Tincture of benzoin
Encyclopedia
Tincture of benzoin is a pungent solution of benzoin resin
in alcohol. A similar preparation called Friar's Balsam or Compound Benzoin Tincture (USP) (or compound tincture of benzoin (CTB)) contains, in addition, Cape aloes
and storax
(liquidambar resin).
Compound Tincture of Benzoin (CTB) is often applied to skin before applying tape or other adhesive bandages. To some degree, it protects the skin from allergy to the adhesive in the tape or bandage, but mostly it makes the tape or bandages adhere much longer. Plain Tincture of Benzoin will not do this, and tape will tend not to stick to skin treated with it. It is also used by athletes for its reputation of toughening skin exposed to the tincture. Orthopedists applying a cast often spray CTB in an aerosol can onto skin before casting, as it protects the skin under the cast, and diminishes itching.
It can be applied to minor cuts as a styptic and antiseptic
(an effect of both the benzoin and its alcohol solvent).
As plain Tincture of Benzoin, it is also used as an oral mucosa
l protectant, for recurring canker sores, fever blisters, and the like.
Plain Tincture of Benzoin can also be inhaled in steam as a treatment for various conditions including bronchitis
and colds
. There is some disagreement as to whether or not benzoin should be used as a treatment for asthma
.
It is used in the U.S. military to treat blister
s. A common treatment utilized by medics in the U.S. Army is to drain the fluid from a blister and to inject the same amount of compound tincture of benzoin, to help seal the space created by the blister, to serve as a local antiseptic, and to prevent further abrasion or loss of skin. This is commonly known as a "hot shot" amongst military personnel due to the extreme burning sensation that will be experienced for several moments when the tincture is applied. An older and ill advised method of the same name involves identical procedures using bleach as a substitute for tincture.
Toilette of Rank and Fashion stated, in 1837:
Benzoin resin
Benzoin resin or styrax resin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. It is used in perfumes, some kinds of incense, as a flavoring, and medicine . Its principal component is benzoic acid...
in alcohol. A similar preparation called Friar's Balsam or Compound Benzoin Tincture (USP) (or compound tincture of benzoin (CTB)) contains, in addition, Cape aloes
Aloe
Aloe , also Aloë, is a genus containing about 500 species of flowering succulent plants. The most common and well known of these is Aloe vera, or "true aloe"....
and storax
Storax
Storax is also a name for trees in the genus StyraxStorax is the resinous exudate of the tree Liquidambar orientalis , occasionally used in incense or as an aromatic fixative in perfumery....
(liquidambar resin).
Medical uses
Tincture of benzoin has two main medical uses: as a treatment for damaged skin in the "Compound" form, and as an inhalant in the non-Compound form.Compound Tincture of Benzoin (CTB) is often applied to skin before applying tape or other adhesive bandages. To some degree, it protects the skin from allergy to the adhesive in the tape or bandage, but mostly it makes the tape or bandages adhere much longer. Plain Tincture of Benzoin will not do this, and tape will tend not to stick to skin treated with it. It is also used by athletes for its reputation of toughening skin exposed to the tincture. Orthopedists applying a cast often spray CTB in an aerosol can onto skin before casting, as it protects the skin under the cast, and diminishes itching.
It can be applied to minor cuts as a styptic and antiseptic
Antiseptic
Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction...
(an effect of both the benzoin and its alcohol solvent).
As plain Tincture of Benzoin, it is also used as an oral mucosa
Oral mucosa
The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium of the mouth. It can be divided into three categories.*Masticatory mucosa, para-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, found on the dorsum of the tongue, hard palate and attached gingiva....
l protectant, for recurring canker sores, fever blisters, and the like.
Plain Tincture of Benzoin can also be inhaled in steam as a treatment for various conditions including bronchitis
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the large bronchi in the lungs that is usually caused by viruses or bacteria and may last several days or weeks. Characteristic symptoms include cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath and wheezing related to the obstruction of the inflamed airways...
and colds
Common cold
The common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, caused primarily by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Common symptoms include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, and fever...
. There is some disagreement as to whether or not benzoin should be used as a treatment for asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
.
It is used in the U.S. military to treat blister
Blister
A blister is a small pocket of fluid within the upper layers of the skin, typically caused by forceful rubbing , burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection. Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid called serum or plasma...
s. A common treatment utilized by medics in the U.S. Army is to drain the fluid from a blister and to inject the same amount of compound tincture of benzoin, to help seal the space created by the blister, to serve as a local antiseptic, and to prevent further abrasion or loss of skin. This is commonly known as a "hot shot" amongst military personnel due to the extreme burning sensation that will be experienced for several moments when the tincture is applied. An older and ill advised method of the same name involves identical procedures using bleach as a substitute for tincture.
Cosmetic use
Another, more remote use, is for beautifying skin. The following excerpt is taken from the book "Personal Beauty" printed in 1870:- "Gum Benzoin is a fragrant resin which comes to us from the sunny meadows of Sumatra, and is redolent with odors of the Spice Islands, and the mysterious virtues of tropical balms. Its qualities are strange. Mix a little of it with fat, and the latter will not become rancid. Some of the tincture, combined with glycerine, is simply the best application in the world for chapped hands, and for those cracked nipples which afflict some women during nursing. But this apart. We speak of it now as a cosmetic. Two ounces of it to a pint of pure alcohol (free from acrid fusel oils and the like) make as fine an application as those can ask who wish a white spotless tint, and fragrant arome. Some of it may be used once or twice a day in the manner already mentioned.
- About a tablespoonful should be poured into a small tumbler of water. It changes the water to a whitish fluid, which is known in France as lait virginal, virgin's milk, and is highly and justly esteemed. None of the cosmetic washed is more agreeable. Some glycerine can be added to the water if desired."
Toilette of Rank and Fashion stated, in 1837:
- "Virgin's Milk is compounded with tincture of Benzoin and Rose-water; it is prepared by simply adding a few drops of the former to an ounce or two of the latter, which produces a milky mixture. If the face be washed with this, it will give it a beautiful ivory color. Let it remain on the skin without wiping."