Complete Guide to Essential Oils/A to Z of essential oils/Benzoin
- Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
Benzoin oil comes from the resin (dried sap) of the Styrax benzoin tree. It has a warm, sweet scent, similar to vanilla. It has a calming and stabilizing effect. It is a base note oil.
Properties
[edit | edit source]
Digestive
[edit | edit source]Stimulates the pancreas and may help to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Emotional
[edit | edit source]Soothes stress, anxiety and nervousness. With a comforting and relaxing effect on the mind, it can help reduce "overthinking" and mental exhaustion. Use it with a carrier oil for massage or through inhalation.
Immunological
[edit | edit source]Benzoin has an anti-infectious property and can help to fight infection.
Respiratory
[edit | edit source]Relieves asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis and symptoms of a cold. For coughs and sore throats, apply benzoin in a balm or cream to the throat and chest.
Pain
[edit | edit source]Eases muscle pain. Use with a carrier oil for massage, or add to a bath. Soothes mouth ulcers.
Skin
[edit | edit source]Improves acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes and scar tissue. Helps chapped skin, chilblains, frostbite and minor wounds to heal.
Blend with
[edit | edit source]Benzoin works well in blends with bergamot, frankincense, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, bitter orange and sandalwood.
Caution
[edit | edit source]- Benzoin oil can be very relaxing.
