Storax Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Storax (also spelled styrax) is a sticky, sweet-smelling balsam, or resin, that comes from the trunk of certain Liquidambar trees. The most common source is the Oriental sweetgum tree (Liquidambar orientalis), which grows in parts of Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. A related American species, Liquidambar styraciflua, is also used.

To collect the balsam, the bark is wounded so the tree releases its resin, which is then processed into a thick liquid or semi-solid material. People have used storax for centuries in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine.

Today storax is mostly found in topical preparations, in fragrance products, and as a flavoring agent. It is also a key ingredient in compound benzoin tincture ("Friar's Balsam"), which is used on the skin.

Storax contains a mix of aromatic compounds, including cinnamic acid and its esters (such as cinnamyl cinnamate), styrene-related substances, and various resins and balsamic acids. These give it its characteristic smell and may explain some of its proposed effects.

In laboratory settings, some of these compounds appear to have antiseptic, antimicrobial, and mild irritant or warming properties on the skin. The cinnamic acid components are thought to be responsible for much of its antimicrobial activity.

It is important to know that these mechanisms are mostly based on test-tube and animal research. How well they translate into real benefits in the human body is not well established.

When used topically in small amounts or as a flavoring, storax is generally considered relatively low-risk for most people. However, it is a resin that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

People with sensitive skin, eczema, or known allergies to balsams, fragrances, or related resins (such as balsam of Peru or benzoin) should be especially careful, as cross-reactions can occur. Avoid getting it in the eyes or on broken or large areas of skin without guidance.

Because there is not enough safety information, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid storax. It is also not recommended for use in young children. As with any supplement or herbal product, talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using storax, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.

The most common side effects involve the skin, especially when storax is applied directly. These can include:

• Redness, itching, or a rash
• Skin irritation or a burning sensation
• Allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive people

Allergic reactions to balsams are well known, so a patch test on a small area of skin is sensible before wider use. Rarely, a more serious allergic reaction could occur. If you develop a spreading rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other severe symptoms, stop using it and seek medical care. Swallowing large amounts is not advised and could cause stomach upset or irritation.

There is no well-established standardized dose for storax, and it has not been studied in the kind of rigorous trials needed to recommend specific amounts. It is most often used topically or as a small flavoring ingredient rather than as an oral supplement.

If you use a product that contains storax, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because strength and purity vary between products, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially for any medical purpose.