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Uses of Benzoin Powder

Benzoin powder is product of benzoin resin which is harvested from styrax trees native to Thailand and other east Indian islands. Benzoin resin has been harvested for centuries for use in perfumes, incense, soap and as a medicinal supplement. Benzoin powder has a fragrant aroma that is sweet and fresh, smelling like a combination of balsam wood and vanilla.

  1. Incense

    • One of the longest standing uses of benzoin powder is for burning in incense blends. Its sweet, vanilla flavor is warm and soothing. People who make their own incense blends often mix benzoin powder with sandalwood to generate a relaxing aroma in a room, home or place of worship. Benzoin powder was known as "Friar's Balsam" during the middle ages in Europe when it was also used commonly as an incense ingredient.

    Tincture of Benzoin

    • Benzoin powder is also combined with alcohol and used as a medicinal supplement in parts of Asia. Drops of the supplement are applied to skin wounds and rashes to cleanse and soothe the skin before bandages are applied. It is also used to treat canker sores and blisters. The tincture is sometimes used as an expectorant to treat coughs due to common colds.

    Soap

    • For much the same purposes that it is added to incense, benzoin powder is often added to soaps to increase the fragrancy of a bar of soap. Because it also acts as a preservative and binder, benzoin powder is particularly desirable for soap bars that have pieces of fruit such as lemon, lime or orange wedges added to them. Benzoin powder is also added to creams, perfumes and other cosmetic products to give them both a longer shelf life and fragrant aroma.

    Benzoic Acid

    • Benzoic acid was first discovered as a derivative of benzoin resin or gum in the 16th century by Nostradamus. In the late 1800s, the preservative properties of benzoin were discovered and in time, benzoic acid became a commercial product added as a preservative to many food products. It is created in laboratories by a partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen which is catalyzed by cobalt. Benzoic acid is often added to fruit juices, sparkling drinks and even pickles to preserve them.

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