Evidence supporting the use of: Benzoin
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Benzoin has a long history of traditional use in supporting the mucus membranes, particularly in the respiratory tract. Its use dates back hundreds of years in both Western and Eastern herbalism. Benzoin resin, obtained from the Styrax species, was commonly included in inhalations, tinctures, and topical preparations for soothing sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory complaints. The resin is known for its aromatic, mildly antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which were believed to help protect and soothe irritated mucus membranes of the mouth, throat, and bronchi. In traditional medicine, benzoin tincture was also used as a component in compound benzoin tincture ("Friar's Balsam"), which was often added to hot water and inhaled as a steam to relieve symptoms of colds and laryngitis.
However, scientific validation for these effects is limited. While benzoin contains compounds with mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action (such as benzoic acid and vanillin), clinical studies directly supporting its efficacy for mucus membrane protection or healing are lacking. Most modern use relies on historical precedent and anecdotal evidence rather than robust clinical trials. Therefore, the traditional use of benzoin for mucus membranes is well established, but the scientific evidence is modest, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5 for evidence strength.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose
Other body systems supported by Benzoin
BronchialsDigestive System
Gums
Immune System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Skin
Smell