Benzoin essential oil, the oil with a vanilla aroma, has a wide range of therapeutic abilities making it effective for treating a number of health issues. In fact, benzoin oil is an antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and anti-rheumatic. In addition to this, the essential oil contains diuretic, sedative, carminative, relaxant, disinfectant, vulnerary, carminative, expectorant and deodorant properties.
The main components in benzoin essential oil include benzoic acid, benzyl benzoate, coniferyl benzoate, benzaldehyde, cinammic acid, and vanillin.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the many properties of benzoin essential oil.
Astringent
Benzoin essential oil contains astringent properties, which help to tone up the skin and muscles. When used with water as a mouthwash, it also firms up the gums. This astringent ability of the oil is very effective for removing fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. The essential oil contains impressive healing effect on the skin and makes you look younger.
Anti-flatulent and Carminative
Benzoin essential oil has anti-flatulent and carminative properties which help in the elimination of gases from the stomach and intestines. The oil also helps to relieve inflation of the intestines because of its relaxing effects. It also relaxes tension in the muscles and abdominal area, as well as help gases, pass out. Of course, this helps to ease digestion and improve appetite.
Antidepressant
Benzoin essential oil improves mood which is why it commonly used in religious activities in several parts of the world. The essential oil is used in making incense sticks that gives out smoke with the aroma of Benzoin essential oil when burned. As a matter of fact, the components’ molecules of the oil, in combination with inhaled smoke, get into the nostrils, are picked by smell receptors, are transmitted to the brain, and then stimulate the nervous system. The smell provides a soothing effect, stimulates heartbeat, and boosts blood circulation.
Diuretic
The essential oil contains diuretic properties which help to promote the frequency and quantity of urination. It encourages the elimination of toxic substances from the blood via urination. Urination can also aids in weight loss, digestion, and lowering blood pressure.
Sedative and Relaxant
Apart from being an antidepressant, benzoin essential oil is also a sedative and relaxant. The oil helps to relieve tension, stress, anxiety, and, nervousness. In fact, it regulates the nervous and neurotic system. It alleviates depression, anxiety, and stress as well as uplifts mood. Benzoin essential oil also has tranquilizing effects.
Anti-arthritic and Anti-rheumatic
Benzoin essential oil is commonly used to treat rheumatism and arthritis. It is usually applied externally since benzyl components get easily absorbed into the skin pores. Owing to its effectiveness, the essential oil is used in the making of many anti-arthritic balms. Generally, rheumatism is caused by the stagnation of excess fluid in the system. This results in inflammation, poor blood circulation, pain, soreness, swelling, redness, and an impediment to the normal functioning of the body. Excess of fluids and water in the body is primarily caused by an imbalance of Kapha dosha, which leads to diseases like weight gain and respiratory issues.
To alleviate arthritic and rheumatic issues, sufferers should use essential oils like Benzoin essential oil and incorporate healthy foods into their diet.
Antiseptic and Disinfectant
As an antiseptic and disinfectant, benzoin essential oil contains components such as Benzyl Benzoate, Benzaldehyde, Benzoic Acid and are which are very potent bactericidal, antiviral, germicidal, and fungicidal agents. When applied on wounds, it prevents sepsis from occurring.
Anti-inflammatory
Benzoin essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and soothes inflammation, especially in cases of measles, pox, rashes, and eruptions. It also reduces inflammation of the digestive system caused by an excessive consumption of spicy food.
Deodorant
Since it is high in aroma, benzoin essential oil is often used as a deodorant for rooms as well as the body. Its characteristic smoke fills the rooms with a soothing aroma and chases out odor. When mixed with massage oils and bathing water, or applied on the body, it eliminates body odor and the germs that cause the odor.
Vulnerary
Benzoin essential oil contains an agent that keeps open wounds from being infected. This ability of Benzoin essential oil has been known and used around the world for a long time.
Expectorant
Benzoin essential oil has disinfectant components and acts as a good expectorant. It is effective in the elimination of coughs from the respiratory system which comprises the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. The oil relieves congestion, eases breathing and has a sedative effect. It is known to induce sleep for people who suffer insomnia due to an illness, colds, or chronic congestion from coughs. Owing to this property, benzoin essential oil is also used in making vaporizers, rubs, and balms.
Side Effects and Precautions for Benzoin Essential Oil
While it is highly aromatic, benzoin essential oil can be toxic as well. So, consuming or inhaling too much of the essential oil causes lack of oxygen in the blood, headache, nausea, vomiting, and so should be avoided.
When using benzoin in lotions and creams for cuts, injuries and irritated skin, care should be taken when using the essential oil on sensitive skin.
In addition to this, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should steer clear of benzoin essential oil as it may not be safe.
