Evidence supporting the use of: Styrax balsam
For the health condition: Ulcerations (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Styrax balsam, also known as storax, has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of external ulcerations, wounds, and skin sores. Historical medical texts from ancient Greece, Rome, and later European pharmacopeias document the topical application of Styrax balsam for its purported antiseptic, healing, and soothing properties. The resin was commonly used in ointments, balms, and plasters to help cleanse wounds and promote healing, with its fragrant, sticky nature aiding in adherence to the skin and possibly creating a protective barrier.
While some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory constituents in Styrax balsam (such as cinnamic acid derivatives and other phenolic compounds), there is a lack of modern clinical trials or robust scientific evidence directly supporting its efficacy for external ulcerations. Most references to its use for this purpose rely on historical practice and inclusion in traditional pharmacopeias rather than on contemporary research. Thus, its rating is 2, acknowledging traditional use with minimal scientific validation.
In summary, the use of Styrax balsam for external ulcerations is primarily justified by tradition, with a modest basis in its known chemical properties, but without the support of controlled clinical studies or strong modern scientific consensus.
Other ingredients used for Ulcerations (external)
Aloe verabisabolol
dyer’s woad root
Japanese sophora
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
marshmallow
protease
vitamin C
zinc
rubia cordifolia
yarrow
moss
amber
birch
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
camphor oil
stillingia
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
arnica
Ardisia
Acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
Asarabacca
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Butter
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bleeding Heart
Black-Eyed Susan
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Borate
Bletilla
Boxwood
Comfrey
Celandine
Cranesbill
Cedrus libani
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Dragon's Blood
Dianthrone
Erigeron
English Elm
European Field Elm
Echinodorus
Elaeagnus glabra
Figwort
Ficin
Glutamine
Gambir
Genipa americana
Guazuma ulmifolia
Houttuynia
Hound's Tongue
Hairy Arnica
Immortelle
Jessica's Sticktight
Kigelia africana
Levant Cotton
Lophira lanceolata
lac resin
Lygodium
Mountain horopito
Matico
Mahonia
Mandrake
Marking Nut Tree
Oak
Purple Tephrosia
Povidone
Plumeria lancifolia
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Purple Loosestrife
Potentilla
Red Soapwort
Rhus coraria
Red Spiderling
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Spilanthes
Sinapis arvensis
Shikonin
Smooth Alder
Sangre de Grado
Sesquiterpenic Acid
Sapindus mukorossi
Simaruba
Storax
Teucrium marum
Tannins
Thuja
Thymol
Takuna
Tea Tree Oil
Taraxol
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Western Buttercup
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by Styrax balsam
AbrasionsAbscesses
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Dislocation
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hemorrhoids
Insect Repellant
Itching
Itching Ears
Lesions
Lice
Nose Bleeds
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Sunburn
Ulcerations (external)
Warts
Wounds and Sores