Health Benefits of Benzoin Essential Oil

Did You Know?
Benzoin essential oil is believed to improve pancreas function and increase production of insulin, which may help control blood sugar in diabetic patients.

Derived from the resin of benzoin tree, benzoin essential oil is revered in folklore for its numerous benefits. For centuries, the culture of Thailand, Java, and Sumatra, where the tree abundantly grows, has incorporated the use of this essential oil for healing and spiritual renewal.

Although having limited scientific backing, this oil is well-known for its antiflatulent, deodorant, and expectorant properties. Some of the benefits of this essential oil are discussed below.

When it comes to unclogging stuffy nose or relieving drippy nose that is associated with a wide range of respiratory problems, what better way than steam inhalation with benzoin essential oil. Simply add 4 to 5 drops of this oil to hot water and then inhale steam to get immediate relief from nasal and chest congestion.

It acts like a natural expectorant, which helps liquefy thick mucus and facilitate its expulsion. So, when you inhale steaming vapors of this oil, it helps thin out the mucus, making the cough more productive. This in turn assists in eliminating mucus from the lungs, bronchi, and the windpipe.

When suffering from an episode of common cold, we are often advised to apply a chest rub. In order to make the product more effective, mixing 5 - 6 drops of benzoin essential oil in a 5 gm chest rub is recommended.

When it comes to comforting sore muscles and aching joints, this essential oil really comes in handy. Use the following topical preparation to massage and relieve body ache.

Add 5 drops of benzoin oil to 3 drops of lavender oil. Now, combine this oil blend with 1 ounce of sweet almond oil and 2 drops of rosemary oil.

Embracing the aroma of this oil can help refresh your mind and uplift your spirits. The soothing aroma provides a stress-reducing effect on your mind, which comforts patients suffering from anxiety and depression. Inhaling its unique scent can certainly have a positive impact on your emotional well-being. You can use the aroma lamp or diffuser to spread the beautiful aroma of the essential oil around your room.

Diffusing a blend of essential oils consisting of 5 drops each of benzoin oil, rose oil, and jasmine oil can also help clear the mind and uplift the mood.

Topical application of this oil can also be helpful in the treatment of skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Its topical diluted preparation is very effective to provide relief from these skin ailments.

Combine 2-3 drops each of sandalwood and benzoin essential oil in half a bucket of water and then gently rinse the affected part of the body to get relief.

Antiseptic properties of this oil can come in handy to treat wounds effectively. Its application can help keep the pain to a minimum as well as prevent the wound from aggravating. Being a disinfectant, applying it can certainly encourage healing of wounds.

Skin creams that contain this oil as an active ingredient can work brilliantly to heal cracked skin and increase the skin's strength and elasticity. Thus, applying these creams regularly can certainly contribute to keep the skin's elasticity healthy and prevent formation of wrinkles.

To make a topical preparation, mix 3-4 drops of benzoin essential oil in equal amounts with myrrh and chamomile oil. Add 2 tablespoons of calendula cream to this oil combination. Now, massage this mixture to inflammatory areas of the body to get relief.

The essential oil has a pleasant aroma; hence, bathing in water containing a few drops of this essential oil can work wonders to remove bad body odor. As it smells great, it acts as a natural deodorant. It is often used as a fixative in perfumes or blenders.

Looking for an easy way to dispel intestinal gas that causes abdominal discomfort in the form of abdominal distention? Well, benzoin essential oil, known for its carminative qualities, can be useful to facilitate expulsion of gas and ease bloating.

Make a massage oil blend that is a mix of benzoin essential oil and carrier oil. The carrier oil (sweet almond oil) in the blend should be twice the amount of essential oil. Massage this oil blend on the stomach in a clockwise fashion to promote release of excess gas.

Benzoin essential oil is said to display anti-inflammatory action, so its topical application can be helpful to relieve inflammatory conditions like measles, eczema, and other skin problems. It also soothes inflammation of the digestive system in the aftermath of excessive spicy food intake.

This oil also works wonders to provide relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. When applied topically, it easily gets absorbed in the skin pores, and hence, it is made use of in antiarthritic balms.

Use of this oil, be it internal or external, should not be done without taking advice from a qualified aromatherapist. This is because benzene is toxic in nature, and ingestion in large amounts can cause adverse effects like nausea, headaches, vomiting, etc.

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so mixing them with a carrier oil is necessary before their usage. Also, essential oils are not approved by the USFDA for their health benefits. So, use of these oils should not be done without medical advice.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a certified professional.