What is Benzoin Essential Oil? (Styrax Benzoin) The Sumatra native tree Benzoin, also known as Styrax Benzoin, belongs to the family of Styracaceae. It has a sweet and warm vanilla aroma. It grows mainly in the Indonesian regions. The Benzoin oil is extracted from this tree using a Solvent extraction method. The matured resins are collected and used for oil extraction. They grow up to 50 ft tall. They are uniquely used in medical treatments and as insect repellents. Extraction The Indonesian native plant Benzoin's oil is extracted from the balsamic resin from the barks, which represents the visible inclusions. These trees grow around 15 - 30 years; the resin in the bark is formed between the 7 - 8 years of its growth. The resins get harder due to the air contact with the resin. The collected resins are used for oil extraction using solvent extraction and steam distillation process. Solvent extraction The popular and modern method of oil extraction is called solvent extraction. The benzoin resin is grounded and powdered for extraction. It is mixed with hexane, dichloromethane, or ethanol for extraction. It is stirred well to extract the aroma and oil from the solvent. Then the mixture and the oil are filtered after the extraction process, and the oil is concentrated well to use. Steam distillation The other method used for Benzoin oil extraction is called steam distillation. The releases or the gum resin of Benzoin are placed in the ingredient vat for distillation. Water can be added according to the level of consistency. Then it should be heated for oil extraction. Now you can collect the water and oil in two separate containers. It is the way of extracting using steam distillation. Contemporary uses of Benzoin Essential Oil In the 15th century, traders brought the Benzoin resin in powder form by drying and powdering the resins to England. The powder was used as a blend with perfume by Queen Elizabeth I. It is popularly known as the 'incense of Java,' which has later been considered and used for high therapeutic purposes. The famous French astrologer, Nostradamus, categorized Benzoin essential oil for skin infections in 1556. Ancient Romanians and Greeks used the resin of Benzoin in potpourri and incense. The Benzoin resin was traded across the Red Sea to Egypt and China by ancient Papyrus. This scent was sent as a gift by the sultan of Egypt to the Queen of Cyprus and the Doge of Venice. In recent years, it has been mostly used in Aromatherapy, massage oils, skincare, haircare, diffuser, soap, incense, candles, etc.