Benzoin Essential Oil (styrax benzoin)

Benzion essential oil is produced by solvent extraction using the gum-resin collected from the bark of the tree. The bezoin liquid is extracted by making deep incisions in the bark of the tree, the dark gum liquid, with reddish-brown coloured streaks is then left to harden before it is then collected. These pigments contain the fatty oils which exude a delicious aroma similar to vanilla. Benzoin often used as an ingredient in the making of incense and a fixative in perfumes. In the Far East the gum from the benzoin tree was one of the main ingredients used in incense to drive away evil spirits. Benzion is a rich oil with vanilla-like aroma, its a warming, penetrating and an energizing oil with a base note.

Latin name: Styrax benzoin.

Family: Styraceae.

Plant part used: Tree/ Gum from the trunk.

Extraction: By solvent extraction of the gum.

Aroma: Sweet, like vanilla.

Blends well with: jasmine, juniper berry, lemon, myrrh, rose, sandalwood, peppermint, frankincense, cypress, cumin and Ylang Ylang.