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Styrax Benzoin Resin / Styrax Benzoin Absolute

	Vintage Illustration of Styrax Benzoin

Styrax Benzoin possesses a sweet, warming, rich, vanilla-like aroma with resinous undertones. It is derived from the resin of the Styrax Benzoin tree. I've also heard reference to this tree being called the Gum Benjamin Gum. Styrax Benzoin Resin has traditionally been used in incense applications. The resin normally is available in chunks or can be powderized just prior to use (the powder will re-harden if left too long).

For aromatherapy, the hard resinous material is solvent extracted to create a thick, sticky absolute. Because it can be quite thick, some suppliers may package it in a jar instead of bottle. For tips, see Working With and Blending Thick Aromatic Oils.

Emotionally, Styrax Benzoin Absolute is calming and grounding. In Chakra work, it is a recommended oil for use with the Root Chaka.

Stryax Benzoin blend well with other resinous oils like Frankincense or Myrrh. It also blends well with wood oils like Sandalwood and Cedarwood. It marries well with a hint of Vetiver and/or Patchouli. With its vanilla-like character, Styrax Benzoin has a special affinity for use with citrus essential oils. I especially like it with characteristically "orange" oils that include Sweet Orange, Mandarin, Tangerine and Bergamot. It likely smells divine blended with Yuzu Essential Oil.

I traditionally diffuse Benzoin using my candle diffuser. Because it is so thick, it should not be used in nebulizing diffusers or any style diffusing apparatus that doesn't work well with thick oils.

Julia Lawless states that Styrax Benzoin may cause sensitization. Topically, use it with extreme care and in low dilutions (if at all). See below for additional information about Styrax Benzoin Resin.

Benzoin Resin / Absolute

Botanical Name: Styrax benzoin / Styrax tonkinensis Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted Color: Golden Brown Consistency: Thick Viscosity. Can be tricky to work with. For tips, see Working With and Blending Thick Aromatic Oils. Perfumery Note: Base Strength of Initial Aroma: Light-Medium

Aromatic Description: Rich, warm, slightly woody, creamy, vanilla.

Styrax Bezoin Resin Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, chapped skin, coughing, laryngitis, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Constituents for Benzoin from Siam: Coniferyl benzoate, benzoic acid, vanillin, siaresinolic acid, cinnamyl benzoate. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 222.]

Safety Information: Styrax Benzoin Resin may cause possible skin sensitivity and contact dermatitis. [Leung, A.Y. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, 64 as cited in Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 222.]

Important Note: The essential oil information provided within the Essential Oil Properties & Profiles area is intended for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

General Safety Information: Do not take any essential oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that you've never used before. Instructions on conducting a skin patch test and more safety information can be found by visiting the Essential Oil Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on essential oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. 

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	Own Detailed Profiles on 160 Essential Oils The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless contains 160 detailed essential oil profiles complete with beautiful color photos.  Read a review of this book or purchase this book through Amazon.com. Also consider... Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals In addition to the eight main chapters contained within the book, Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals also includes over 65 detailed oil monographs (profiles) and over 30 appendices.  Read a review of this book or purchase this book through Amazon.com.