Benzoin is the name given to the resin from the benzoin or styrax tree. The resin gives off a pleasant sweet scent and is used primarily in perfumery and aromatherapy.
Occurrence and cultivation of benzoin
The brownish benzoin resin is obtained by cutting into the trunk of the tree and curing it in the air. Benzoin resin comes from various benzoin trees. Mainly used is the resin of the Siam benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis Craib) and the Sumatra benzoin (Styrax benzoin Dryand). Both trees belong to the Storax family. Benzoin resin should not be confused with styrax resin, which is extracted from related storax trees. Siam benzoin grows in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. As its name suggests, Sumatran benzoin is found exclusively on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Benzoe trees, which can grow up to 20 meters tall, are evergreen and have chocolate brown bark. The oval leaves, up to 10 centimeters long, are arranged alternately on the branches. During the flowering period, long clusters of white flowers appear. The fruits of the benzoe bazm are up to 12 millimeters long and contain the seed. The brownish benzoin resin is obtained by cutting the trunk of the tree and curing in the air.
Effect and application
The scent of benzoin resin is balsamic and strongly reminiscent of vanilla. The resin owes the pleasant pleasant odor mainly to the aromatic esters. The main component is coniferolbenzoate, which accounts for up to 80 percent. Other components are aromatic acids such as benzoic acid (approx. 20 percent) and aromatic aldehydes with a proportion of 1-2 percent. The aromatic aldehyde vanillin is responsible for the vanilla-like scent of the resin. As a rule, benzoin resin is offered in its original resin form. In this form, the resin is mainly smoked. In the Russian Orthodox Church, the resin of the benzoin tree is the main component of the church incense. Not only the resin itself, but also the smoke smells balsamic and vanilla. The scent is said to convey a feeling of security, safety and warmth. Due to the relaxing effect, the benzoin resin is especially suitable for incense in the evening and can be well complemented with sandalwood, patchouli leaves, rose petals, cinnamon flowers, tonka or star anise. In Ayurveda, the smoke of the benzoin resin is also considered a remedy for respiratory diseases. A thick, brownish essential oil can be obtained from the resin by alcohol extraction. For this purpose, the resin is placed in alcohol of wine. In this way, 1 kg of benzoin essential oil can be obtained from 1.5 kg of resin. This is also called resinoid. The sweet and lovely scent of the resin is retained during extraction. Benzoin essential oil also conveys a sense of security and warmth and has both relaxing and anxiety-relieving effects. However, benzoin is not only good for the psyche, but also has a positive effect on the skin. Benzoin oil promotes the metabolism of the skin and helps sore skin to regenerate. Benzoin has an antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial effect is less with bacteria, but more with yeasts and fungi. Therefore, the essential oil is often used to prevent mycosis, for example, in patients with diabetes mellitus. Cancer patients can also benefit from the essential oil in radiation prophylaxis and aftercare. Benzoin oil also has a wound-healing and epithelializing effect, so it can be used well for poorly healing wounds. Thus, benzoin can also be used to prevent bedsores (decubitus prophylaxis) or for stoma care in the case of an artificial bowel outlet. The oil is also often used in acne treatment. Here one makes use of the anti-inflammatory effect. Benzoin oil also has a regulating effect and can rebuild skin flora damaged by incorrect treatment. Like all essential oils, the oil extracted from benzoin resin should always be diluted and never applied pure to the skin. Fatty” vegetable oils are suitable as carrier substances. For example, almond oil, jojoba oil or evening primrose oil are suitable for supporting the skin care effect of the benzoin resin. For skin care, an aerosol can also be made with benzoin. For this purpose, a few drops of the essential oil are added to rose hydrolate. Before use, the aerosol must be shaken well and can then be sprayed on sore skin areas. Essential oils are not soluble in water. If the oil obtained from the benzoin resin is to be used in a full bath, it must be emulsified beforehand.Suitable emulsifiers are, for example, cream, fatty milk, honey or sea salt.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Benzoin was known especially in the southern Arabian peninsula very early. At that time, benzoin was also called Javanese incense. In ancient Egypt, the resin of the benzoin tree was a sought-after remedy. As incense, it was used primarily for disinfection, but was also used in the production of healing ointments. The Greek physician Pedanius Dioskorides described the positive effect of the resin on the skin and respiratory tract as early as 50 AD. Today, benzoin is mainly used in industry rather than in medicine. Especially the perfume industry appreciates benzoin for its warm scent and uses the resin mainly for oriental fragrances. In addition, benzoin is used as a fixative to protect oil, acrylic and pastel paintings, and as a violin varnish. Benzoic acid extracted from the benzoin resin is used as a preservative in the food industry. Therapeutically, benzoin is used today more in alternative medicine. Here, alternative practitioners and doctors value the resin for its nurturing and anti-inflammatory effects and use the essential oil for massages, wound care, therapeutic baths or in the fragrance lamp.
