ΣΤΥΡΑΞ
Styrax officinalis
(Storax)
Botanical info:
Storax is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 2–5 m tall. Ball-like fruits mature in late summer. It is native to rocky slopes, river margins, open woods and thickets from Bulgaria and the Eastern Mediterranean to the Middle East. Flowering from May to June.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Nature of Women storax is recommended:
a. As fumigant.
b. As uterus purgative.
b. In Diseases of Women 1:
a. As emmenagogue.
c. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. As uterus purgative.
Other uses:
Wounded stems exude a fragrant resin known as storax (alteration of the genus name) which was originally obtained from the within plant in ancient times for several purposes including perfumes, incense, and medicines. Shrub resin is a gummy solid substance which is rich in benzoic acid, however this resin is no longer available in commerce. It is used as a stimulating expectorant and feeble antiseptic. Externally, mixed with 2 or 3 parts of olive oil, it is a remedy for scabies, diphtheria, pulmonic catarrhs, and for gonorrhea and leucorrhea. Combined with tallow or lard, it is valuable for many forms of skin disease, such as ringworm, especially in children. The taste and smell of opium is well concealed by the addition of Storax in pills, its fragrance being used frequently also in ointments.