Benzoin (Loban) resin - 50 g

Scientific Name: Styrax benzoin

Family: Styracaceae

Origin: Siam, Thailand, Indonesia

Color: Brownish-gray

Aroma: Balsamic, vanilla-like, slightly sweet, acrid

Properties: Antiseptic, Disinfectant, Tonic, Antidepressant

Quantity: 50 grams

Benzoin resin is a gummy substance extracted from the bark of the Styrax benzoin and Styrax tonkinensis shrubs.

Also known as Java incense or Benjamin gum, it should not be confused with benzoin, which is found in bitter almond oil.

Benzoin helps purify the air, especially in very crowded spaces, rooms closed for several hours, or in the presence of airborne influenza viruses.

Its essence also helps with respiratory difficulties caused by colds and blocked airways. Its balsamic action stimulates the body's natural defense processes.

When the aroma of the incense spreads through the air, its warm notes have a tonic effect and help relieve anxiety and stress.

It also has a largely antidepressant effect. In cases of colds, asthma, bronchitis, or sinusitis, it is recommended to use benzoin incense in living spaces: the bedroom can also be prepared in this way by letting the incense burn about an hour before going to bed.

It is also useful for skin-related problems such as eczema because it stimulates purification.

Fun Fact

Originally, benzoin resin came from the island of Java, where it is still sold in granules under the name of kemenyan.

This substance contains benzoic acid. Since it is soluble in ethanol, it was used to prevent lipids from becoming rancid and for the mummification of corpses.

Today, the largest producers of benzoin from Siam (the finest) and Sumatran benzoin are Thailand and Indonesia. But also the countries of East Africa, Israel, Yemen, and Oman.

Main benefits of benzoin oil:

• antimicrobial
• antifungal
• disinfectant
• tonic
• anxiolytic
• antidepressant

Using the resin: to burn it, charcoal briquettes must be used. They should be lit with a lighter or stove flame; therefore, it is recommended to use tongs or similar tools to avoid unpleasant burns. When the charcoal begins to glow across its entire surface, it is time to place it in the incense burner to burn the resin and add the resin itself.

Experts recommend placing a little sand around the base of the incense burner to help dissipate the heat more effectively.

All resins are sold in 50-gram bags.