Benzoin Gum Profile
Also known as
Styrax benzoin, benjamin gum, barley gum, styrax gum
Introduction
If you can remember visiting the family doctor 40 or more years ago, you may remember the ubiquitous jar of "tincture of benzoin" kept on an office shelf for treating upper respiratory infections. The benzoin tree is native to the tropical reaches of Southeastern Asia, China, and Indonesia. The resin, also called gum benjamin, has a vanilla like aroma and ranges in color from pale yellow to red brown and is harvested by making triangular incisions into the tree's bark to establish a flow, which then hardens into lumps when exposed to air and sunlight. Benzoin is used in the perfume industry as an antioxidant, stabilizer, and fixative. It will sometimes harden under fluctuations in humidity.
Constituents
Benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, styrene, vanillic acid.
Parts Used
The gum, dissolved in tinctures of alcohol. Or for manufactured products it may be applied to cosmetic creations as directed.
Typical Preparations
Benzoin tincture, used in cosmetics and some herbal compounds. Also used in vaporizer fluids for inhalation to relieve respiratory discomfort.
Summary
Tincture of benzoin is antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and mildly stimulant, used to treat bronchitis, colds, coughs, ulcers, and wounds. Benzoin is used to complement mayapple for treatment of warts. There are essentially two types of Benzoin Gum, Sumatra and Siam. Although geographically named, they are not necessarily produced in these locals. Sumatra Benzoin is customarily used for medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations, while Siam Benzoin is customarily used for flavors and fragrances. Benzoin gum is considered by the FDA as a natural flavor and is used in most categories of foods including beverages, dairy deserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins and puddings. Tincture of benzoin is antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and mildly stimulant, used to treat bronchitis, colds, coughs, ulcers, and wounds. Benzoin is used to complement mayapple for treatment of warts. The benzoin currently offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is of the Sumatran variety.
Precautions
Store benzoin in a tightly closed container that is no more than half full. Open only in a room with good ventilation.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
