Description
This is the listing for the Premium Grade A+ Benzoin Siam, (Styrax tonkinensis), Almonds. The purest and highest grade of Siam Benzoin available on the market.
Over the decades I have seen many forms of Benzoin resin. Usually, bland nondescript chips, tears and powder or grey, grainy, odourless lumps that yield to no solvent. This resin is a material that is beautiful according to all senses and standards.
It has a rich, sweet, balsamic scent of Vanilla. It is distinguished from its cousin, Sumatra Benzoin by this enchanting Vanilla scent. Though Sumatra Benzoin has a vanilla-ish aroma, it is milder in comparison and uplifted by its own unique signature scent. (See Sumatra benzoin Here-
It dissolves easily in alcohol, DPG and Benzyl Benzoate when preparing tinctures, resinoids and absolutes. truly a pleasure to work with. In Amber accords, Siam Benzoin adds more depth and complexity than Sumatra Benzoin.
There are two species of trees that provide us with most of our Benzoin products.
-Styrax Benzoin from Sumatra and Indonesia (called kemanya locally),
-and Styrax Tonkinesis from Thailand and Laos which bears the name Siam Benzoin.
The name Benzoin is believed to have developed through centuries of intercultural “Broken Telephone”, much like the children’s game that involves whispering a word or phrase to the person next to you and comparing it with what the last person in the line claims they heard.
When Islam came to Indonesia 700 years ago, it was discovered that the native tribes tapped a tree to for its aromatic resin much like the Frankincense trees back home. This resin was not only fragrant, used for incense and medicine, but it came out of the tree white, just like the Luban or Frankincense of the Arabian cultures back home. Thus, it was awarded the Arabic name of Luban Jawi, or Frankincense of Java. (Luban is the Arabic name of Frankincense, Luban in Arabic and Levonah in Hebrew both share the same root word which means “White”.)
When the French encountered this Balsamic resin its name morphed to something more pleasing to the Francophone ear, La Benjawi and later L’Benjoin or Benjoin. The English did not like the ring of it so they renamed it Gum Benjamin or just Benjamin.
In Ethiopia Benzoin is still called Lubanjah and one finds many variations on the theme when travelling such as Benjawi, Lubanji Lubanya etc..
Siam Benzoin is collected by making an incision in the tree and partially peeling back the bark underneath it. This creates a pocket that collects the liquid resin and holds it in place until it solidifies.
Benzoin is traditional medicine in many cultures. It is used as an expectorant and wound healer. Like many other tree resins, Benzoin has an affinity with the skin and is used to address issues of dry, chafed, chapped, cracked and rough skin, nipples and heels. It is one of the ingredients in Friars Balsam which is a compound tincture used internally for coughs and respiratory irritations and used externally for small wounds.
As an incense, Siam benzoin yields a dense Vanilla-sweet smoke when burned and is usually blended with other incense ingredients. It is a component in traditional incense formulas of the Orthodox Church and is often found in the “Rock” type Arabian Bakhour bricks. It is used extensively as a flavour ingredient in food, confection, beverages and tobacco products
It is used in perfumery for its vanilla-like scent and fixative properties and is considered an important ingredient in Oriental style perfumes and Amber accords.
Raw Benzoin resin dissolves completely in Ethanol but not fixed/carrier oils which can be frustrating. It does dissolve however in Benzyl Benzoate, ( a compound found in abundance in Benzoin resin), which can facilitate blending with carrier oils.
Due to its high Benzoic acid content, Benzoin Siam acts as a preservative and is a common addition to infused oils, salves and other products. The presence of Benzoic acid retards oxidization and delays rancidity in these oils, extending their shelf life.
From an aromatherapeutic perspective, Siam Benzoin is calming, grounding, uplifting and helps alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Benzoin resin family is named An Xi Xiang meaning “The peaceful rest fragrance”.
Siam Benzoin trees are traditionally cultivated by families and smallholders, not in large corporate plantations which keeps this resin sustainable.
The main chemical constituents of Siam benzoin are Coniferyl Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Vanillin, Benzyl Cinnamate, Cinnamyl Cinnamate and Cinnamic Acid.
Though used traditionally for its skin healing properties, Benzoin can cause a reaction in some individuals and can also cause sensitization. Use Benzoin products with care, well-diluted and with moderation.
Dan
Dena Nienow –
Thanks for this incredible resins.shipping was fast. I recommend.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Natasha Wuckert –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Marisa Buckridge –
Absolutely the best benzoin on the market and it comes from Apothecary's Garden. This seller is the best on ESTY and prices are fair and shipping is always timely. Highly recommended.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Keeley Connelly –
Super super super….. amazing packing and fresh stuff.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Suzanne Ledner –
Exactly as described. You get quite a bit
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Elsa Will –
Très bien, pas de soucis
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Modesta Denesik –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Santino Gibson –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Cordie Jenkins –
very wonderful aroma
melts into deep amber colored oil when heated.
only small amount needed
(2-3 small chips/almonds)
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Andres Johnston –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Mable Wisoky –
If I could give this 1 million stars I would, because that is what this gives my soul.
