Benzoin
Scientific names: Styrax benzoin, Styrax tonkinensis, Styrax paralleloneurum
Family: Styracaceae
Alternate names: Baume Benjoin, Benjamin Tree, Benjoin, Benjoin de Sumatra, Benjuí, Benzoe, Benzoin Tree, Benzoïne, Gum Benjamin, Gum Benzoin, Haminjon Toba, Loban, Lohban, Palembang Benzoin, Siam Benzoin, Sumatra Benzoin
Background
Benzoin is the sap (gum resin) that comes from cuts in the trunk of trees that belong to the Styrax family.
Benzoin is used on the skin for ulcers, bed sores (pressure ulcers), cracked skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Benzoin is used in small quantities in foods as a flavoring.
Benzoin is used on the skin for ulcers, bed sores (pressure ulcers), cracked skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Benzoin is used in small quantities in foods as a flavoring.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Benzoin is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in foods. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in medicinal amounts. Taking compound benzoin tincture accidentally by mouth has caused stomach bleeding.
When applied to the skin: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in appropriate amounts. It can cause skin rashes in some people.
When inhaled: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled with the steam from hot water.
When applied to the skin: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in appropriate amounts. It can cause skin rashes in some people.
When inhaled: Benzoin is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled with the steam from hot water.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if benzoin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Canker sores.
- Common cold.
- Cough.
- Cracked skin.
- Croup.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis).
- Cold sores (herpes labialis).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the voice box (laryngitis).
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers).
- Sore throat.
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of benzoin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for benzoin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Benzoin interacts with any medicines. Before taking Benzoin, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
There is some evidence that benzoin might act as a skin protectant and may also help to break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/06/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 08/12/2020 00:37:47. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
