Styrax Essential Oil
Styrax Essential Oil in history
Styrax, also known as sweetgum, is a tree native to the Eastern united states and Mexico. With fragrant green leaves, this tree has yellow-green flowers that bloom in April – May. In fact, the tree’s wood is used for various applications including, furniture and home interior decor.
The botanical name liquidambar originates from the Latin words ‘ Liquidas ‘, meaning liquid, and ‘Ambar’ meaning ‘amber.’ In ancient times, the native Americans used it as part of their healing traditions and rituals. They chewed the resin to relieve asthma, sore throats, dysentery, and other intestinal problems. Later on, they imported large amounts of liquidambar from Spain and used it for perfumery.
Styrax essential oil is produced through steam distillation. The oil is a light brown to clear liquid, with a thick honey-like consistency. It contains chemical compounds such as benzyl, benzoin, and styrene that contribute to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties.
It blends well with floral and citrus oils such as lavender, orange, rose, myrrh, neroli, and Frankincense. Making it an ideal option for natural perfumery. However, with this particular oil, you need to follow specific use instructions for a perfect blend. Also, it should be used in small amounts as it works as a fixative.
Styrax Essential Oil uses
Styrax essential oil is used in aromatherapy due to its therapeutic properties that enhance general health and wellness. Here are some of the oil’s health benefits;
1. Relieves Pain and Inflammation
Styrax oil contains benzyl, making it an effective natural remedy for pain relief. Studies show that it efficiently alleviates pain associated with the menstrual cycle, abdominal pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sore muscles, and joints. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory properties make it useful to people with swelling gums or mouth sores.
For pain relief, add a few drops of styrax essential oil to a carrier oil and gently massage the affected areas.
Alternatively, add a few drops to a glass of warm water and gargle for swollen gums and mouth sores.
2. Improves respiratory health
As an antiseptic and antibacterial, styrax essential oil is in the frontline defense against any respiratory infection such as colds and flu. Traditionally it was chewed to treat these infections. Further, as an expectorant, styrax oil reduces chest congestion making it a good option for treating bronchitis and severe coughing.
Add a few drops of this oil to hot water and inhale the steam. Alternatively, you can add a few drops to a hot water bath and stay in for a few minutes.
3. Improves the appearance of the skin
Incorporating styrax essential oil into your daily skincare routine is beneficial to your overall skin health. As an antiseptic, it helps treat various skin problems such as acne, boils, and ringworms, and it also speeds the healing of wounds and damaged skin.
Styrax oil contains antioxidants making it incredibly nourishing and hydrating, making it perfect for dry and wrinkled skin.
To use, add a few drops of styrax essential oil to your lotion or face cream for a clearer complexion and young-looking skin.
4. Reduce Anxiety and Stress
Styrax essential oil promotes a feeling of comfort and joy. Studies show that it contains sedative properties that calm the nervous system and simultaneously reduce heart rate, encourage relaxation, and improve mood. For this reason, it is useful for people who suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress.
Inhaling styrax essential oil helps release negative emotions and acts as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and depression.
5. Prevents Infection
Preliminary research shows that styrax essential oil may help fight bacterial and fungi infections. As it contains antibacterial as well as antifungal properties that inhibit bacterial growth, thus protecting the body against damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, the antifungal properties have been shown to boost immune functioning and protects against toxins.
Adding a few drops of styrax oil to a carrier and applying it to the affected areas can help heal the wound and cut quickly.
6. Insect Repellent
Styrax essential oil has been used for years to get rid of insects. By diffusing the oil in the air, it is known to keep insects like the yellow mosquito and other flying insects at bay.
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