Benzoin (Sumatra) (1 oz)

Benzoin is an amazing resin. It has a wonderful, perfume-like scent, which isn’t surprising since it is used in perfumery. I think of it as sort of frankincense mixed with vanilla…sort of. This particular benzoin is a coarse powder. You could use it in this form, although it would be best suited for loose incense. The nice thing is how easy it is to powder to a much finer consistency. A few minutes with a mortar and pestle, or one minute with a coffee grinder, and you can sift out a much finer product. It might work “as is” in cones or sticks, but no promises.

In addition to its scent, benzoin is also used in incense as a “fixative” that helps to preserve more volatile scents in your blend. It’s a great enhancement to many incense blends. Try it with white sage or lavender and see what a difference it makes.