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.
Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for STORAX overview.
Side Effects
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 and Warnings
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.
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.
Interactions
We currently have no information for STORAX overview.
Dosing
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.
Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris: Lavoisier Publishing, 1995.
El-Readi MZ, Eid HH, Ashour ML, et al. Variations of the chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils from leaves and stems of Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiaceae). J Pharm Pharmacol 2013;65(11):1653-63. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12142. View abstract.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Karadeniz B, Ulker Z, Alpsoy L. Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of storax in vitro. Toxicol Ind Health 2013;29(2):181-6. doi: 10.1177/0748233711428642. View abstract.
Sagdiç O, Ozkan G, Ozcan M, Ozçelik S. A study on inhibitory effects of Sigla tree (Liquidambar orientalis Mill. var. orientalis) storax against several bacteria. Phytother Res 2005;19(6):549-51. View abstract.
Xu Z, Lu D, Yuan J, et al. Storax Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis following Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats via Suppression of AT1R-Ankrd1-P53 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022;23(21):13161. View abstract.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.