Q. What is Loban made of?

The balsamic aromatic resin known as Loban or Gum Benzoin is harvested from the trees of the genus Styrax. Loban crystals are burned in temples and mosques across the Indian subcontinent to create a sacred and uplifting ambiance. Originally from the tropical regions of Java Sumatra and Thailand is the Gum Benzoin tree (Styrax benzoin). The resin also known as gum benjamin is extracted from the tree by cutting triangular incisions in the bark to produce a flow; the resin then solidifies into lumps upon exposure to air and sunshine giving off a vanilla-like scent. Since it prevents volatile aromatic compounds like essential oils from dispersing too quickly into the atmosphere benzoin finds widespread application in the perfume business.