Benzoin

What is benzoin?

Benzoin is the sap or gummy resin of trees belonging to the Styrax species. Benzoin should not be confused with Siam benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis), which is only used in manufacturing and not as a medicine. Benzoin is used for inflammatory swellings in the mouth, throat and respiratory tract. Some people apply benzoin to the skin to kill germs, reduce swelling and stop bleeding from minor cuts. Benzoin is also applied to the skin to treat ulcers, bedsores (sore areas of skin in bedridden patients) and cracked skin. Benzoin is used in combination with other plant extracts (aloe, storax and tolu balsam) to protect the skin.

Benzoin is inhaled to treat hoarseness, croup and other respiratory problems. In dentistry, benzoin is used to treat swollen gums and herpes blisters in the mouth. In the field of industrial production, benzoin is used in the manufacture of medicines.

How does benzoin work?

There is evidence that benzoin may protect the skin and help relieve respiratory congestion by thinning mucus and facilitating expectoration.

How effective is benzoin?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of benzoin for treating inflammatory swelling of the mouth and respiratory tract, hoarseness, croup, skin ulcers, sores and broken skin. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of benzoin for these conditions.

Safety and side effects

There is evidence that benzoin may be safe and harmless as a medicine when taken orally or applied to the skin. There is not enough information to make a statement about the safety of inhaling benzoin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of benzoin during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid benzoin.

Benzoin allergy: People who are allergic to benzoin experience allergic skin reactions when using benzoin.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining benzoin with the following medications:

Lithium

Benzoin could have a dehydrating effect. Taking benzoin could interfere with the body's excretion of lithium, which could result in increased lithium levels and serious side effects. For this reason, it is important to discuss the use of benzoin with your doctor if you are taking lithium. The lithium dosage may need to be adjusted.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of benzoin depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for benzoin. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.