Styrax

Storax resin, often referred to as styrax or liquid amber, is an oily resin obtained from the trunk of Liquidambar orientalis or Liquidambar styraciflua. Styrax is used as a medicine. Styrax is obtained by scoring the bark of the tree early in the summer and removing the bark in late fall. The bark is pressed alternately in cold and boiling water to obtain the raw styrax. Styrax has similar effects to Peru balsam. Styrax is used for cancer, coughs, colds, diarrhea, epilepsy, sore throats and parasite infections. Styrax is sometimes applied directly to the skin to protect wounds or treat ulcers and scabies. As an inhalant, styrax is filled into a nebulizer and used to treat coughs and bronchitis. Styrax is used in food as a flavoring and fixing agent. In industrial production, Styrax is used as a fragrance or fixative in soap and perfume. Styrax is also used as a fumigant to kill pests.

How does Styrax work?

Styrax contains ingredients that may fight certain bacteria.

How effective is Styrax?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective Styrax is for cancer, colds, coughs, diarrhea, epilepsy, parasitic infections, scabies and sore throats, and when applied to the skin to treat ulcers and protect wounds.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Styrax in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Styrax is safe and harmless when used in food quantities and appears to be safe and harmless for most people when used in reasonable medicinal quantities. Moderate amounts of Styrax can cause some side effects such as diarrhea and skin rashes.

Styrax should not be applied to open wounds or taken orally in large amounts. These types of use could cause serious side effects including kidney damage.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of Styrax during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using it.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of Styrax with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of Styrax depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Styrax. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.