What is Sambrani ?
Sambrani is the Indian name for Benzoin sometimes called Gum Benzoin, a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. The term Sambrani is coined by Ayurveda (an ancient system of medicine) for the yellow resin, a gum-like substance that comes from perfumed bark of Sal tree. The sap is extracted from the tree by making an incision in the bark of the tree. This herbal resin is then collected and processed in the form of minute granules that are pressed hard to form crystals of Sambrani. It emits a pleasant balsamic fragrance when burned on a charcoal tablet.
Is Sambrani and Loban same ?
Benzoin is commonly referred in India as Sambrani and Loban. So, both Sambrani and Loban are one and the same. Loban is derived from the Arabic word lubān, a generic term for frankincense-type incense, e.g., fragrant tree resin. Sambrani is coined by traditional Indian medicine system called Ayurveda. In the northern part of India, Loban is the widely used term for gum benzoin whereas in southern part of India, it is called as Sambrani.
Note: In this article, we will be using the word 'Sambrani' for Gum Benzoin. In all the instances, Loban is substitutable.
Different forms of Sambrani & it's Usage
Having known about Sambrani, our next question would be in what forms is it available and how to use it.
Sambrani is originally a solid material. The traditional method of using Sambrani would be breaking it into small pieces sprinkling and sprinkling in the burning or red hot charcoal. Nowadays, for convenient and instant usage, Sambrani is readily available in different forms.
Sambrani Crystals and Powder
This is the basic and commonly known form of Sambrani. The solid Sambrani/Loban are broken into smaller crystal like structures which then can be used as mentioned in above traditional method. While burning small pieces, sometimes it takes time to start the ignition, so to improve that, Sambrani gums were even broken and made into fine powder. This is also widely available in market.
Usage : Heat the Charcoal pieces to red hot and transfer to the Sambrani stand. Sprinkle the Sambrani powder or crystals on top of it. Within few minutes, the aroma comes for it and fills the surroundings.
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Computer Sambrani:
This is an interesting type of Sambrani. Lot of people get confused by its name. This is not a type of sambrani with gum benzoin.
Oh wait, it is not a type of Sambrani but has word Sambrani in its name ? Yes! After figuring out the difficulty in using traditional Sambrani, alternative ways to produce the same type of fragrance to fill the surrounding came into the market. Instead of charcoal cubes, the charcoal powder with few other ingredients were used and sold in the shape of cylinder or cones (dhoops). Since it's not the traditional Sambrani, the word 'Computer' was added before it. (The actual Computers were discovered in that period and it was cool to use that name for simplified version of Sambrani).Computer Sambrani was once very popular and lots of brands introduced this type of Sambrani both machine-made and hand-made.
Usage : Unlike traditioanl method, using computer sambrani is very easy. Light a sambrani dhoop and its done.
Link to Buy: Even we (Vashu Traders) are selling Computer Sambrani till now. All raw materials, equipments needed for making computer Sambrani are also available.
Sambrani Cups :
The most popular and easiest form of Sambrani widely used in every house nowadays is Loban/Sambrani Cup. Sambrani Cups were introduced to overcome the complexity involved in the traditional method. Charcoal blocks which is heated to red hot are replaced with Charcoal cups and the fine Sambrani crystals are placed inside the cup. Great innovation right ?!
Usage: The usage of this form of Sambrani is very simple. Just light a cup. It's done.
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Benefits of Sambrani
Burning ‘Sambrani’ is 10 times more effective than consuming Anti-depressants.
There are a long history of medicinal benefits of using Sambrani and few of them are :
It is the best antiseptic and disinfectant.Its disinfectant properties will also help to draw out bacteria that cause infections such as cough and cold.
Anti-inflammatory
Helps in reliving stress
Used for treating Skin infections
To provide relief from respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
It accelerates the healing of wounds, ulcers and relieves eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.
It promotes emotional balance, soothes away sadness, grief, and anger.
Because of these reasons, it is recommended to dry the hair of ladies and children with the incense of Sambrani.
Where Sambrani is Used ?
It is commonly used in the home for daily prayers, offering to God in temples, in offices, while meditating and in festivals.
Hope this article for people trying to understand about Sambrani.