Gum Benzoin

Imported from

• India Singapore and Ceylon
• Holland
• Siam
• Singapore and Eastern Straits Settlements

Description

Gum Benzoin / Benzoin Commonly used in incense-making and perfumery, due to its sweet-vanilla smell and fixative properties (allowing for slower dispersal of essential oils and other mineral fragrances). It can also be used in cosmetics, veterinary medicines, and candles. As a flavourer it is found in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, baked goods, chewing gum, frozen dairy, gelatins, puddings, and soft candies.

There are two types of Benzoin: benzoin Siam (Styrax tonkinensis found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam), and benzoin Sumatra (Styrax benzoin, found on the island of Sumatra).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoin_resin

A Compendium of Domestic Medicine, 1865

All page numbers are recorded as (PDF #/SOURCE #)

Diseases Treated with

General Diseases

• Cough (239/218): benzoin can be used to treat a habitual cough, common in old age.

Prescriptions Containing

Demulcents

• Cough Pill (345/324): flowers of benzoin (this could be benzoic acid, which is usually derived from gum benzoin)