Home Page > Aromatherapy Article Archive > What are Resins?

What are Resins?

A jar of benzoin resin and a bowl of frankincense tears (also known as frankincense resin). The benzoin, even when in a jar that is tipped over, is so thick and sticky that it doesn't spill out.

When some plants, namely trees, are injured, they produce a thick, sometimes solid, sticky substance called a resin. Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) is an example of a resin. In commercial production, the trees will be cut in many spots to encourage the tree to produce its resin.

Natural resins provide therapeutic benefit, but some are hard to work with in aromatherapy because they are extremely thick and sticky. You will find liquid resins that have been extracted by solvent or alcohol extraction.

Frankincense tears is another example of a resin. Frankincense tears are small, solid chunks of frankincense resin. Frankincense tears are most commonly used in oil infusions and in making incense.

<<< Return to Article Archive Index >>>

	This article and the other content that appears on AromaWeb is owned and under copyright by AromaWeb, LLC. Do not plagiarize (reprint/paraphrase) AromaWeb's photos, graphics or other content without express written permission. No exceptions will be permitted, and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. For further information or to seek written permission, click here. If you have witnessed AromaWeb's text on other sites, please report the infringement by using AromaWeb's Contact Form.

Global Business Directory :: Local Business Directory :: School & Educator Directory  :: Advertiser Spotlight  :: Event Calendar

Home | Articles | Essential Oil Profiles | Carrier Oil Profiles | Recipes | Books | AromaTalk Blog | Free eCards | Polls | Links | Advertise