Benzoin Sambrani

Sambrani is the Indian name for Benzoin sometimes called Gum Benzoin, a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees of the genus Styrax. The term Sambrani is coined by Ayurveda for the yellow resin, a gum-like substance that comes from the fragrant bark of the Sal tree. The sap is extracted from the tree by making an incision in the bark of the tree. This plant resin is then collected and processed into tiny granules that are pressed hard to form Sambrani crystals.

Benzoic gum is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russian and other Orthodox Christian societies, as well as in Western Catholic churches. Most benzoin is used in the Arabian Peninsula and Hindu temples in India, where it is burned on charcoal as incense. It is also used in the production of Bakhoor (Arabic for fragrant wood shavings) as well as various resin incenses in Arab countries and the Horn of Africa. Benzoin is also used in incense blends, Indian incense, Chinese incense (known as Anxi xiang), and Papier d'Armenie, as well as incense sticks.

In perfumery, benzoin is used as a fixative, slowing the dispersion of essential oils and other scented materials in the air. Benzoin is used in cosmetics, veterinary medicine and scented candles. It is used as a flavoring in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, pastries, chewing gum, frozen dairy, gelatins, puddings and soft candies.