benzoin tree


benzoin tree

Herbal medicine
An African tree, the resin of which is antimicrobial, astringent and expectorant; it is used externally for skin cuts, dryness, infections such as shingles and ringworm, and other conditions; given its bitterness, is rarely used internally, and then only as a steam inhalation to loosen mucus and phlegm—e.g., in children with croup.