Evidence supporting the use of: Styrax balsam
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Styrax balsam (also known as storax) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for skin conditions such as dryness and flakiness. Historically, Styrax balsam was used in ointments and salves for its emollient and mildly antiseptic properties. Ancient medical texts, including those from Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern traditions, mention the application of storax to soothe and protect the skin, especially in cases of irritation, dryness, or minor wounds.

The traditional rationale for using Styrax balsam on dry or flaky skin is largely based on its resinous, oily nature, which can form a protective barrier and help retain moisture. Additionally, its aromatic compounds were believed to have soothing effects. However, while these historical uses are well documented, there is limited modern scientific research directly investigating the efficacy of Styrax balsam for skin hydration or barrier repair. Some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory constituents in Styrax species, but these findings have not been specifically linked to treating dry or flaky skin in clinical trials.

In summary, the use of Styrax balsam for dry or flaky skin is primarily justified by traditional usage rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence base is historical and anecdotal, with a lack of contemporary clinical studies to confirm its efficacy for this particular condition.

More about Styrax balsam
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Products containing Styrax balsam

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