benzoin sumatra + storax at a glance
Medicine class
Aromatic inhalant and mild topical antiseptic
How it is used
Diluted in hot, not boiling, water for vapour inhalation, or applied undiluted to skin
Important safety point
For external use only; highly flammable and must be kept away from flames
What is benzoin sumatra + storax used for?
The selected product is licensed for external use for:
Vapour inhalation to relieve cold symptoms.
Application to the skin as a mild antiseptic dressing.
How does benzoin sumatra + storax work?
Sumatra benzoin provides aromatic cold-symptom relief and has topical protective and antiseptic properties. Storax also has mild antiseptic activity. It does not eliminate the underlying cold virus.
How to take benzoin sumatra + storax
Do not take this product by mouth. For inhalation, dilute it in hot—not boiling—water and breathe the vapour through the mouth and nasal passages. Put the container on a stable surface, not your lap. Glass or stainless steel is preferred because plastic may stain. For antiseptic use, apply the undiluted liquid to the affected skin. Keep it away from flames.
Do not use as an inhalant for a child under 3 months.
Avoid bowls of boiling water because steam inhalation can cause serious scalds.
Stop skin use if irritation or an allergic rash develops.
benzoin sumatra + storax side effects
Common or expected effects
- No effects are assigned a common frequency in the product information.
- Possible effects include itching, rash, eczema or other allergic contact dermatitis.
- Repeated skin application may cause dryness or irritation.
Get urgent medical advice
- No specific serious adverse reaction is listed. Stop use and seek urgent assessment for a severe or rapidly worsening reaction, particularly breathing difficulty or collapse.
- Accidental swallowing requires immediate medical advice because the ethanol-rich liquid can burn the mouth and cause alcohol intoxication.
benzoin sumatra + storax in pregnancy
Use by the licensed inhaled or topical routes is not considered likely to cause harmful effects during pregnancy. However, ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if pregnant or possibly pregnant.
benzoin sumatra + storax while breastfeeding
Use as directed is not considered likely to cause harmful effects while breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use, and avoid applying it where an infant could contact or ingest the liquid.
benzoin sumatra + storax interactions
No interactions with other medicines are known for the licensed external routes.
Common questions about benzoin sumatra + storax
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is benzoin sumatra + storax the same as Friars’ Balsam?
Friars’ Balsam is the name used for the selected tincture containing Sumatra benzoin and prepared storax.
What is it used for?
It is licensed for inhaled relief of cold symptoms and for use on skin as a mild antiseptic dressing.
Does it cure a cold?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.