Choya Loban

What it is

Choya loban is made by heating benzoin in special earthenware, which gives a bold, smoky aromatic. Benzoin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. In India benzoin is also called loban, though loban is, via Arabic lubān, a generic term for frankincense-type incense. Siam benzoin comes from Styrax tonkinensis, which grows across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. One producer makes the attar in Kannauj, which it calls India's historic perfume capital.

Chemistry

Destructive distillation decomposes material by heating it to a high temperature; the term generally applies to organic material heated without air, or with only limited oxygen or other reagents. It is an application of pyrolysis and breaks up large molecules. Some fractions polymerise or condense small molecules into larger ones, including heat-stable tarry substances and chars. The primary active ingredient of benzoin resin is benzoic acid. Sumatran benzoin contains cinnamic acid in addition to benzoic acid, unlike Siamese benzoin. A typical qualitative composition of choya loban lists benzoin resin aromatics of benzoic and cinnamic type, and roasted or pyrolysed notes characteristic of choya. Choya loban is described as a perfume material, not a distilled essential oil.

Uses

Benzoin, the resin used, is burned on charcoal as incense in Hindu temples of India, and it is also used in cosmetics, veterinary medicine and scented candles.

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Related: Amberwood · Andiroba · Bakhoor · Balsamic Notes · Benzoin Resinoid · Benzyl Benzoate · Benzyl Salicylate · Birch Tar