Balsam Styrax Benzoin

Balsam Styrax Benzoin

Latin Name: Balsam Styrax Benzoin

Common Name: Benzoin, or balsam of peru, the resin of the benjamin tree

Classification: Blenhorrhetic

Isolated Drug/s: Benzoic acid

Medicinal Usage: The resin of the tree is obtained from incisions in the bark, and then boiled in water so that the balsam settles at the bottom. It has the consistency of honey.

Used as a stimulating blennhorrhetic, expectorant and tonic. It is employed in treatment of bronchitis, chronic catarrh, asthma, gonorrhea, leucorrhea, or externally to ulcers. It is commonly given in the form of a pill, emulsion, or inhalation.

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Specimen: Styrax Benzoin. Image courtesy of the New England Botanical Club.