Bulk Herbs: Benzoin Gum Powder, Wild Crafted
Styrax benzoin

Format: Powder
Size: 1 oz package

Also Known as: Styrax benzoin, benjamin gum, barley gum, styrax gum, ben Siam Benzoin and Siamese Benzoin.

Farming Type: Wild Harvested
Origin: Indonesia

If you can remember visiting the family doctor 40 or more years ago, you may remember the ubiquitous jar of "tincture of benzoin" kept on an office shelf for treating upper respiratory infections. The benzoin tree is native to the tropical reaches of Southeastern Asia, China, and Indonesia. The resin, also called gum benjamin, has a vanilla like aroma and ranges in color from pale yellow to red brown and is harvested by making triangular incisions into the tree's bark to establish a flow, which then hardens into lumps when exposed to air and sunlight.

Benzoin is used in the perfume industry as an antioxidant, stabilizer, and fixative. It will sometimes harden under fluctuations in humidity. Tincture of benzoin is antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and mildly stimulant, used to treat bronchitis, colds, coughs, ulcers, and wounds. Benzoin is used to complement mayapple for treatment of warts. There are essentially two types of Benzoin Gum, Sumatra and Siam. Although geographically named, they are not necessarily produced in these locals. Sumatra Benzoin is customarily used for medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations, while Siam Benzoin is customarily used for flavors and fragrances.

Benzoin gum is considered by the FDA as a natural flavor and is used in most categories of foods including beverages, dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins and puddings. Tincture of benzoin is antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and mildly stimulant, used to treat bronchitis, colds, coughs, ulcers, and wounds. Benzoin is used to complement mayapple for treatment of warts. This benzoin is of the Sumatran variety.

NOTE: Store benzoin in a tightly closed container that is no more than half full. Open only in a room with good ventilation.

Magically, Benzoin is ruled by the Sun and the Air. It has traditionally been used as a purification herb, and was used to clear our negative energy in sick rooms as well as temples and homes. It can also be used for all types of prosperity and to attact money. Benzoin mixed with cinnamon and basil make a wonderful incense to attract customers to your business. Benzoin can also be substituted for Storax in most recipes as it has the same magickal properties.

Keywords: Purification and Prosperity

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.