Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) Tincture, Powdered Gum Liquid Extract

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) Tincture, Powdered Gum Liquid Extract

A single-herb liquid extract of dried plant material of Styrax benzoin, cold-macerated in small batches and offered either as a traditional tincture in organic sugar-cane alcohol or as a vegetable glycerite.

What you get

• One herb, named to species. Nothing in the bottle but Styrax benzoin — the botanical name is printed on the label, so you always know which plant you bought.
• Cold maceration, never heated. The herb steeps at room temperature rather than being boiled or spray-dried, so the volatile and heat-sensitive fractions stay in the liquid.
• Your choice of menstruum. Organic sugar-cane alcohol for a traditional tincture, or a vegetable glycerin extract with no ethanol in it.
• Ethically wild-harvested or sustainably sourced. Wild material is bought from harvesters who work stands on rotation rather than stripping them.
• Nothing else added. No added sugar, no artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances. Non-GMO and gluten-free.
• Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility.
• Sizes from 2 fl oz to 2 gallons, including multi-packs — the same extract whether you are trying it or restocking.

About the plant

Benzoin is tapped, not gathered. A worker cuts triangular notches into the trunk of a Sumatran styrax tree, and the tree answers by flooding the wound with a balsamic resin that hardens into tears and is collected some months later. It smells of vanilla, and it should — it genuinely contains vanillin. The word travelled a long way to get here: Arabic luban jawi, incense of Java, became benjoin in French and then benzoin, and the chemical name benzene was eventually built from it.

Ingredients

Tincture: Styrax benzoin, organic sugar-cane alcohol, distilled water, vegetable glycerin USP.
Glycerite: Styrax benzoin, vegetable glycerin USP, distilled water.

No added sugar. Contains no artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances.

Suggested use

Shake well before use. Take 20–30 drops (about 1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 2 oz of water or juice, up to 4 times daily, or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Warnings

Benzoin is a recognised contact sensitiser. Reactions to it are well documented, particularly after repeated exposure, and people who react to balsam of Peru or to fragrance mixes often react to this too. Stop use if a rash develops. Not for use in pregnancy. This is a resin, not a herb: take it well diluted.

Keep out of reach of children. Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are taking any medication, have a medical condition, or are scheduled for surgery, consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Discontinue use if an adverse reaction occurs. Do not use if the tamper seal is broken or missing. Store tightly capped in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Actual packaging may carry different or additional information; always read the label before use.