Styrax Benzoin Sumatra - Grade 1- From Indonesia
This is the Highest Grade of Sumatra Benzion also called Styrax benzoin. It comes from the family of Styracaceae
The resin comes from various species of Styrax trees. They are large tropical trees native to Southeast Asia mostly found in Sumatra. These trees are tapped for the resin when they are around 10 yrs old. A cut is made in the tree where the resin flows out and gets hard over time then harvested. It has been used for thousands of years especially by the Chinese and Japanese and used traditionally as incense and as a base with certain medicines.
When I decided to bring this into my store I never realized the exquisite smell it has. To me, it smells like sitting and eating a dish of Vanilla Ice Cream with a bit of cinnamon, so yummy.
Traditionally used it has and still used as incense for Churches especially for purification. This is different than Siam Benzoin because of its almond-like shape and it has beautiful reddish-orange tones to it.
From the research I did, it seems to have more Benzoic Acid in it than Siam benzoin.
Benzoic Acid is a white, crystalline organic compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acids, widely used as a food preservative and in the manufacture of various cosmetics, dyes, plastics, and insect repellents.
Benzoic acid ointment used topically is a combination medicine used to treat skin irritation and inflammation caused by burns, insect bites, fungal infections, or eczema.
Benzoin is not oil-soluble but tinctured in Everclear or ethanol, as you see in one of these pictures, can be made into a lotion or ointment and used for this purpose.
When making a tincture for irritations and inflammations a few drops of the tincture in a lotion base goes a long way.
It is used for its skin healing properties but it can cause sensitization. It is extremely strong so please use it well diluted and use it moderately.
When Burning it, it is calming, balancing and can help with anxiety and stress.
It is also tinctured in blends to make natural perfumes. It is also distilled for the essential oil and also used in perfumes. Mixed with agarwood and oud and a few other essential oils can make a beautiful natural perfume.
This is the highest grade of this resin and quite expensive so I am selling it at the best possible price I can give you. It is a mix of small pieces and medium pieces.
Info about Benzoic Acid: https://www.britannica.com/science/benzoic-acid
Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only. Resins are not a substitute for professional medical care and it is advised that you always consult your health practitioner.
Resins may irritate the skin so please handle with care.