Benzoin, Laos (Styrax tonkinensis)

Unit size: 1 ounce

Origin: Laos

Form: Resin pieces and powder

Other names: Styrax, Laos Benzoin, Siamese Benzoin

Esoteric Uses: Love, revenge, deep emotions, hidden things and treacheries, plots, affairs

Esoteric Associations: Scorpio, Mars, Water

Incense Aroma: Forceful, sweet vanilla-like aroma with lots of smoke

Benzoin laos resin is related to Benzoin Sumatra, but it has a more forceful vanilla aroma. It produces much smoke when burned and can quickly fill a room with smoke. Benzoin Laos is a favorite in perfumery for its exotic vanilla-like aroma.

There is sometimes some confusion created between the various Benzoin resins (Styrax sp.) and Storax resins (Lquidamber sp.) because of the botanical name "styrax". Modern Storax is considered to be from the Liquidamber species of trees while Ancient Storax or Styrax allegedly came from Styrax officinalis, which is not available in modern times. Often people use Benzoin Siam as a substitue for Ancient Styrax.