The thickened juice of Styrax Benzoin, an Eastern tree. It is soluble in alcohol; not readily soluble in water. Benzoin is a balsamic resin, containing from 12 to 15 % of benzoic acid. It is antiseptic and disinfectant, and is said to have more power than salicylic acid to destroy bacteria and prevent putrefaction.

Applied to the skin, it has a stimulating and healing action. Inhaled, or applied in solid form to the nose, it irritates the nasal and bronchial mucous membranes, but in proper solution acts on them only as a gentle stimulant. Taken internally it is diaphoretic, increases the urine and makes it more acid, and raises the pulse rate. It is excreted by the kidneys, partly as hippuric acid, and partly unchanged.

Preparations

Acidum Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid

Average dose, gr. viii.-0.5 Gm.

Tinctura Benzoini. Tincture Of Benzoin

Strength, 20 %. Average dose,  xv.-I mil.

Tinctura Benzoini Composita. Compound Tincture Of Benzoin

For external use; it contains benzoin, aloes, storax, balsam of tolu, and alcohol.

Ammonii Sodii Benzoas. Benzoate Of Ammonium. Sodium

Average dose, gr. xv.-i Gm.