Benzoin is valued for its soothing and warming properties; its scented gum has been collected and traded for thousands of years. Benzoin oil is nurturing and motherly and brings comfort if you are sad and depressed. Its warming properties enhance feelings of happiness and positive energy.
Benzoin is obtained from the resin of the Styrax benzoin tree and has been prized in the East for centuries as an incense to fumigate and dispel evil spirits.
The resin is dissolved in alcohol solvents to give benzoin oil, which has remarkable energizing and rejuvenating effects on the mind, body and spirit. Its rich, vanilla-like aroma combines well with spices and other tree oils.
Use benzoin oil to instill confidence and enhance feelings of contentment. Benzoin is calming yet elevating, making it valuable in treating emotional exhaustion and anxiety.
It warms the heart and improves circulation, and is an effective tonic for the urinary tract, helping to combat infection. Benzoin is especially useful when combined with rose or lavender oil to treat irritated skin conditions.
Benzoin is not a true essential oil, but is classed as a resinoid. The resin gel is not volatile enough for steam distillation. Instead, it is extracted using benzene or alcohol solvents.
Benzoin is extremely rich in esters, such as benzyl benzoate. The esters give benzoin its rich sweet odor and warming properties. Esters have gentle therapeutic actions and are anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. They also contribute to benzoin’s ability to heat and soothe skin rashes.
Benzoin oil also contains other active ingredients. These are aldehydes, acids and oxides.
Apply the relaxing and revitalizing properties of benzoin in your home, to soothe a tired mind, take a relaxing bath and warm the atmosphere.
Use the fortifying and soothing properties of benzoin oil to bring comfort and joy back into your life.
Lift your negative emotions by adding the following oils to 60ml of carrier oil: 8 drops of benzoin oil, 8 drops of bergamot oil and 4 drops of Roman chamomile oil. Massage the oil into your body to uplift and stimulate your mind and spirit.
Create a bathing experience what will cleanse you of stress by adding the following oils to your bath water; 5 drops of benzoin oil, 8 drops of frankincense oil and 8 drops of sandalwood oil.
When slipping into depression and confused by feelings of self-doubt and guilt use these oils in a vaporizer: 5 drops of benzoin oil, 5 drops of rose oil and 5 drops of jasmine oil.
Soothe dry, itchy and irritated skin conditions by blending benzoin into creams. Then massage into the affected area.
Treat chapped skin, especially on the hands, by blending 3-4 drops each of benzoin, chamomile and myrrh oil with 30ml of calendula cream. Gently apply to affected parts.
Relieve eczema and dermatitis by adding 2-3 drops of sandalwood and benzoin oil to a basin or warm water. Bathe the affected skin. Both oils have powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory actions.
For soothing relief from chilblains, add 3-4 drops each of frankincense and benzoin oil to a footbath. These oils will stimulate the circulation and ease the painful swellings.
To clear infections try the following:
At the first sign of a throat infection, make a dry inhalation by adding 3 drops each of benzoin and of juniper oil to a handkerchief and then inhale throughout the day.
To treat painful cystitis, add 2-3 drops each on benzoin and lemon oil to bath water. Both have an antiseptic action of the urinary tract.
Fight off a stubborn cough or chest infection by adding 1 drop each of benzoin, lemon and cypress oil to 10ml of grapeseed oil and massage into the neck, throat and chest. The combined decongestant and anti-viral effects of these oils should ensure a restful night’s sleep.
