Benzoin

Benzoin resin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. It is used in perfumes, some kinds of incense, as a flavoring and medicine . Commonly called "benzoin" is also called "benzoin resin" here to distinguish it from the chemical compound benzoin.
Benzoin is also called gum benzoin or gum benjamin. But "gum" is incorrect as benzoin is not a polysaccharide. Its name came via the Italian from the Arabic luban jawi. Benzoin resin is also called styrax balsam or styrax resin.
But wrongly since those resins are obtained from a different plant family, Hamamelidaceae. Benzoin was first reported in 1832 by Justus von Liebig and Friedrich Woehler during their research on oil of bitter almond which isbenzaldehyde with traces of hydrocyanic acid.
Benzoin resin is a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery because of its sweet vanilla-like aroma and fixative properties.Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies as well as Western Catholic Churches.
Most benzoin is used in Arab States of the Persian Gulf and India. Where it is burned on charcoal as incense.
It is also used in the production of Bakhoor (Arabic scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and the Horn of Africa.Benzoin tree is from Java, Sumatra and Thailand and grows to 8 meters (20 feet).
Deep incisions are made in the trunk of the tree from which the grayish colored sap exudes.When the resinous lump becomes hard and brittle, it is collected from the bark of Benzoin.
In ancient civilizations it was used in fumigation and it is also an ingredient of 'Friar's balsam', an aid to respiratory problems. 
It is also used as a fixative in the perfume industry.There are following unique Benzoin products manufactured by BMV Fragrances Pvt Ltd.Perfumery use of Benzoin can hardly be described as this material virtually blends with almost every known material. In traces it also helps Rose accords. Can be used in high percentages in Musks and Orientals.