Styrax balsam

The Storaxharz, often referred to simply as Styrax, Amber liquid or balsam, is a fragrant tree resin used for incense or as a remedy.

Until the 18th century it had come exclusively from originating from Asia Minor and the eastern Mediterranean Storaxbaum ( Styrax officinalis). At this point most of the Storaxharzes of different types of odor very similar, but not more closely related to the Storaxbäumen Sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis Liquidambar styraciflua ), which are therefore sometimes incorrectly referred to as Storaxbäume comes. Accordingly, depending on the origin is called the incense as genuine Styrax ( Styrax officinalis of resin ) and false Styrax ( resin of Liquidambar species).

It is obtained similar to incense: The stem is cut, and the emerging resinous mixture is collected. Since this raw material has a high liquid content, it must then be refined. This is achieved either by air drying or by distillation. Previously, only the steam distillation was used, which also results in the best quality. Nowadays, an alcohol is often, in part only as an intermediate used, as this increases the yield.

The styrax smoke smells sweet and heavy is relaxing and soothing. The balm is used for smoking since ancient times and is now beside the incense incense is the most important of the Greek Orthodox Church. While usually charcoal is impregnated with Styraxbalsam, and then burned on carbon or charcoal.

The folk medicine uses the Styrax bronchitis, heart disease, leprosy, stroke, and constipation. Externally, it is used in scabies and as a wound healing agent. In perfumery it is valued in many classic fragrances for its balsamic and sweet, slightly grassy scent and added as a fixative.

Styrax is also part of Armenian paper. The name goes back to the Frenchman Auguste Ponsot, who has brought the resin from a trip to Armenia.

Among many other ingredients Styrax consists mainly of cinnamic acid, styracin, ethyl cinnamate, vanillin, cinnamein, Storesinol and a small amount of styrene.

• Incense
• Natural resin