- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Indonesia, Sumatra)
Asia · Herb · № 229
Styrax benzoin
Herb · Asia
Benzoin
Styrax benzoin
Traditionally attributed effects: expectorant, astringent, antispasmodic.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: The book describes this remedy for unconsciousness, coma and stroke; these are always medical emergencies (call 112). Not with yin deficiency with fire.
Preparation
Essential oil, gum.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal medicine (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic). In herbal magic associated with purification, healing, prosperity. Benzoin resin is tapped from Styrax trees on Sumatra (kemenyan) and in Laos and Thailand. It is burned as incense in ceremonies and is the main ingredient of tincture of benzoin, which was inhaled for colds in Western medicine. Benzoic acid was first obtained from this resin.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Expectorant, astringent, antispasmodic.
Preparation and amount
Essential oil, gum.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, neutral
- Meridians
- heart, liver, spleen
Attributed effects
An xi xiang opens the sensory orifices and moves blood and qi; the book describes use in coma and in a feeling of swelling or pain in chest and abdomen.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Caution: The book describes this remedy for unconsciousness, coma and stroke; these are always medical emergencies (call 112). Not with yin deficiency with fire.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Purification, healing, prosperity.