The health benefits of benzoin essential oil can be attributed to its potential properties as an antidepressant, carminative, cordial, deodorant, disinfectant, and a relaxant. It can also function as a diuretic, expectorant, antiseptic, vulnerary, astringent, anti-inflammatory and sedative substance.
Health Benefits of Benzoin Essential Oil
Modern research has found a number of medicinal properties of benzoin oil, the best of which are listed below.
May Improve Circulation
Benzoin essential oil can raise spirits and uplift mood. That is why it was and still is widely used in religious ceremonies in many parts of the world. It is used in incense sticks and other such substances which, when burnt, gives out the smoke with the characteristic aroma of benzoin oil.
The molecules of the components of this oil, along with inhaled smoke, get into our nostrils and are detected by our smell receptors and their effects are transmitted to our brain, thereby stimulating the nervous center. This may also give a warm feeling, stimulates the heartbeat, and improves circulation. These properties of benzoin oil were detected long ago and used to create a mood of celebration in a gathering.
Benzoin essential oil is obtained from various Styrax species which originate in several geographical locations. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
May Relieve Anxiety
Benzoin essential oil, besides possibly being a stimulant and an antidepressant, on one hand, it can also be a relaxant and sedative on the other. It can relieve anxiety, tension, nervousness, and stress by bringing the nervous and neurotic system to normal. That is why it may give a feeling of uplifted mood and can help relax people in case of anxiety and stress. It can also have tranquilizing effects. Thus, it may not be used by students, particularly during exams when they intend to study overnight. [1]
May Prevent Infections
This describes an agent that can protect open wounds from infections. This property of benzoin essential oil has been known for ages and instances of such use have been found from the remains of many old civilizations around the world. [2]
May Prevent Sepsis
Benzoin essential oil can be a very good antiseptic and disinfectant. The components like benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and benzyl benzoate can be very effective germicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral substances. Even the extent to which its smoke spreads on burning can make the zone disinfected from germs. When externally applied to wounds, it may prevent sepsis from developing.
May Improve Digestion
Benzoin essential oil has carminative and anti-flatulent properties. It can help in the removal of gases from the stomach and the intestines and can relieve inflammation of the intestines. This may be once again due to its relaxing effects. It may relax the muscular tension in the abdominal area and helps gases pass out. This can help regulate digestion and improves appetite. [3]
May Remove Bad Odor
Being very rich in aroma, benzoin essential oil is extensively used as a deodorant. Its smoke fills the rooms with a nice aroma and drives away odor. Mixed with bathing water and massage oils, or if applied to the body, it can kill body odor as well as the germs that cause it. This property may come from the possible presence of derivatives of the benzene ring in this oil. Benzene is a cyclic hydrocarbon and like all other cyclic organic compounds, it is aromatic in nature.
May Aid In Improving Skin Care
It may have astringent properties, which can tone up the muscles and the skin. If mixed with water and used as a mouthwash, it can also tighten the gums. This astringent property can be very helpful for face-lifting and for the reduction of wrinkles on the skin.
May Treat Cough
Benzoin essential oil, being warm and disinfectant in nature, may act as a good expectorant. It can help in the removal of coughs from the respiratory system comprising the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, and relieves congestion. This, therefore, eases breathing. Its possibly tranquilizing properties can help relax and induce sleep for patients who cannot sleep due to extreme congestion from coughs and colds. Due to this property, it is also used in balms, rubs, and vaporizers. [4]
May Facilitate Urination
Benzoin essential oil has potential diuretic properties, meaning that it can promote and facilitate urination, both in frequency and in quantity, thereby possibly helping the removal of toxic substances from the blood through urination. Urination may also help in lowering blood pressure, losing weight, and improving digestion. [5]
May Soothe Inflammation
Benzoin essential oil can act as an anti-inflammatory and can soothe inflammation in cases of pox, rashes, eruptions, and others. It can also help soothe inflammation of the digestive system caused due to excessive ingestion of spicy food.
May Relieve Arthritis
These are two of the most used properties of benzoin oil. It may give relief from rheumatism and arthritis when applied externally, due to the easy absorption of benzyl components in it through the skin pores. Due to this, it is used in a number of anti-arthritic balms. [6]
Benzoin essential oil helps relieve stress. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Other Benefits
May prevent and heal cracking of skin, sores and stimulates secretions of enzymes and hormones like insulin from endocrinal glands like the pancreas, thus lowering the blood sugar level and regulating other metabolic functions.
Word of Caution: Benzoin and its derivatives, despite being highly aromatic, are toxic in nature. Therefore, ingestion or inhalation of excessive quantities can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and lack of oxygen in the blood so it should be avoided.
Blending: Benzoin oil blends fine with Orange, Petit Grain, Coriander, Frankincense, Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Rose and Sandalwood oils.
