Use
Benzoin resin is a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery because of its vanilla ice-cream aroma and fixative properties. Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies. Most benzoin is used in Arab States of the Persian Gulf and India, where it is burned on charcoal as an incense. It is also used in the production of Bakhoor (Arabic بخور - scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and the Horn of Africa. Benzoin resin is also used in blended types of Japanese incense, Indian incense, Chinese incense, and Papier d'Arménie as well as incense sticks.
When called sambrani or sambraani, it is a popular Indian incense used to scent and treat hair and prevent infections. After a baby is bathed, the baby is exposed to the sambraani smoke for few seconds; as it dries the baby's hair quickly, there by avoiding any cold and pneumonia related ailments due to prolonged wet hair. Some women use this method to dry their hair as well.
There are two types of benzoin resin used in incense and perfumery, benzoin Siam and benzoin Sumatra. Benzoin Siam is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis, found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Benzoin Sumatra is obtained from Styrax benzoin grown on the island of Sumatra. Both varieties are anti-pathogenic resins, which are exuded from the tree when it is damaged.
In perfumery, benzoin is used as a fixative, slowing the dispersion of essential oils and other fragrance materials into the air.
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