Latin, Benzoinum (Gen., Benzoini)

Eng., Benzoin. Synonyms, Gum Benzoin, Gum Benjamin. A balsamic resin obtained from Styrax Benzoin and other species of Styrax. Active ingredients, Benzoic Acid, Volatile Oil, etc.

Form

Usually appearing as brownish tears or fragments.

Odor And Taste

Pleasant odor and slightly acid taste.

Solubility

Active constituents soluble in alcohol. Insoluble in water.

Average Dose

15 grains (1 Gm.).

Official Preparations. Adeps Benzoinatus.-See Adeps, p. 49.

Tinctura Benzoini

Eng., Tincture of Benzoin. Benzoin, 200 Gm.;. Alcohol, to make 1000 mils.

1 White and Martin: Genito-urinary and Venereal Diseases.

Average Dose

15 minims (1 mil).

Tinctura Benzoini Composita

Eng., Compound Tincture of Benzoin. Synonym, Friar's Balsam. Benzoin, 100 Gm.; Storax, 80 Gm.; Balsam of Tolu, 40 Gm.; Purified Aloes, 20 Gm.; Alcohol, to make 1000 mils.

Average Dose

30 minims (2 mils).

The tincture and the compound tincture are frequently employed.

Therapeutic Action

Expectorant.

Uses

The tinctures of benzoin are sometimes used by mouth as expectorants for cough, bronchitis, etc. By inhalation the compound tincture is frequently used for cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, croup, etc. Externally the tinctures are employed in cosmetics to add sticking qualities and as protectives.

The use of Benzoin by inhalation in bronchitis, whooping-cough, etc., is shown in the following:

Sig

Use teaspoonful to pitcher of hot water as directed.

M.

Sig

Use teaspoonful to pitcher of hot water as directed.

Written instructions should be given in detail as to the method of employment. Usually for about fifteen minutes every three hours.

The Compound Tincture of Benzoin lends itself well to the local applicaction of remedies, as in the following for ringworm, etc.:

M.

Sig

Paint the part twice daily.

M.

Sig

Paint the part twice daily.