Balsamics and resins are raw materials used in the composition of perfumes. They often interfere in perfumes that belong to the oriental or woody families, and these materials may play an important role to give the sweet character such as vanilla or blend distinctively with vanilla and add touches of mystery to the fragrance. Many balsamics and resins are called balsamic components in general.

The most commonly used balsams and resins in perfumery are myrrh, frankincense, styrax, benzoin, Peru balsam, and copaho balsam.

Myrrh _

Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin produced by the myrrh tree (Commiphora myrrha), consisting of 60% mucilage, 30% resinous extract and a bitter scent. There are more than a hundred different types of myrrh, and they appear in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen and Abyssinia. The three most popular types are:

• Commiphora Marha Nice
• Commiphora apisinca
• Commiphora chemeri

The most valuable items in the perfume industry are those that are produced or come in the form of "primary gum", in the form of small stones, with a color ranging from light yellow to dark red with a strong aromatic scent.

Perfumers use myrrh, which is obtained by steam distillation of the gums harvested from the tree. It has a strong balsamic smell, somewhat woody, almost sweet, and an incense side in some of its types.

Myrrh is also widely associated with religion, particularly in the form of myrrh, during the worship of deities in ancient times.

incense

Incense comes from the Latin word "incendere" which means "to burn to reveal". It is also called frankincense, which is derived from "milk" which means "white or pure".

Frankincense symbolizes the protective power of God that cleanses all sins, as it is said that the Queen of Sheba offered it to the Prophet Solomon

Incense is collected from incense trees. The incense tree has a number of species under the name (Boswellia) that appear in a number of different countries: Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Ethiopia and India, and each of them has certain olfactory characteristics.

The most widely used tree is Boswellia carteri Roxb. It is a tree with a height of 4 to 5 meters in the mountains of the Middle East and Africa. Incense trees have a trunk and branches that have a greyish bark that can be removed easily.

In the perfume industry, the gum is harvested after cutting parts of the tree trunk, then after a week the gum appears, after which it is harvested and then steam distilled to obtain its oil.

Olfactory description of incense

• Omani Boswellia tree features mint and eucalyptus.
• The Indian tree Boswellia serrata and Boswellia papyrifera have bitter lemony profiles.
• The Boswellia ferrina or maidi tree comes with features of caramelized flowers and fruits, and is used by the Coptic Church in Ethiopia.
• Paulusia Riva comes with sweet notes.
• The most famous of these oils are the ingredients that give off a very dark and strong scent with a camphorous, resinous and smoky effect.

Incense uses

• The uses of incense over the centuries have always been compatible with specific rituals: the worship of deities, remedies, or perfumes.
• The ancient Egyptians used it to heal themselves, and incense is a powerful antiseptic, and also to embalm their dead (a body preservative) and especially for fumigation in places of worship, for its spiritual power.
• Religions have not stopped using it.
• Used in East Asia and given almost sacred attention in their private lives.
• Incense is also used in cosmetics as well.

styrax _

Like many other balsams and resins, balsam styrax is secreted from the bark (bark) of two species of trees called liquidambar, native to Syria, Asia Minor and South America.

The styrax liquid consists of a small percentage of resin and a benzene-smelling substance called sterols, cinnamic acid, and styracine. The essence of styrax is obtained by distillation of balsam. Its scent is strong, vanilla, balsamic, floral, but also animalic, leathery, and close to tar.

Benzoin incense

Benzoin incense is a balsamic resin, also called benzoin, secreted by the stem of the styrax tree of the family Styracaceae. This resinous substance is treated by solvent extraction to obtain Benzoin Absolute, a very rich and polyaromatic ingredient. It smells of sweet vanilla, almonds, roasted coffee, honey, and is slightly creamy.

The genesis of Javanese incense

Javanese incense originated from Siam, Sumatra, and the Indonesian island, as well as Laos, which was once called the "Country of a Million Elephants." It is generally found in the north of the country, specifically in Phongsaly district, which is a mountainous area with massive forests. Every year the country produces about 40 tons of it, and two-thirds of it is then exported to Europe.

The balsam of Javanese incense is harvested manually, after an incision is made in the bark (bark) of the trunk in several places to make the tree secrete this substance in its liquid state, and the color of the liquid is white and turns yellow during drying. When it is harvested after about 8 months it is already semi-solid and then the material is transported to warehouses where it is cleaned and sorted.

Uses of benzoin incense

Garcia de Orta discovered it scientifically in 1853 AD, and he burned some of this substance. Benzoin incense is also used for medicinal purposes, such as therapeutic and antiseptic sedatives. Louis XV used it as a mouthwash. Javanese incense also played a role in caring for lung diseases. Javanese incense produces a very sweet scent, and is highly regarded in Buddhist temples where it is used as an incense. Many still believe that incense benzoin and myrrh are valuable materials in the world of perfumery.

Different types of incense

There are different qualities of benzoin incense:

• Javanese incense from Laos: It has a distinctive texture, has sweet features similar to vanilla or caramel, without being too sweet, and it is powdery and creamy.
• Benzoin incense from Siam: It is of the variety and highly sought after by perfumers, as it is very rare and very expensive. It has a very distinct vanilla overtone.
• Sumatran incense: It is obtained from two sources, whether styrax incense or styrax balm.

Balsam of Peru

Peruvian balsam is a natural balsam resin that is brown or red in some cases and is a product derived from the resin of the Myroxylon tree, native to Central America (San Salvador, Colombia and Venezuela). Therefore, the tree does not grow in Peru, as its name suggests to some. Peruvian balsam is obtained by cutting the bark (bark) of the Miroxylon tree, and then sorting out the substance, which is considered to be the tree's reaction to rebuild the damaged part.

The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of balsams and resins as well as by solvent extraction, and has a sweet, vanilla-like aroma, with hints of caramel and cinnamon. It is close to the properties of Tolu Balsam.

The different uses of Peruvian Balsam

Balsam of Peru is found in many cosmetics, also in many medical supplies (cough syrup, cold symptoms...) and in some household products such as antiseptics and other products.

One of the first uses of Peru Balsam was as a skin ointment, and it is characterized by the treatment of some dry, damaged or cracked skin problems as well.

The essential oil of Peru balsam is considered as a stimulant and helps fight low blood pressure or fatigue by stimulating the body and the immune system, in addition to being a powerful antiseptic of the respiratory tract or bronchial secretions. Its scent is also relaxing and contemplative.

Copaiba Balm

resin extraction

Copaiba balsam is the oil of oleoresin extracted from different species of trees native to South America and of the genus Copaiba. It is harvested by digging up the trunks of these trees and inserting a tube to collect the material that flows from it, which can then be steam-distilled to obtain the essential oil.

Various uses

Copaiba balm is used in pharmacies for its many therapeutic properties: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant and antirheumatic.

Olfactory description of Copaiba balsam

This balm is described as woody, resinous and spicy, with aromatic notes (mint and eucalyptus), the scent is very sweet and has a woody character that can resemble sandalwood.