Benzoin (Friar's Balsam)
Styrax benzoin
A vanilla-scented resin used as a steam inhalant for coughs and a skin tincture.
Traditional use (biblical-near-eastern): A vanilla-scented resin used as a steam inhalant for coughs and a skin tincture.
A vanilla-scented resin used as a steam inhalant for coughs and a skin tincture.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A vanilla-scented resin used as a steam inhalant for coughs and a skin tincture.
Evidence strength: traditional use.
- See the evidence level above
- Tincture can sting broken skin; use diluted.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
Tincture can sting broken skin; use diluted.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.