Name: Benzoin
Method: Evidently directly from tree resin
Note Classification: Base.
Scent: Warm, sweet, balsamic, slight vanilla, as well as almond
Colour: Reddish-brown, orange-brown, greyish-brown
Species: Styrax Benzoin, Family Styracaceae ( Styrax ). 2 main varieties…Sumatra benzoin (S. paralleloneurus )
Siam benzoin ( S. tonkinensis )
Extracted From: Directly from tree.
Region: Sumatra.
By-products: Friars Balsam – compound tincture of benzoin helps respiratory complaints.
Historical: Used in the East for medicine and incense.
Of Interest: Thick, viscous oil at room temperature. Benzoin- extracted from a large tropical tree up to 20m high.
Aromatherapy Properties: Excellent for respiratory problems. As well as Soothing on the nervous systems. Also Cuts and chapped skin.
Blends Well With: Citrus oils
Chemical Analysis: Sumatra benzoin: coniferyl cinnamate, sumaresinolic acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, styrene, vanillin, benzaldehyde
Siam benzoin: coniferyl benzoate 65-75% benzoic acid, vanillin, siaresinolic acid, cinnamyl benzoate
Safety Data: Non-toxic but occasionally sensitizing. Additionally helps with contact dermatitis.
Essential oils are used for blending with carrier base oils to make special blends for massaging the body.
You can add essential oils to a carrier base oil during massage and it carries the essential oils into the body.
So when mixing essential oil from a recipe please do not add more than recommended for one massage and if the skin is dry and you need more oil just add more carrier base oil not more essential oil.
Additionally essential oils can be used in the bath, in cream, lotion, bath oil, bath salts, bath bombs, oil burners, inhalers, hot & cold compresses, perfume, as well as soap & candle-making.
Furthermore always keep your oils out of the reach of children, in a safe cool dark place and keep as you would any medicines.
Additionally please take a look at the links below which also contain essential oils.
