Benzoin, Siam Liquid Resin (Styrax tonkinensis)

Unit size: 1 ounce

Origin: Thailand

Form: Semi-liquid resin

Other names: Styrax, Thai 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 Siam 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 Siam is a favorite in oerfumery for its exotic vanilla-like aroma.

There is sometimes some confusion created between the various Benzoin resins (Styrax sp.) and Storax resins (lLquidamber 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.