Benzoin

From Wikiwel
Share/Save/Bookmark
(Redirected from An Xi Xiang)
Jump to: navigation, search
Styrax benzoin

Other Names : Styrax benzoin, Gum benzoin, gum benjamin, Benjamin tree, benzointree, Sumatra benzoin, styrax, benzoin (Swedish), benzoebaum (German), bálsamo de Benjuí (Spanish), arbre à benjoin (French), an xi xiang (Chinese).

Special precautions of Benzoin

  • Styrax benzoin resin should be used sparingly. A certain risk of hypersensitivity to the resin may occur.
  • The scent of the benzoin resin can be soporific in high concentrations.
  • To date, there have been no reports of known interactions with other medications, but further studies are needed.
  • As with all herbs intended as an herbal medicine a professional health care provider should be consulted prior to use.

Health Benefits and uses of of Benzoin

The resin of the styrax benzoin tree contains cinnamon acid ester, benzoic acid ester, free acids (such as benzoic acid), styrol, styracin, phenyl-prophyl cinnamate, benzaldehyde, vanillin and an oily fragrant liquid.

  • The styrax benzoin tincture is used internally as expectorant and disinfectant and can be a good herbal remedy for respiratory ailments and throat infections such as colds, flu, cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis and sore throat. The resin is used as an ingredient in several types of cough and cold medications.
  • A mouthwash made from the tincture can be used to treat cold sores, thrush (oral candida infection), and other wounds or inflammation of the mucous membranes.
  • Dentist also use tincture of benzoin resin as an anti-inflammatory agent after tooth extraction. Used internally, the resin also works as a disinfecting agent for the urinary tract.
  • The resin is a popular ingredient in skin care products and used to treat wounds, boils, dry skin, inflamed or irritated skin and eczema. The resin seems to cause constriction of the blood vessels and stimulate the formation of new cells. In addition, the resin has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • The resin also has a reputation for working well as an herbal remedy for poor circulation, muscle pain, rheumatism, arthritis and gout.