Resin incense offers you the opportunity to burn natural resin blends like frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, and dragons blood in their pure form without any fillers or binders. It requires a heat-proof burner (brass urns and censers are ideal), charcoal discs, which you can light with tongs, and the resin itself!
The History of Resin Incense
Many cultures have used resin incense throughout history, including the ancient Egyptians who used frankincense and myrrh as part of their funeral and wedding rituals. These resins are actually hardened secretions from trees, and when burned they produce perfumed smoke.
These fragrant substances are harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree, allowing the liquid to flow out and harden around the wound. The resulting lumps of resin are then collected and processed into incense.
Resin incense is often more mystical than stick incense, and can be burned in a heat-proof dish or an ethnic censer using charcoal disks. They are also available in sticks that are easier to use for days when you don’t want to deal with a hot charcoal disk and can’t spare the space for a censer.
Frankincense
The aroma of Frankincense can empower your soul, lift the spirits and induce a feeling of renewal. Its powerful properties help dispel negative feelings and emotions like stress and anxiety, and it also reduces inflammation in joints.
The resin of Boswellia dalzielii is sourced from the Horn of Africa and Somaliland highlands. Also known as Maydi or Copti, this variety is the highest quality frankincense available. It belongs to a group of Frankincense species that contains Boswellic acids, the compounds responsible for its therapeutic benefits.
Its fragrance is warm Amber highlighted by honey, spice and light musk notes. It is the most prized resin of the Boswellia genus in Somaliland and Horn of Africa where it is known as the King of Frankincense.
Myrrh
Myrrh is a resin that comes from Commiphora trees that grow in Northern Africa and the Middle East. This resin is believed to help improve spiritual connections and attract positive energy.
Like frankincense, myrrh has many healing properties. It has been used to help treat burns, infections and bronchitis. It can also be used as a natural perfume or incense.
To use myrrh, you will need a heat safe resin burner. Light the charcoal disc with a lighter or match until it glows and begins to smoke. Then place just one piece of myrrh on top of the charcoal. It will begin to melt and release its aromatic oils into the air. This will make the room smell amazing!
Copal
In the same family of trees as frankincense and myrrh, Copal is an essential oil that has been known to have mentally uplifting, calming effects. It is used to remove negative energy, clear crystals and energetically cleanse spaces.
Copal is found in Mexico and Central America and has been used for thousands of years in ancient Maya and Aztec ceremonies. It is believed to be an offering to the God Tlaloc and Goddess Chalchiuhtlicue.
Like myrrh and frankincense, resins are best burned over charcoal discs in a safe container such as an ethnic censer or heat-resistant bowl. They should be lit using tongs until they begin to smoke and release the incense’s aroma. Burning resin incense is a beautiful and meditative ritual that creates positive energy in your home or space.
Mixing Resin Incenses
The beauty of resin incense is its ability to be mixed and matched with other aromas. This is an ancient and natural way to personalize your experience while burning resins over charcoal discs.
Resins work best when burned on a small piece of pure-burning charcoal in an urn that can withstand the heat, like one of our ethnic censers, but you can also use a simple bowl or even your own specialized resin burner. Just remember to use a pair of tongs and always be careful when handling hot coals.
Frankincense is associated with purification and spiritual connection and myrrh is a powerful healer that was even mentioned in the Bible as one of the gifts brought to baby Jesus along with gold and frankincense. This blend of sage, myrrh and copal clears the negative energy in your environment, allowing you to refocus your energy and find clarity.