Benzoin Incense Benefits
One of our favourite unsung heroes of the incense world is Benzoin... A warming, rich fragrance, with wonderful healing properties. So what makes it so treasured to us? Read on as we break down all the insane Benzoin incense benefits!
What is Benzoin Incense?
Benzoin
Benzoin, pronounced 'ben-zo-in', is a richly aromatic tree resin, sourced from a species of tree, native to Sumatra in Indonesia, called (in Latin) 'Styrax Benzoin'. The bark is tapped using a specialised tool, and the dark caramel sap is drained. Then, when exposed to oxygen and sunlight, the sap solidifies and crystallises, creating beautiful resin rocks.
The resin is harvested when the Stryrax tree is around 7 years of age.
Benzoin Incense
Burning Benzoin incense was, and still is, a common practice in the Russian Orthodox Church, and also sacred within other religions and their ceremonies. This is because it provides smoke well known for promoting soul-healing and encouraging connection with higher realms.
Benzoin incense comes in different forms including Sticks, Cones, Coils, and our favourite being, Natural Incense.
Incense Sticks: Incense sticks are an easy, cheap solution to incense burning. They consist of a combination of fragrant aromatics and combustible wood powders that form a paste. This is then set around a small stick, usually made from bamboo. Incense sticks produce a strong, pleasant aroma, however, most sticks available today have added chemicals which can be harmful to the body. This also applies to cones and coils.
Natural Incense: We may be biased, but we believe natural incense to be the best, all-rounded incense. So what is it? Natural incense is a combination of natural and aromatic substances sourced from various plant materials, including Resin - found within the bark of certain tropical trees, Essential oil - extracted from flowers, herbs, leaves, bark, fruit, spices, nuts, and seeds, and Botanicals - simply dried aromatic plant life. Natural incense is the most ancient form of incense burning, whilst also being the most healing, fragrant, and energising.
Benzoin natural incense consists of burning its essential oil and resin, however, we like to mix things up by combining different scents. Lemongrass or Vanilla are great complimentary scents for Benzoin. For more on natural incense and how to burn it, Click here.
What does Benzoin Incense Smell Like?
Benzoin incense has a very distinctive aroma - It is balsamic with sweet Vanilla-like notes. Benzoin is also described as rich, warm, vibrant, and sweet.
We find Benzoin incense is best burnt in its natural resin form, this is because it is fresher, brighter, and more true in scent.
Our Top 5 Benzoin Incense Benefits
The Ultimate Stress Reliever
Research has conveyed that the aroma produced by Benzoin has an effective impact on our anxiety levels, it can also reduce stress and encourage soul and heart healing, perfect if you find yourself acting out or projecting your stresses onto your loved ones. Our sense of smell is our most powerful sense, having a huge impact on our neurological system... The warm, sweet, and healing scent of Benzoin incense can only have a positive impression.
The Most Welcoming Home Fragrance
The aroma of burning Benzoin produces vibrant, warm energy, perfect for cleansing and bringing about comfort to your space. The subtle spicy notes of Benzoin can also help to uplift the energy of a room, bringing happiness and love to those who smell it. Benzoin oil has a history of use as an ingredient in perfumery and is one of the most prized, sacred oils there is, alongside Oudh and Ambergris.
Amazingly Energising
Benzoin incense is one of the most uplifting fragrances out there, not only can it inspire feelings of joy and relief, it can help to keep energies high and motivated. This makes it the ideal tool to use when you feel 'in a slump' or if you are looking to get the most out of a period of study, work, or healing. It also makes for the perfect partner in meditations and yoga practices - the reduced anxiety impact combined with the mood-boosting effect promotes a feeling of deep-rooted, inner strength.
Builds Spiritual Connection
There's a very good reason the Russian Orthodox Church - and so many others - burn Benzoin incense. The fragrant smoke carries messages of prayer and love to the heavens, which is also the case for many other incense fragrances. However, what sets Benzoin apart is its richness, and this quality amplifies and sanctifies these messages, making them truly worthy of reaching the realms of higher consciousness.
Wonderful for Wellness
Benzoin essential oil has expectorant properties, which means breathing in Benzoin can help to bring up phlegm from deep within the lungs to treat respiratory illnesses. It is also antibacterial and anti-fungal, so inhaling it can also remove some harmful microorganisms from the lungs.
The Final Word
This beautiful ancient resin is so much more than just a cleansing fragrance, its practicality is incredible too. Whether you're seeking physical wellness, spirituality, emotional well-being, or a huge energy boost, Benzoin incense has all the benefits you could ever need.
People Also Ask
What is Benzoin incense used for?
Benzoin incense has a variety of uses, including aromatherapy, yoga enhancement, and Chakra healing. It has relaxing and soul-brightening properties, making it a popular choice for those looking to de-stress or reduce anxiety. Additionally, its sweet, vanilla-like scent helps promote sleep and concentration. As such, Benzoin incense is a common feature of meditation practices.
What does Benzoin smell like in incense?
When used in incense, Benzoin has a sweet and balsamic essence, with a subtle spiced and vanilla undertone. Its form will determine how much of the natural Benzoin fragrance comes through. In stick, coil, or cone form, the aroma of the Benzoin will be overpowered by the base wood and combustible powders. However, as a natural resin, especially using an oil warmer, the full scent of the rich resin will be emitted.