Benzoin, Siam
Styrax tonkinensis
Origin: Thailand
Form: Resin pieces and powder
Unit size: 1 ounce
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 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.
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Posted by Sensei Tom on 17th Sep 2019
Not the biggest fan of this Benzion.
Hard to describe the smell. I use it for burning. To me, it is a bit overwhelming and a little harsh.
If you're a big fan of Benzion, you just might like this one. For me not so much.
Posted by Unknown on 20th Nov 2018
This Siamese benzoin was smaller grained than the Sumatran that I purchased (by far) but was still well harvested so as to have very little non-resin inclusion. The fragrance is the familiar sweet vanilla variety, with a spicy, musky undertone. This is also found more strongly in Styrax liquidamber which I also adore. The Siamese benzoin is a nice middle ground, containing aspects of both. Will definitely repurchase.