sumatra. Benzoin is the gum resin which exudes from the bark when tapped, the trees produce resin for about 15 to 20 years.
The name is derived from the Arabic (luban-jawi), ‘frankincense from Java’.

In addition to it's document use by the Ancient Greeks and Romans: In 1461, the Sultan of Egypt, Melech Elmazda, sent the Doge of Venice 30 rotoli - 80kg/177lb! The Queen of Cyprus received 15 rotoli from the Sultan in 1476. In 1623, the British set up a factory in Siam (Thailand) to produce and export benzoin.

Nostradamus, gave many recipes using benzoin in a script published in 1556. He classified it as antispasmodic and a tonic for skin infections. In France it was noted as; a pulmonary balsam, taken for colds,‘flu and as an anti-asthmatic. In Britain it was also used as an inhalant and application for ulcers and wounds.

I always keep it in the house and use it undiluted on small wounds and scars, to heal and reduce them respectively - I have sensitive, keloid skin

It's main properties are;

Antidepressant - It uplifts mood, stimulates the heart beat and improves circulation. 

Carminative – flatulent, its relaxing effects relieve inflation of the intestines. It relaxes muscular tension in the abdominal area helping gases pass out, which helps digestion and improves appetite.

Cordial - when inhaled and transmitted to the brain, it stimulates the nervous centre, the heart beat and improves circulation giving a warm feeling. 

Deodorant – Antiseptic – Anti-inflammatory - Anti-rheumatic - 

Relaxant/Sedative - relieves anxiety, tension, stress in the nervous and neurotic systems, relaxes anxiety and stress and tranquillizes. One to be avoided by students, particularly when they intend to study over night.

Disinfectant -an excellent antiseptic, a very effective germicide, bactericide, fungicide and antiviral substances. Its smoke disinfects the zone in which it spreads. Applied externally, it prevents sepsis.

Diuretic - facilitates urination, in frequency and quantity, helping remove toxins from the blood. Urination also helps lower blood pressure, lose weight and improve digestion.

Expectorant - loosens mucus from the respiratory system - trachea, bronchi, lungs - which relieves congestion and eases breathing. Benzoin's tranquillizing properties relax and induce sleep during extreme coughs and colds, it is also used in balms, rubs and vaporizers.

Vulnerary – heals minor wounds

Astringent – causes contraction of skin cells and body tissues, this reduces bleeding from minor abrasions and makes the skin less oily.