Styrax tonkinensis- collectin of resinStyrax tonkinensis   Siam Benzoin Resin   
Benzoin resin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax.
There are two common kinds of benzoin resin:
- Siam Benzoin is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis, found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam- contains benzoic acid. More used in the flavor and fragrance industries, such as incense-making and perfumery because of its sweet vanilla-like aroma and fixative properties.
- Sumatra Benzoin is obtained from Styrax benzoin and Styrax paralleoneurus which grows predominantly on the island of Sumatra- contains cinnamic acid in addition to benzoic acid- more commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations.
Commonly called "benzoin", it is called "benzoin resin" here to distinguish it from the chemical compound benzoin. Benzoin resin does not contain this crystalline compound.
Benzoin is also called gum benzoin or gum benjamin, but "gum" is incorrect as benzoin is not a polysaccharide.
ODOR: Vanilla like.
ACTIONS
1. Respiratory decongestant. Soothing, sedative effect on respiratory tract. Relieves inflammation of sore throat, and laryngitis.[1]
2. Calming- can be added to bath.[1]
INDICATIONS
Only external applications.
1. Bronchial cough. Tense breathing- Add to carrier oil- Massage into chest, back and throat.[1]
2. Helps flatulence- using in massage oil blend- massage the abdomen clockwise.[1]
Local- Cracked skin and heels as well as chapped hands- use as a skin or facial oil.[1]
PREPARATIONS
Benzoin is a thick resinoid, and has gained popularity as an ingredient in Friar's Balsam. If it becomes solid- stand in hot water to liquefy.[1]
Steam inhalation
Vaporisation.
Massage oil blend.
ORIGIN: Obtained by making incisions into the trunk of Styrax trees in Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Thailand. These trees bleed sweet areas of dark reddish-brown resin.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally
Constituents
Research

Tincture of benzoin: clinical and microbiological implications of reusable containers.
Wascher RA, Barcia PJ.
Abstract
At our institution, tincture of benzoin solution is commonly used as a topical adhesive agent. As a cost-saving practice, multiple-dose bottles are routinely used in the operating rooms and the clinic on multiple patients. Although clinically pathogenic organisms are known to be capable of survival in both benzoin and its isopropyl alcohol solvent, no prior controlled studies have investigated the potential for tincture of benzoin solution to support the growth of specific pathogens under clinically relevant conditions. In this study, multiple aerobic, anaerobic, and spore-forming bacteria were exposed to tincture of benzoin solution, as well as Candida albicans and Mycobacterium fortuitum. Bacillus cereus was the only index organism demonstrating a clear ability to survive a 15 minute incubation in tincture of benzoin, although 24 hours of exposure to tincture of benzoin resulted in no subsequent viable cultures of this organism after 72 hours of incubation. Thus although certain bacilli might, under ideal circumstances, remain viable and infectious within multiple-dose bottles of tincture of benzoin, the risk of causing iatrogenic infection appears to be rather minimal. Still, the use of multiple-dose dispensers of topical agents, particularly in surgical patients, should be carefully scrutinized for their clinical risk-to-economic benefit ratio.
PMID: 8637641 Mil Med. 1996 Mar;161(3):143-5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov