Benzoin oleo resin information
Benzoin oleo resin is extracted from resin of the Styrax benzoin tree and belongs to the Stryracaceae family. It is also known as gum benzoin, luban jawi (meaning frankincense of Java) or gum Benjamin.
This resinous oil has a great calming and uplifting effect on the mind and helps to comfort the sad and lonely, while boosting circulation and easing respiratory disorders. At the same time it boosts the skin’s elasticity, while calming redness, itchiness and irritation.
Properties of Benzoin oleo resin
Benzoin oil has a sweet, warm and vanilla-like aroma and is golden brown in color, with a treacle-like viscosity.
Origin of Benzoin oleo resin
The tree is from Java, Sumatra and Thailand and grows to 8 meters (20 feet). Deep incisions are made in the trunk of the tree, from which the grayish colored sap exudes. When the resinous lump becomes hard and brittle, it is collected from the bark.
Benzoin, also known as gum Benjamin, is one of the classic ingredients of incense. In ancient civilizations it was used in fumigation and it is also an ingredient of ‘Friar’s balsam’, an aid to respiratory problems. It is also used as a fixative in the perfume industry.
Extraction of Benzoin oleo resin
Benzoin oleo resin is manufactured from the resin of a seven years and older tree by solvent extraction (usually ethanol) and yields about 65-85 %.
Chemical composition of Benzoin oleo resin
Benzoin oil’s main chemical components are benzoic, cinnamic acids, benzyl benzoate, benzoic aldehyde, vanillin and coniferyl benzoate.
Precautions when using Benzoin oleo resin
When concentration is needed, it is best to avoid using benzoin oleo resin as it can have a very relaxing effect.
Benzoin oleo resin should be diluted before being applied to the skin. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, so it is suggested to keep dilution of this oleo resin low and to increase concentration of the oleo resin gradually.
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties of Benzoin oleo resin
The therapeutic properties of benzoin oil include the following; antiseptic, anti-depressant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and vulnerary.
Uses of Benzoin oleo resin
Benzoin oleo resin can be used for bronchitis, coughs, colds, wounds, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, scar tissue, circulation, nervous tension, stress, muscle pains, chilblains, rashes and mouth ulcers.
Summary
Benzoin oleo resin’s greatest benefit lies in that it has a calming effect on the nervous and digestive systems, a warming effect (Useful for circulation problems) and a toning effect on the respiratory tract.
It furthermore boosts the pancreas, which in turns helps digestion, and is thought to be involved in controlling blood sugar, which makes it valuable for sufferers of diabetes.
The effect it has on the skin is to improve elasticity, helping cracked skin, while aiding the healing of sores and wounds – reducing redness, irritation and itching.
Suggested dilution rates
On the skin
Adult with minor wounds and scratches
- Face and Neck: 0.25% to 1.5%
- Body: 0.25% to 2%
- Bath: 0.25% to 2%
Infant up to to 24 months:
- Face and Neck: Avoid
- Body: 0.01% to 0.5%
- Bath: 0.01% to 0.5%
Young Child from 2 years to 6 years:
- Face and Neck: 0.25% to 1%
- Body: up to 2%%
- Bath: up to 2%
Child from 6 years to 15 years:
- Face and Neck: 0.25% to 1.5%
- Body: 0.25% to 2%
- Bath: 0.25% to 2%
In Pregnancy and when breastfeeding:
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advise regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins. This is due to conflicting information available, or the absence of any reliable information – quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you avoid essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester.
- We suggest that this oil be avoided when breastfeeding.
- We suggest that this oil be avoided during pregnancy.
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy : Benzoin oil can be used for the nervous system, calming and bringing comfort to the depressed and emotionally exhausted.
Use just enough to cover the base of a teaspoon, then mix this well with a little fatty oil or carrier oil in a glass to make it pourable before use.
Summary
Benzoin oleo resin can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with general aches and pains, arthritis and rheumatism, as well as chronic bronchitis and coughing. Poor circulation will also benefit from this oil, as well as stiff muscles. It also has a calming effect and helps to ease depression. It furthermore gives the skin a general boost by increasing elasticity, reducing redness, irritation and itchiness, while helping with wound healing.
Benzoin oleo resin is a good remedy for dry, cracked skin, cuts and wounds, as well as for acne and irritable and itching skin, while at the same time improving elasticity.
Benzoin oleo resin blends well with
Although essential oils blend well with each other, benzoin oleo resin goes particularly well with bergamot, coriander, frankincense, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrrh, orange, petitgrain, rose and sandalwood.
