Sambrani | Dhuno | Benzoin Resins – Uses, Benefits and Potential Risks

Sambrani ( சாம்பிராணி ) is a Tamil word for ‘Benzoin resins’ that is the fragrant gum-like substance that is extracted from the bark of Sal tree. The fumes produced by burning these resins have anti-depressant and relaxing properties. In this post, we’ll discuss various such benefits, uses and potential side effects of ‘Sambrani’ or ‘Benzoin resins’.

These aromatic tree resins are also known as Dhuno ( ধুনো ) in Bengali and Loban ( लोबान ) in Hindi. They are mainly produced in countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Java, Sumatra, Indonesia and Vietnam. The Benzoin resins are collected by making deep incision in bark of the tree, which are later processed into smaller granules or crystals.

According to Ayurveda, the herbal resins like Dhuno/Sambrani produce fragrant fumes that calm your mind & relieve stress and anxiety. As these resins make surroundings smell divine, thus they’re mainly used in prayers and meditation.

Sambrani/Dhuno is a balsamic resins are available in two types – “Paal Sambrani” ( natural resins ) and “Computer Sambrani” ( artificial resins ). They are also used to add its aroma in artificial vanilla, perfumes and chocolate products.

How to Use Sambrani / Dhuno / Benzoin resins

• To produce the sambrani smoke, first transfer some hot charcoal into a burner and sprinkle little sambrani powder on it.

• You can also use coconut fibers to burn sambrani powder and fan it from time to time to prevent it from loosing its heat.

Benefits of Sambrani / Dhuno / Benzoin resins

Following are the top major Health Benefits of the earthy and woody fragrance of Sambrani / Dhuno / Benzoin resins :

1. Sambrani helps to treat many skin problems

• The astringent property of Sambrani helps to fasten the healing of wounds, scars, rashes, ulcers, eczema and psoriasis.
• Plus the application of sambrini powder assists to reduce wrinkles, prevents infections and various other skin disorders.

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2. Sambrani helps to improve overall digestion

• The fragrance of Sambrani or Benzoin helps to improve your digestion and its carminative properties relieve flatulence.
• Furthermore, the aroma of Dhuno offers relaxing effects on your abdominal muscles and improves your appetite levels.

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3. Sambrani helps to treat respiratory problems

• Sambrani were burnt in room after babies take bath in order to protect them catching the symptoms of cold and cough.
• Moreover, this aroma of sambrani helps in clearing nasal passage, congestion in lungs and treats asthma and bronchitis.

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4. Sambrani helps to soothe pain and inflammation

• Sambrani has anti-inflammatory properties that soothes inflammation caused by measles, gouts, arthritis & rheumatism.
• The fragrant smell is absorbed by pores that aids to treat throat infection cold sores muscle pain development of sepsis.

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5. Sambrani improves functioning of internal organs

• Fragrance of Sambrani aids to stimulate digestive enzymes, secretion of insulin hormones & reduces blood sugar levels.
• Apart from this, Sambrani aroma diuretic properties promotes urination and aids to remove toxic substances from blood.

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6. Sambrani improves your focus and concentration

• Sambrani or benzoin resins has antidepressant and sedative properties that relaxes mind & promotes emotional balance.
• A study show the olfactory receptors plays an important role in physiological effects on mood, stress & working capacity.

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7. Sambrani helps to improve the quality of your sleep

• The fragrance of sambrani promote quality sleep by improving peace of mind, relieves grief, anger, sadness and tension.
• Plus it stimulates heartbeat, calms the nerves, reduces blood pressure, relieves headache and the feelings of depression.

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Safety Tips and precautions for using Sambrani / Dhuno / Benzoin resins

• Open doors and windows during or after burning Sambrani as this would reduce the risk of its over exposure.

• Avoid the burning of Sambrani in a closed room or with less ventilation as this could be hazardous and fatal.

• Use a burner or stand while burning Sambrani. You can place it on any fire-resistant surface or isolated place.

• Avoid touching the burner, as it would be hot for up to 20 – 30 minutes after Sambrani has burnt completely.

• Always do a check whether you allergic to smell before using dhoops, incense sticks, sambrani or aroma oils.

• Don’t leave the burning sambrani or incense sticks stand unattended to avoid any kind of fire hazards indoors.

• You should avoid taking sambrani or dhuno near babies as its build up smoke may be harmful for their lungs.

Conclusion

The pleasant aroma of Sambrani offers numerous health benefits – helps to regulate metabolic functions, lifts one’s spirits, treats dry skin, relieves headache, used in mouthwash, wards off mosquitoes, improves memory level etc.

Sambrani not only used to remove foul smell but also used to evoke the state of peace and meditation for centuries. Thus, to start or end your day on the right note flame up some sambrani powder in the bedroom or living room.

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• 11 benefits of lighting Incense Sticks

FAQs Related to Sambrani and its Benefits

Do Sambrani aka Benzoin Resins really help to eliminate bad aroma or odor ?

The fragrance of Sambrani / Benzoin essential oil or by adding its power in bathing water help to remove bad body odor and germs. Women in rural India used to dry their hairs using steam produced by lighting some sambrani power and placing it under a straw basket. This process also add some fragrant perfume to their hair.

What are the qualities of fragrance produced by burning sambrani or dhuno ?

The fragrance of Benzoin or Sambrani has powerful healing properties such as antiseptic, antiviral, disinfectant, expectorant, relaxant, anti-rheumatic, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory. To get the maximum benefits, light up some of sambrani powder in burner weekly once to fill your whole house with its fragrance or smoke.

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