Benzoin
(Styrax Benzoin)Aphrodisiac, warming, uplifting, revitalizing, elevating. This aroma creates a safe refuge for people recovering from a life crisis and depression and helps comfort the sad and lonely.
This resinous oil has a great calming and uplifting effect on the mind and boost circulation and eases respiratory disorders. At the same time it boosts the skin's elasticity, while calming redness, itchiness and irritation.
Benzoin oil has a sweet, warm and vanilla-like aroma and is golden brown in color, with a treacle-like viscosity.
History: In India, this aroma is sacred to the Brahma-Shiva-Vishnu triad, and it is used to deter devils during rice-harvesting ceremonies in Malaysia. Ingredient of the traditional “Friar’s Balsam”, used to relieve problems of the lungs, poor circulation and muscular problems.
The tree is from Java, Sumatra and Thailand and grows to 8 meters (20 feet). Deep incisions are made in the trunk of the tree, from which the grayish colored sap exudes. When the resinous lump becomes hard and brittle, it is collected from the bark.
The therapeutic properties of benzoin oil include the following; antiseptic, anti-depressant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and vulnerary. It can be used for bronchitis, coughs, colds, wounds, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, scar tissue, circulation, nervous tension, stress, muscle pains, chilblains, rashes and mouth ulcers.
Benzoin oil's greatest benefit lies in that it has a calming effect on the nervous and digestive systems, a warming effect on circulation problems and a toning effect on the respiratory tract. It furthermore boosts the pancreas, which in turns helps digestion, and is thought to be involved in controlling blood sugar, which makes it valuable for sufferers of diabetes.
The effect it has on the skin is to improve elasticity, helping cracked skin, while aiding the healing of sores and wounds and at the same time reducing redness, irritation and itching.
Blends well with: Spices, floral and oriental bases, the aphrodisiac oils – Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Frankincense – and cypress, juniper, lemon. Blend with Ylang Ylang to support its vanilla-like qualities. Great fixative, that binds other more volatile aromas and makes them last longer.
Skincare
Treats chapped dry skin
Emotional
Calming, eases nervous tension.
Medicinal
Treats coughs, laryngitis, aching muscles, sluggish circulation and travel sickness.
Precautions
Can irritate sensitive skin. When concentration is needed, it is best to avoid using benzoin oil as it can have a very relaxing effect.
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