Benzoin Resin

Benzoin (Styrax Benzoin)

Benzoin can often be confused with some other substances, but it’s a sap that comes from trees belonging to the Styrax family. There is a particular substance that is called Siam benzoin, which is not used for any type of medicinal or healing properties, so it’s important to understand the distinction. When a dog balm consists of all natural ingredients, benzoin can be a great asset.  Benzoin can be used to help heal cuts and abrasions and to fight off germs. It can also be effective to some degree at reducing swelling.

Why Use Benzoin for Dogs

When a dog’s paws are dry, become cracked, and maybe even painful, getting relief as soon as possible is important. Dogs can’t produce fatty acids like humans can, and it’s those fatty acids that become so important for protecting skin.

A dog’s snout and paws can become dry and painful. When the dog’s paws are dry, it may be difficult for the animal to feel comfortable walking around, especially if they have a tendency to walk on concrete or pavement, such as sidewalks and streets. If the dryness is severe enough, it can lead to cracking and even cuts forming along the pads of those paws.

Relying on an ointment or cream that contains benzoin can be a great asset because of its antiseptic qualities.

Essential Properties of Benzoin

Benzoin constitutes the following chemical properties:

• Benzaldehyde
• Benzoic acid
• Cinnamic acid
• Styrene
• Vanillic acid

It can have a vanilla type aroma, but is generally quite subtle. It can help to heal minor skin irritations and is effective as an anti-inflammatory. When a dog’s paws become dry and has minor abrasions or is under strain, it can cause some level of inflammation. This ingredient added to a paw protector helps to alleviate those inflammations to some degree.

Benzoin can also be an effective preservative, which adds shelf life to the products in which it is used. It is an all natural ingredient and when it comes to any dog balm, relying on all natural is the best way to go.

Dogs have a tendency to lick their paws when they experience pain and they may also lick their paws when an ointment, cream, or salve is added to them, which is why it’s so important for many dog owners to have all natural ingredients.

Benzoin is a great addition to any dog balm.

References:

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/benzoin-gum-powder/profile
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoin
http://www.medicinenet.com/benzoin-topical/page3.htm
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-351-benzoin.aspx?activeingredientid=351&activeingredientname=benzoin