Spotlight on … Benzoin Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Styrax benzoin

Part of Plant Used: Resin of the Benzoin tree (member of the Styrax genus)

Method of Extraction: Crude benzoin resin is collected from the tree (like sap) and then refined using solvents which are later removed.

Benzoin is an essential oil (which is not technically an EO, but an oleoresin) that I had never heard of until I received the starter kit for my Aromatherapy course.  At first, I was a bit surprised, since the name sounds chemical-y.  Indeed, there is a chemical compound called benzoin, which is not the same as the essential oil.  Despite my misgivings about the name, the scent of it, which is reminiscent of vanilla, immediately drew me in.  This is now one of my favourite EOs and I use it frequently in my work.

Benzoin is very thick – it doesn’t drip like a typical essential oil.  In fact, I found it easiest just to remove the dropper top altogether and let the Benzoin just ‘pour’ out of the bottle.  The consistency is similar to maple syrup – not surprising, since they are both made from tree sap! You can see in the photos below just how thick it is:

 

Tincture of benzoin (the resin dissolved in an alcohol) is used to treat minor skin wounds, or oral ailments like canker sores.  The tincture can also be inhaled in order to treat conditions such as bronchitis or the common cold.   Benzoin can be a very uplifting oil and is used in massage to treat stress, anxiety and depression.   I love using Benzoin for extremely dry, cracked, flakey or itchy skin.  I use it to create my Luscious Lotion, which is a big hit with many of my clients.  (This item is not currently listed on Etsy, but I do have some in stock.  Just contact me if you are interested.)

  You may find that most health food stores (or wherever you buy your EOs) do not normally keep Benzoin in stock.  If you ask, I’m sure they will special order it for you.  It’s handy to have around.  Add a bit to some carrier oil (try apricot kernel for its moisturizing properties) and you’ve got a wonderfully relaxing and nourishing massage oil.  You can diffuse it in your oil burner for a warming and comforting atmosphere.  I do not recommend adding it straight to a bath as it will just sit there in a clump at the bottom of the tub.  Remember, EOs are not soluble in water and with Benzoin being so thick, it wouldn’t even disperse in small droplets along the top of the water they way Lavender or Eucalyptus would.   Dissolve the Benzoin in a few teaspoons of carrier oil before adding to a bath.

Any more questions?  Please leave a comment and I’ll answer them right here!