Medical Uses of Benzoin

Benzoin is a perennial tree belonging to the family (Styracaceae). It usually contains benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, benzyl benzoate cinnamic acid and vanillin. Its chemical composition is influenced by the place of its origin, geographical, and climatic conditions. Benzoin oil is widely used in the food, drinks and alcoholic beverage to give flavor, and for varnishing woods. However, its applications in the field of medicine cannot be ignored. The following will provide a detailed introduction.

Dermatology

Phytotherapy in dermatology is the process of reparation of medicines from plants and their uses in the treatment of skin. Benzoin is used in conditioning of the skin and also to toughen the skin. Benzoin oils are also used for beauty of skin, making the skin fresh and youthful. It also has ability to heal the wounds and scars. Benzoin oil has healing properties that owe to benzoic acid, benzaldehyde and benzyl benzoate. Cinnamate present in the benzoin is also used in toughening of the skin but it is quite toxic and cause allergy.

Respiratory

There are a lot of respiratory problems such as chest infection, pneumonia, asthma, noisy breathing, obstructive sleep apnoea and aspiration. Essential oil of benzoin is used to treat congestion, coughing and other respiratory problems. Benzoin is an excellent disinfectant and has expectorant qualities which help free mucus and ease breathing. As well as clearing up the respiratory system, its sedative properties can help clear the way to a good night's sleep. Styrax benzoin used in the pharmaceutical industries for the treatment of bronchitis, cough laryngitis and as an antiseptic for prevent the infections.

Digestion

In digestive issues like cramping and flatulence, then benzoin essential oil might provide relief. This wonderful essential oil has carminative properties as well as being able to relieve gas and inflammation in the intestines. It helps to relax the stomach muscles enabling excess wind to pass naturally, relieves pain related to gas. Benzoin essential oil also improves general digestion and helps improve your appetite. One of the health benefits of benzoin essential oil is preventing the acidity that occurs in the stomach and avoid many diseases are caused by gastric acidity. In cultivated region of Styrax benzoin people use it for the ache of stomach.

Diuretic

Diuretic is the disease which commonly characterized as the excess of extracellular fluid, the nephritic syndrome, kidney diseases, heart failure and cirrhosis. Benzoin essential oil has natural diuretic properties, which essentially means that it helps to boost both urine production and frequency of urination. Diuretics are used to efficiently cleanse and remove toxins from the blood stream. These properties can have a positive effect on blood pressure and can even help you to lose weight caused by stubborn water retention. Styrax benzoin has diuretic properties as it promotes and facilitates the quantity and frequency of urination and through urination it also helps to remove the toxic substances from the blood. It also helps to reduce weight, improving digestion and lowering of the blood pressure.

References

[1] Atia Sharif;Haq Nawaz;Rafia Rehman;Ayesha Mushtaq;Umer Rashid. A review on bioactive potential of Benzoin Resin. IJCBS, 10(2016):106-110.

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