Benzoin oil comes from the resin of the Styrax tree. This oil is valued for its warming and soothing properties. This scented gum has been collected and traded for thousands of years. You will find that it can bring you comfort if you are sad and depressed. Benzoin Oil is nurturing and fortifying and its warming properties enhance happiness and provide you with a positive energy.

The resin is dissolved in alcohol solvents to give the oil which has energizing and rejuvenating effects on the mind, body and spirit its rich, manila like aroma that combines well with spices or other tree oils.

Benzoin Essential Oil is very Comforting

Users of Benzoin essential oil use it to instill confidence and feelings of contentment. It is calming yet elevating, making it valuable in treating emotional exhaustion and anxiety. It warms the heart, improves circulation and is an effective tonic for the urinary tract, helping to combat infection. Benzoin is especially useful if combined with rose or lavender to treat skin conditions.

The active ingredients of Benzoin oil

Benzoin is not a true essential oil, but a resinoid. The resin gel is not volatile enough for steam distillation. Instead, it is extracted using benzene or alcohol solvents. Benzoin is extremely rich in esters, such as benzyl benzoate. The esters give Benzoin its rich, sweet odor and warming properties. Esters have gentle therapeutic actions and are anti-inflammatory and antifungal. They also contribute to benzoin’s ability to heal and soothe skin rashes. Benzoin can be added to lotions and applied to heal and soothe skin irritations.

Using your Benzoin Essential Oil

When used properly you can take full advantage of the relaxing and revitalizing properties of this essential oil. Soothe your mind with a bath and warm the atmosphere. Use the fortifying and soothing properties of Benzoin oil to bring comfort and joy back into your life.

For a restoring massage

Lift your negative emotions by adding the following oils to 4 tablespoons of carrier oil such as almond oil:

8 drops of Benzoin oil
8 drops of bergamot oil
4 drops of Roman chamomile oil

Massage the oil into your body to uplift and stimulate your mind and spirit.

Help with Anxiety

Add the following oils to your bath water to create a bathing experience that will relieve you’re of stress:

5 drops of Benzoin oil
8 drops of frankincense oil
8 drops of Sandalwood oil

Uplifting and Positive Scents:

When slipping into depression and confused by feeling of self doubt and guilt, use these oils in a diffuser.

5 drops of Benzoin oil
5 drops of rose oil
5 drops of Jasmine oil

Soothing Skin Care for Eczema and Dermatitis

Utilize benzoin’s gentle soothing and anti-inflammatory action to help heal skin irritations. Treat chapped skin, especially on the hands, by blending 3 to 4 drops each of Benzoin, chamomile and myrrh oil with 2 tablespoons of calendula cream. Gently apply to affected parts. Relieve eczema and dermatitis by adding 2 to 3 drops of sandalwood and Benzoin oil to a basin of warm water. Bathe the affected skin. Both oils have powerful astringent and anti-inflammatory action. Soothe dry and irritated skin conditions by blending Benzoin into creams, then massaged into the affected area.

Help with Throat Infections

At the first sign of a throat infection, make a dry inhalation by adding 3 drops each of been sewing and Juniper oil to a handkerchief and then inhale throughout the day. Fight off a stubborn cough by adding 1 drop each of Benzoin, lemon and Cypress to 1 teaspoon of grape seed and massage into neck, throat and chest. The combined decongestant and antiviral effects of these oils will ensure a restful sleep.

Treating Cystitis

To treat painful cystitis, add 2 to 3 drops each of Benzoin and lemon oil to bathwater. Both have an antiseptic action on the urinary tract.

As the pace of life continues to increase, so do your stress levels. Learn how to ease the symptoms of anxiety with gentle herbal remedies.

Employment stress, exam pressure and family breakups are some of the life events that leave people feeling agitated and tends. Anxiety related disorders such as panic attacks are on the increase, but many suffer symptoms without realizing it, including irritability, headaches and, eventually, digestive issues such as gastric ulcers.

Restore your balance

The symptoms of anxiety can be treated with traditional herbal remedies. Lemon balm and skullcap are relaxants, helping you to unwind and gain a restful night’s sleep. Vervain and Skullcap can also help to nourish, strengthen and balance your nervous system. Linden is helpful in protecting against the formation of gastric ulcers, and the antispasmodic properties of wild lettuce are helpful in relaxing muscles.

How anxiety affects the body

Your autonomic nervous system, over which you have no conscious control, is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In response to intense physical or emotional stimulation, your sympathetic system induces a “fight or flight “response, increasing adrenals, so you can respond to danger. In our evolutionary past this helps us to avoid predators, but extended stimulation results in a racing heart rate, sweating and irritability.

Side effects of panic

The parasympathetic system is suppressed during “fight or flight”. This system is responsible for the housekeeping of vital bodily functions, including digestion, assimilation of nutrients and waste elimination. Is it any wonder that excessive anxiety can result in digestive disorders?

Herbs to treat anxiety

If you have a tendency to suffer from anxiety, you may want to stock up on some of these soothing herbs to help you fight the symptoms.

Passionflower

This purple and white flour is native to Mexico and Brazil. A tincture or infusion of the dried leaves or flowers for sedates the nervous system, which counters the effects of adrenaline. Its active ingredients are flavonoids (apigenin), isovitexin, and maltol. Passionflower is a gentle tranquilizer that is even suitable for children and the elderly.

Skullcap

Skullcap was once used by Native Americans to treat hysteria. It is a nourishing tonic to the nervous system. It is capable of reducing palpitations, nervous tics and restlessness. Skullcap’s active ingredients include volatile oils, flavonoids, bitters and tannins. An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers is the best way to administer this valuable herb. A traditional healing herb, skullcap can help anxiety by nourishing the nervous system.

Lemon Balm

The leaves of this plant make a pleasant iced summer drink or a hot winner infusion to aid relaxation. A member of the mint family, its sleep-inducing properties have been known for years. Take lemon balm as an infusion or tincture for a restful night’s sleep.

A remedy made from a selection of powerful herbs will help you beat the effects of anxiety.

Vervain

Vervain’s tiny, unassuming leaves are packed with active ingredients. It is a soothing nervous tonic, valuable for strengthening the nervous system. It is useful in treating nervous disorders from PMS to hysteria and panic attacks. Bitter iridoids stimulate digestive activity. Vervain can cause vomiting if taken in large amounts.

Linden

A soothing tincture of lime tree blossom, or Linden, is a valuable herb for reducing tension and promoting relaxation. It also protects the body from the physical symptoms of stress, such as high blood pressure and gastric ulcers. Linden is helpful for easing the withdrawal effects of antidepressants and some other addictive drugs.

Wild lettuce

Native to Europe, this roadside plant has clusters of pale yellow Daisy like flowers and spiny leaves. It’s gently tranquilizing action calms an overactive nervous system, and its antispasmodic properties are particularly helpful for treating a nervous cough. Its sedative action is due to sequisterpene lactones, and the leaves also contain trace amounts of opium like compounds.