Description:  Benzoin is a balsamic resin.  Normally the trees do not produce it or any substance analogous to it, but the infliction of a wound sufficiently severe to injure the cambium results in the formation of numerous oleoresin ducts in which the secretion is produced, it is, therefore, a pathological product.  This herbal resin is not naturally exuded from the styrax trees. Although in A Modern Herbal Grieve describes hacking into the bark with axes, one may simply make a small cut into the bark, although it still needs to be deep enough to pierce the inner bark.  This causes the tree to create the resin.  It will then slowly seep out where it can be collected, dried and ground for ritual use.

In commercial operations, when it has sufficiently hardened it is collected and exported, either in the form of loose pieces (tears) or in masses packed in oblong boxes or in tins.  Several varieties are known, but Siam and Sumatra Benzoins are the most important. The incisions are made when the tree is seven years old, and in Sumatra each tree yields about 3 lb. annually for ten or twelve years.

The first three years' collections give the finest Benzoin; after that the runnings are known as the "belly," and finally the tree is cut down and the resin scraped out, this being termed the "foot." Siam Benzoin externally is reddish yellow, internally milky white, has an agreeable odour, recalling vanilla, contains benzoic acid but not cinnamic acid.  Sumatra Benzoin is always in blocks of a dull reddish or greyish-brown color.  Fine qualities have a strong storax-like odor, quite distinct from the vanilla odor of the Siamese variety.  Sumatra Benzoin contains cinnamic acid.

Main constituents:  Cinnamic (in Sumatran), benzoic and sumaresinolic acid esters, benzoic acid, sumaresinolic acid, benzaldehyde, vanillin.

Properties:   Mild Stimulant, Expectorant, Astringent, Antispasmodic, Antiseptic, Carminative, Diuretic.

Uses:  Externally-in the form of a tincture, diluted with water as a mild stimulant and antiseptic in irritable conditions of the skin.

Internally-Use to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, & ulcers.

It acts as a carminative when taken internally, and a mildly expectorant diuretic and antiseptic to the urinary passages.  In the form of Compound Tincture of Benzoin, it is used as an inhalant with steam in laryngitis and bronchitis.  It is a preservative of fats, and is used for that purpose in Adips Benzoatus.

Safety Considerations:  None known; use with caution.

Magical:

Folk Names:  Styrax, Ben, Benjamen

Gender:  Masculine

Planet:  Sun

Powers:  Purification, Prosperity

Uses:  Benzoin is considered sacred to Venus, Aphrodite and to Mut. It makes an excellent incense for use in their temples.

Burn an incense of 1 part Benzoin, 1 part Cinnamon, & 2 parts Basil to attract customers to your place of business.

Benzoin has become associated with two of the Wiccan Sabbats: Imbolc & Mabon.  Benzoin can help the student understand the nature of transitions both in learning how to live with the Wheel of the Year and in gaining comprehension regarding the natural cycles of change.  It provides focus, enhances concentration & assists in moving to the Astral Plane.

Promotes generosity; it can open a closed spirit which is suffering from selfishness. Can bring increased success to any magickal working or to attain magickal goals.

Burned as incense during meditation, it increases the serenity of one's own energy and environment. Students of the tarot may use this herb to move beyond the mundane symbols of the Seven cards of any of the four suits.  Indeed, benzoin may be used to better understand any card of the Cups suit as well.

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