One question we’ve been asked a few times, is what is Benzoin? Many of you might have noticed that there is Benzoin essential oil in several of our products, but a lot of you had never heard of this oil before.
There are many different varieties of this oil, depending on where the resin is from. The variety that we use can also be called by it’s Latin name, Styrax benzoin, and is solvent extracted from the resin of a small to medium sized tree that grows in tropical Asia. Because it is distilled from a resin, it is quite thick and can be a bit trickier to work with. But it’s divine smell – sweet, almost vanilla like – makes it well worth it!
Some people refer to Benzoin essential oil as a “warm hug”, because of it’s delicate, sweet and soothing fragrance.
One of the greatest benefits of this oil is the immense calming effect it has on the respiratory system, it is also said to help control blood sugar, making it very useful for diabetics. When used in a daily skin care routine, it can also improve the elasticity of the skin, heal dry cracked skin and reduce redness, irritation and itching of the skin.
Precautions: There are no known precautions, although it can be a mild irritant to hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and to the skin of children under the age of 2.
While Benzoin essential oil can be invaluable when dealing with a wide array of skin conditions and irritations, it’s calming effects also extends to the lungs. So people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, coughs and colds can attain a great relief through the use of this oil.
My own favorite uses for this essential oil all pertain to benefits it holds for the mental and emotional health. Not only does it work pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically on the body, but it’s smell is usually very well liked making it easier to work with. When it comes to mental and emotional wellbeing, Benzoin essential oil can help relieve stress, help work against depression, aid in dispelling the feelings of anger, aggression, doubt, and loneliness. For a lot of people, this can really be that “warm hug” that makes it a lot better.
Until next time!
*Please note that all essential oils are extremely potent and need to be respected. Always make sure you dilute the oils you use. You also don’t need a lot of the oil to reap it’s benefits and it’s always wise to err on the side of caution, especially when using oils on or around small children, elderly or people with underlying health conditions. When in doubt, always consult a Certified Aromatherapist before use.*