Tincture of benzoin

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) contains, in addition, Cape aloes and storax (liquidambar resin).

Medical Uses

Tincture of benzoin has two main medical uses, as a treatment for damaged skin, and as an inhalant.

It 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. [ [http://www.brucemedical.com/bentin.html Benzoin Tincture ] ] [Wascher RA, Barcia PJ. Tincture of benzoin: clinical and microbiological implications of reusable containers. Mil Med. 161(3):143-5 1996.] It is also used by athletes for its reputation of toughening skin exposed to the tincture.

It can be applied to minor cuts as a styptic and antiseptic (an effect of both the benzoin and its alcohol solvent) [Wascher RA, Barcia PJ. Tincture of benzoin: clinical and microbiological implications of reusable containers. Mil Med. 161(3):143-5 1996.] .

It is also used as an oral mucosal protectant, for recurring canker sores, fever blisters, and the like. [ [http://www.james-alexander.com/products/benzoin.html Compound Benzoin Tincture USP, glass ampoules, plastic ampoules, contract filling and product activation packaging ] ]

It can also be inhaled in steam as a treatment for various conditions including asthma, bronchitis, and colds.

It is used in the U.S. military to treat blisters. 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. [http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pams/p600-4.pdf Department of the Army TRADOC Pam 600-4, INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING SOLDIER’S HANDBOOK]

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." [Personal Beauty (1870)]

Toilette of Rank and Fashion states:

:"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." [Toilette of Rank and Fashion (1837)]

References