I really cannot express how much I am in love with this resin. It is certainly softer than its' Sumatra friend in the shop, yet also just as refined and loving. It hits all the right notes for me and I just want to smell this all the time. I love how I can enhance every single incense accord with this and it turns the dial up every//single//time.
Therapeutically I have used it as an expectorant to tend to seasonal allergies and lymphatic congestion. I have not interfaced this into any sort of reduction or topical as I feel it is such a precious treasure that I want to selfishly keep it all to soft smoke for my nose.
I've tried other Siam Benzoin before but this takes the cake, and it is benzoin flavored at its' own first class wedding.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Velda Satterfield –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Michel Gibson –
Good quality and quick delivery, Thanks!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Emie Goyette –
The order came beautifully packaged and I especially love the benzoin. It smells divine! Thank you for your products!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Cortez Balistreri –
Sweet vanilla scent, burns clean. This is one of my favourites, lends a lovely sweetness to any blends.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Bruce Kautzer –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Mollie DuBuque –
Smells great in my homemade incense cones!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Rylee Sipes –
Even tho it took 14 days to actually get here, it’s good 😊 smells like rootbeer vanilla 😆
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Savanah Langosh –
Great buy, I’m happy with my purchase , thank you
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Jarvis Hackett –
Excellent benzoin, with sweet warm vanillic scent. Still has the noticeable benzoin mineral tang, but is much smoother than others I've burned. I'll be back for more!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Janet Nicolas –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Felipe Grimes –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Ophelia Abshire –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Tania Crona –
Like the way it stimulates.
Leaves me with more than just a fragrance.
Who knew a resin could do so much?
Dan, you rascal.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Herta Hermiston –
Highly recommended seller. Great items and packaging, fast shipping, a pleasure to do business with. Top quality incenses and herbs for serious users. My thanks for everything.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Pinkie Bailey –
Great quality as always. Repeat order
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Micaela Cronin –
Great quality. Well packaged. Will order again.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Rosetta Kub –
Another one. I've purchased benzoin from other places but I can't smell the vanilla in them like I do with this. For now on this is only place I will be getting my resin.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Esperanza Kohler –
Sweet without being cloying – it's really lovely.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Conner Windler –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Franz Willms –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Marlon Toy –
So lovely, I can’t even describe how gorgeous these are. A++++ seller
Many blessings to you and yours 🙏
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Letha Gottlieb –
Amazing scent. Never compared with another brand, though. The quality is worth it, so I will likely purchase this again.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Wilhelmine Altenwerth –
Looks and smells great
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Coralie Dicki –
I am new to using resins so I’m not able to comment on the complexities or make comparisons but, I absolutely LOVE EVERYTHING I have purchased from this shop. I ordered a variety of resins to try out and each one has had a gorgeous fragrance profile! The quality is clearly TOP NOTCH and Dan’s passion for his business really shines through in all of his sourcing, his product offerings, his listing descriptions, in everything, really! Dan is very knowledgeable and has been very helpful and kind when I’ve reached out to him. I’ve already placed a second order and will be a lifelong customer!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Arlie Howe –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Laura Gislason –
What an excellent smell! Thanks for the really quick shipping.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Augusta Schamberger –
Everything that I have received from Dan and company is more than outstanding!!!! Top notch products, service, shipping, packaging, and more, are beyond reproach…. there is no better!!!! And to top it all off, very generous with the extra gifts and sample products!! Can't thank you enough!!!! I have gone thru everything that I have ordered/received, and everything is exquisitely beautiful, but I am taking my time to really go in depth with all the varying flavors, aromas, and other nuances to each and every item!!!! Thanks Dan… and company!!!! Can't wait to place my next order!!!! I am a lifetime purchaser of all these pure, hi end products!!!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Brenda McClure –
Very good as expected fantastic
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Rozella Heaney –
This is one of my favorite scents from my order. It's a beautiful and warm fragrance! Thank you for this offering.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Adriel Dach –
I got some resins at this shop for the first time. Shipping is so quick.
The first thing I checked was this benzoin. It has a slightly spicy and complex sweetness. In the near future, I would like to compare it with benzoin from Sumatra!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Jackie Williamson –
Fantastic quality and smell, melted completely and very easily!
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Loma Schaden –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Clare Cummings –
High quality product, wonderful smell and super communication with Dan.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Brock Thompson –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch
Joaquin Ritchie –
Review has no content.
(0) (0) Watch Unwatch