How do I use Benzoin resin in the context of aromatherapy?
October 22, 2011 by Aroma Focus
Filed under aromatherapy uses
I knew that absolutes/concretes are notoriously difficult to work with, but I didn’t expect Benzoin to be only liquid when heated and even then not to mix readily with jojoba oil. It came in a tin instead of a glass bottle like an essential oil. How do I use it or get it to a workable liquid (or at least gooey) state?
Thanks for answers so far!
Dandelion, you’re describing the use of Benzoin as a fixative, in a cream, right?
I was wondering how to get the vanilla-like scent. I knew an aromatherapist who had some in a bottle as though it were an essential oil. Is that the tincture preparation, with alcohol?
How do they make it a “pourable absolute?” Can it be done by me with normal kitchen apparatus, or is it a chemical process?
This is commonly made into a tincture then used. But it’s okay, because if you are going to add it to the water part, it will mix readily because of the emulsifiers that make oil and water mix.
Go on with it and it will become thick as it cools.
Also, next go around, put it in the water content of your batch and process.
Either way, it will be okay. Trust me. I use it and have done exactly what you have done and it works out okay.
PS: If it starts separating, place water, oil and all into a double boiler, heat gently, stirring every little bit for about 10 to 15 mins. then pour it back into a bowl, stick blend and let it cool. It’ll begin thickening as it cools and just keep an eye on it and stir it until it’s thickened up.
If you want, email me.
Dandelion has a great suggestion of how to prepare Benzoin (a little tricky because it is a resin), and I think she answers your question. I have also ordered it as a liquid “absolute”, which made my life allot easier
The most common way that Styrax benzoin is used in aromatherapy is as a “fixative” and it helps keep the essential oils from evaporating to quickly.
Essential oils have different rates of volatility; they evaporate ate different rates. Lemon oil that is very light will emit itself into the atmosphere quickly and is very volatile. Patchouli is slower and more dense. When you make a combination for therapeutic work, you don;t want the lighter essential oils to evaporate away and for you blend to stay stable. Add 5% benzoin to your formulas, and they will stay more consistent.
It also has medicinal applications used topically for fungus & skin irritation.
Hope this addition info is helpful!