Complete Guide to Essential Oils/A to Z of essential oils/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.

Styrax benzoin
Styrax benzoin
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)

Properties edit

 
Benzoin resin

Digestive edit

Stimulates the pancreas and may help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Emotional edit

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

Benzoin has an anti-infectious property and can help to fight infection.

Respiratory edit

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

Eases muscle pain. Use with a carrier oil for massage, or add to a bath. Soothes mouth ulcers.

Skin edit

Improves acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes and scar tissue. Helps chapped skin, chilblains, frostbite and minor wounds to heal.

Blend with edit

Benzoin works well in blends with bergamot, frankincense, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, bitter orange and sandalwood.

Caution edit

  • Benzoin oil can be very relaxing.