Storax is an oily resin (balsam) from Liquidambar orientalis or Liquidambar styraciflua tree trunks. The wood secretes storax when the bark is damaged.
Storax contains chemicals that might have antibacterial effects and reduce swelling. It's obtained by scoring the outer tree bark, then boiling the inner bark in water, and then pressing the inner bark in cold water.
People use storax for stomach pain, eczema, common cold, cough, diarrhea, epilepsy, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse storax with other products that are also commonly called liquid amber, including succinate and St. John's wort. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using storax for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Storax is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in appropriate amounts as medicine. Side effects might include diarrhea and rash. But taking large amounts of storax is possibly unsafe and may cause serious side effects.
When applied to the skin: Storax is possibly safe when used on small areas of skin. But it is possibly unsafe when applied to open wounds. This may cause serious side effects, such as kidney damage.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if storax is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Storax interacts with any medicines. Before taking Storax, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of storax might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
American Storax, American Sweet Gum, Balsam Styracis, Balsamum Styrax Liquidus, Copalm, Copalme, Copalme d'Amérique, Copalme du Levant, Copalme Oriental, Estoraque, Estoraque Liquido, Gum Tree, Levant Storax, Liquidambar, Liquidámbar, Liquidambar macrophylla, Liquidambar orientalis, Liquidambar styraciflua, Liquid Amber, Liquid Storax, Lu Lu Tong, Opossum Tree, Oriental Sweet Gum, Red Gum, Sigla Tree, Styrax, Sweet Gum, White Gum.
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