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Benzoin Gum

Benzoin is a balsamic resin. Normally the trees do not produce it or any substance analogous to it, but the infliction of a wound sufficiently severe to injure the cambium results in the formation of numerous oleoresin ducts in which the secretion is produced, it is, therefore, a pathological product. The trunk of the tree is hacked with an axe, and after a time the liquid Benzoin either accumulates beneath the bark or exudes from the incisions. When it has sufficiently hardened it is collected and exported, either in the form of loose pieces (tears) or in masses packed in oblong boxes or in tins; several varieties are known, but Siam and Sumatra Benzoins are the most important. The incisions are made when the tree is seven years old, and in Sumatra each tree yields about 3 lb. annually for ten or twelve years. The first three years' collections give the finest Benzoin; after that the runnings are known as the 'belly,' and finally the tree is cut down and the resin scraped out, this being termed the 'foot.' Siam Benzoin externally is reddish yellow, internally milky white, has an agreeable odor, recalling vanilla, contains benzoic acid but not cinnamic acid. Sumatra Benzoin is always in blocks of a dull reddish or grayish-brown color. Fine qualities have a strong storax-like odor, quite distinct from the vanilla odor of the Siamese variety. Sumatra Benzoin contains cinnamic acid.

	5 lb	10 lb	25lb
Benzoin Gum Pieces	@ $16.82/lb	@ $15.14/lb	@ $13.63/lb
Benzoin Gum Powder	@ $13.61/lb	@ $12.25/lb	@ $11.03/lb

Properties/Uses - Benzoin has historically been used as a fixative in soap for fragrance and fresh fruits. It is a known sensitizer and you should use this product sparingly in your products. The balsamic resin from the leaves, bark and roots of the plant Styrax benzoin has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, bacteriacide, incense and perfume. Benzoin Gum is gelatinous when wet, and small, hard, water-soluble granules when dried. It is used as a preservative in creams and ointments, and as a fixative for fragrances in soaps. It is also used to treat minor cuts and dry, irritated skin. It is an antiseptic, antioxidant, deodorant and astringent. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': It is used externally in the form of a tincture, diluted with water as a mild stimulant and antiseptic in irritable conditions of the skin. It acts as a carminative when taken internally is rapidly absorbed, and mildly expectorant diuretic and antiseptic to the urinary passages. In the form of Compound Tincture of Benzoin, it is used as an inhalant with steam in laryngitis and bronchitis.

Botanical Name - Styrax benzoin

Part Used - Gum resin

Common Names/Synonyms - Gum Benzoin, Gum Benjamin, Siam Benzoin, Sumatra Benzoin.

Cautions - No side effects or contraindications with normal use.

Benzoin Gum in smaller sizes


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