Loban or Gum Benzoin is a fragrant balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. Crystals of Loban are burnt in places of worship throughout the Indian sub-continent for the holy, sanctified atmosphere the smoke creates.The fragrant smoke of Loban serves as an excellent insect repellant and fumigant. The name benzoin is probably derived from the Arabic Luban Jawi, which means the Frankincense of Java, because it was brought from Indonesia. Most Benzoin is now grown in Sumatra. In India Luban Jawi is widely known as Loban.