~Benzoin, Spells, Uses, Lore and Info for the Magical & Mundane~

Today I have decided to use Benzoin as our topic for our weekly Magical Musing. Styrax benzoin is a species of tree native to Sumatra in Indonesia. Common names for the tree include gum benjamin tree, loban, kemenyan(in Indonesia and Malaysia), onycha, and Sumatra benzoin tree. It can grow to a height of about 12 meters. The word Styrax, is a term for 130 species of shrubs and trees in asia.

Historians date benzion use back to Ancient Greece & Rome. It was used and is still used as an air freshener in the middle east, in the form of incense. 

Magical Uses, Lore & Info:

Gender: Masculine
Planet: The Sun
Element: Air
Powers: Purification, Prosperity
Magical Uses: Burn Benzoin to Purify, and to add to Purification Incenses. Benzoin is a great "clearing" herb. Benzoin is often used as a base for incense in general. Benzoin can be substituted for storax (which it is related).

Other Info: A resin created from the bark of trees within the genus of Styrax, this granular incense, also known as Gum Benzoin, provides a lovely scent that many adore and compare to the aroma of vanilla. The liquid resin from the tree hardens when exposed to the air. It is these lumps of gum benzoin that are then collected. The gum resin has a sweet, warm, aroma similar to vanilla. It comes in various colours from pale yellow/tan to reddish/brown. The is available as a powder, dissolved in alcohol as a tincture, and as a resin oil. This makes it a pleasant incense in your charcoal burners to add to the atmosphere of your home or business. Beyond this, it is also put to use in ritual magick, seeing use as a focus for the energies of other components or in use on its own in spells and magic of communication. During extended rituals it can also help to improve the thought process, with the aroma helping to keep the senses sharp. 

Lore:Burn on charcoal to bring good luck and peace of mind. Enhances concentration. Useful in astral travel (protects spirit while travelling). Promotes generosity. Brings increased success to any magickal working or to attain magickal goals. The plant also yields a thick, vanilla-scented essential oil that is used in perfumery and in making dressing oils. For Purification of the Home, BENZOIN resin is used as a fumigant to clear out evil messes. For this reason, people burn it in each room while performing a ritual house-cleaning to spiritually cleanse a new home before moving in. It may be mixed with Camphor when thus employed.


Facts: Another thing some may not know is that Benzoin is the main ingredient in Friars Baslam. For those interested, Friar's Balsam consists of benzoin resin, various balsams, aloe ferox leaf latex, myrrh, and angelica root.

Benzoin Oil Uses:

Benzoin oil can be used for bronchitis, coughs, colds, wounds, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, scar tissue, circulation, nervous tension, stress, muscle pains, chilblains, rashes and mouth ulcers.

Burners & Vaporizers:

In vapor therapy Benzoin oil can be used for the nervous system, calming and bringing comfort to the depressed and emotionally exhausted. It Can Also Be used for the Following...

• Blended massage oil or in the bath:
  Benzoin oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with general aches and pains, arthritis and rheumatism, as well as chronic bronchitis and coughing. Poor circulation will also benefit from this oil, as well as stiff muscles. It also has a calming effect and helps to ease depression. It furthermore gives the skin a general boost by increasing elasticity, reducing redness, irritation and itchiness, while helping wound healing.
• Blended in a cream:
  Benzoin oil is a good remedy for dry, cracked skin, cuts and wounds, as well as for acne and irritable and itching skin, while at the same time improving elasticity.
  
  

Although essential oils blend well with each other, benzoin oil goes particularly well with bergamot, coriander, frankincense, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrrh, orange, petitgrain, rose and sandalwood.

Weekley Magical Musing Product:

 *Each Week We offer A great "kit" or "set" dealing with out weekly Magical Musing*

Here Is a great little Starter Kit ON SALE, It includes BENZOIN, Frankincense, Gum Damar, and Myrrh resin incense along with a terracotta burner and a pack of 10 charcoal tablets...AND THE PRICE IS AMAZING!

~BENZOIN USE IDEAS AND SPELLS AND RECIPES~