Benzoin resin is known for its delightful vanilla-like scent, but it is more than just a fragrance. The resin, which comes to us from trees native to Thailand and Indonesia, offers many benefits in aromatherapy and skincare. Let’s dive into the world of benzoin resin and discover its uses, properties, and historical significance.
Benzoin is a soothing resin which can be extracted from the tree at approximately 7 years of age. Incisions are made in the tree trunk to allow the resin to flow. The resin is then given time to harden. It has been used as incense in the same way as natural frankincense tears, by placing the resin on glowing charcoal. In fact, the name benzoin means “incense from Java”. It has also been used in powdered form to create potpourris.
Benzoin is very thick when extracted. A lighter resin can be made using solvents. In aromatherapy, “oils” that are extracted using solvents (for example ethanol or benzene), are not considered to be essential oils.
Benzoin is a soothing oil, with beneficial properties including antibacterial, antioxidant, disinfectant and grounding qualities. Let’s look a little closer.
Aromatherapy vs. Perfumery
Make sure that you are reading the label so that you know which variety of benzoin is available to you. Styrax benzoin is used in aromatherapy, while Styrax tonkinensis is used more frequently in the perfume industry. Its sweet scent reminds me of vanilla icing, making it a popular choice for creating comforting blends and sugary fun body products.
Let’s explore benzoin’s healing properties.
Skin Benefits
Being a resin, benzoin is excellent for wound healing. Use it to soothe redness, itching, and extremely dry skin. Add it to skin healing balms for cracked skin or chapped skin. Creating a body butter or balm with benzoin can help to protect the skin in cold weather. You may even find relief from frostbite.
It has antibacterial properties making it effective against acne and inflammed skin.
When used for mature skin, benzoin can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and lock in moisture for a youthful appearance. Let it’s antioxidant properties help you to maintain youthful looking skin.
Consider using benzoin at 1% in lip balms for a natural vanilla flavour.
Due to its sticky nature, I don’t recommend using benzoin in products that are meant to be washed off, for example foaming hand soap.
Respiratory Support
Historically, benzoin has been used for the respiratory system, to calm coughs, bronchitis, and respiratory discomfort. It is especially helpful for damp conditions. Use it in low dilution for a chest rub when you have a wet cough. You may also find relief from sore throat. Historically, benzoin has also been used for laryngitis.
Spiritual and Emotional Support
Benzoin is a lightly grounding oil which can provide comfort. Benzoin is helpful when your energy is low and it is ideal for fostering self-compassion. It’s soothing scent can help to alleviate anxiety and nervous tension.
Calm your mind, quiet the mental chatter and prepare yourself for meditation or prayer with benzoin. Or, use it to enhance your gratitude practice.
For those who feel abandoned, benzoin can provide the comfort and support that is missing from personal connection.
It can support the 3 base chakras but as an orange oil it holds a connection with the sacral chakra.
Chemical Composition
The primary constituents of benzoin are benzyl benzoate and benzoic acid.
Benzyl benzoate has disinfectant properties and has been used for scabies and lice. It is also thought to be an effective insect repellent.
Benzoic acid has preservative properties, however, in formulations that need a preservative, it is crucial that a proper preservative is used.
Practical Tips for Using Benzoin
Before you decide on how to work with benzoin, it’s important to know what you have. Determine whether it’s benzoin tincture infused in alcohol or benzoin absolute extracted with solvents. The supplier’s website should tell you.
You may find your benzoin soluble in alcohol while it remains only partly soluble in oil. Prepare an infusion with your favourite carrier oil in advance of making your recipe to create an infused vanilla scented carrier that is easier to work with.
I recommend diluting benzoin into a carrier oil before you use it if it is not already diluted. You may want to ditch the orifice reducer that the bottle comes with and use a pipette instead. Or, for a reusable option, transfer your oil into a small glass bottle that has a dropper. These suggestion will make working with benzoin easier and less messy.
Avoid using benzoin in water-based diffusers due to its thickness. Clay diffusers are more suitable for dispersing its aroma effectively.
Check out our clay diffusers here!
Culinary and Digestive Uses
Benzoin has been used as a flavouring agent in food and drinks. It has found its way into baked goods, ice cream, chocolate and chewing gum.
Not surprisingly, benzoin can be used to help poor appetite, and can relieve digestive discomfort.
Cautions
For highly sensitive skin you may want to avoid benzoin. Ensure that you are using this or any oil within recommended dilution rates. Avoid this oil if you are pregnant or nursing.
If you are looking for a sweet escape into relaxation, healing and spiritual growth, benzoin may be the choice for you. Whether you seek solace from emotional turmoil or relief from physical ailments, benzoin stands as a comforting companion in your journey towards holistic well-being.
Exciting recipes to try with benzoin resin
Benzoin personal perfume
Benzoin – 3 drops
Sandalwood – 3 drops
Jojoba oil – 10 ml
Add the jojoba oil to roller bottle. Carefully add the essential oils. Replace the ball and cap and lightly shake. Add to pulse points as needed.
Support in times of change personal inhaler
Benzoin – 4 drops
Cypress – 4 drops
Cedarwood -2 drops
You will need a pair of gloves for this recipe. After you put the gloves on, place the cotton wick from your personal inhaler in small glass container. Carefully add essential oils to the wick. Allow the wick to soak in the oils for a few minutes. Transfer the wick to the inhaler casing and close. Inhale when needed.
Release worry causing fatigue and allow yourself to rest
Benzoin – 2 drops
Orange – 2 drops
Vetiver – 1 drop
Clay diffuser
Add the essential oil drops to your clay diffuser. Place the diffuser in your room close to you where you can enjoy the aroma.
