Evidence supporting the use of: Benzoin siam
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Benzoin siam, also known as Styrax tonkinensis resin, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia. It is valued for its aromatic, antiseptic, and soothing properties. In the context of itching (pruritus), Benzoin siam has been incorporated historically into balms, ointments, and tinctures used topically to relieve minor skin irritations and itching. These traditional applications often pair benzoin with other botanical ingredients in compound preparations such as Friar's Balsam, which has been used in Western herbalism as well.
The underlying rationale for its use against itching relates to its mild antiseptic action and the formation of a protective barrier over the skin, which may help reduce irritation. Anecdotal reports and historical texts suggest that the resin can provide a soothing effect, but there is no robust clinical evidence or modern pharmacological studies specifically confirming its effectiveness for pruritus. Most of the support stems from empirical use and traditional formulations rather than scientific validation.
Therefore, while Benzoin siam is indeed used to support the treatment of itching in traditional medicine, the evidence base is limited to traditional use and minor observational reports, rather than rigorous scientific studies.
Other ingredients used for Itching
Aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory
Other health conditions supported by Benzoin siam
AbrasionsAbscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (respiratory)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Dermatitis
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fungal Infections
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Kidney Infection
Lesions
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Mastitis
Pain (general remedies for)
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stress
Sunburn
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores