Benzoin Gum powder - Styrax benzoin

Benzoin gum is harvested from the Styrax tree native to Thailand, Sumatra, Java, and other tropical areas of Asia. The fragrant resin is used by itself and in various preparations to promote upper respiratory health.

In another popular application, the fragrant Benzoin gum, with its vanilla-like scent is an aromatic addition to incense blends; body powders and Skin Care creams. It serves as a fixative, an ingredient that freezes the fragrances of other components in a blend so that they don’t fade.

It is used externally in the form of a tincture, diluted with water as a mild stimulant and antiseptic in irritable conditions of the skin. It acts as a carminative when taken internally is rapidly absorbed, and mildly expectorant diuretic and antiseptic to the urinary passages. In the form of Compound Tincture of Benzoin, it is used as an inhalant with steam in laryngitis and bronchitis.

Tincture of benzoin is antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and mildly stimulant, used to treat bronchitis, colds, coughs, ulcers, and wounds.