Sumatran Benzoin Loose Resin – Styrax benzoin

This resin appears as irregular, amber to brown pieces, sometimes with a white surface. It is traditionally harvested from the incised trunks of Styrax benzoin in Indonesia. Widely used in perfumery, it also provides an olfactory base for spiritual or medicinal room preparations.

Description

Pieces of solid resin, amber brown to light yellow in color. Brittle and crystalline texture. Sweet, balsamic odor, close to vanilla and caramel. Burn on charcoal or a melting pot.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Benzoin, Sumatran benzoin, benzoin resin
• Latin name: Styrax benzoin
• Family: Styracaceae
• Part used: Resin
• Form: Loose, pieces
• Origin: Indonesia (Sumatra), Thailand
• English name: Benzoin resin
• German name: Benzoeharz
• Name in Spanish: Resina de benjuí
• Name in Italian: Benzoino
• Name in Arabic: لبان جاوي (Lubān Jāwī)

Main virtues

Used in fumigation to sanitize spaces, accompany meditation, or provide natural fragrance. Balsamic properties sought after in aromatherapy. A recognized fixative in natural perfumery.

Main constituents

Benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, styrene, vanillin, resinoid esters.

Use and dosage

• Incense: burn on natural charcoal or in a gentle heat diffuser.
• Perfumery: used as a natural fixative in alcoholic extracts (tinctures).
• Ritual: incense for purification and meditation, alone or mixed with myrrh, frankincense, sandalwood.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated product: reserved for health professionals or incense according to the defined uses.
• May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to resins.
• Avoid prolonged direct inhalation of smoke.

History and origin

Benzoin has been used for millennia as a sacred incense and perfumery ingredient. It appeared in Egyptian and Asian incense recipes. It was introduced to Europe by Arab traders as early as the Middle Ages. Sumatran benzoin is still one of the most sought-after benzoins today for its olfactory qualities.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an airtight container away from light and humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box or tinted glass bottle.
• Appearance: Pieces of amber to brittle resin.
• Smell: balsamic, sweet, reminiscent of vanilla.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of traditional incense from the Orient
• Aromatic Pharmacopoeia of Southeast Asia
• Works of natural and sacred perfumery

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.