Seamus Hammond
Incense resins are natural substances such as frankincense, copal, and myrrh, harvested from gum trees. The resin is obtained from living trees via 'tapping', which is done sustainably to ensure the tree continues to thrive. Incense resins are one of the oldest smoke-producing aromatics, burned for centuries during sacred rituals. They are made from small beads of hardened tree sap, which are then coloured and imbued with essential oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What incense resins are made from | Small beads of hardened tree saps such as copal, dammar and styrax |
| How resins are obtained from trees | Through a process called 'tapping' |
| What resins are used for | Religious and spiritual ceremonies, meditation and relaxation |
| How resins are burned | On charcoal tablets or discs, in a heatproof container such as a kettle, cauldron or brazier |
| How much resin to use | Less than half a teaspoon per session |
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What You'll Learn
Harvesting incense resins
Incense resins are natural substances such as frankincense, copal, and myrrh, harvested from gum trees. The process of resin collection is called 'tapping' and is carried out on living trees. This method is sustainable and ensures the tree continues to thrive.
Locate a suitable tree: Resins can be harvested from various trees, including the Boswellia tree, which produces frankincense, a resin with a long history of spiritual use. The tree should be mature and healthy, with a diameter of at least 20-30 cm to ensure effective tapping and sufficient resin flow.
Prepare the tools: You will need specific tools for the tapping process. These include a tapping knife or chisel, collection containers, and protective gear such as gloves and eye protection. The knife or chisel should be sharp and made of durable material like stainless steel to make precise cuts in the tree bark.
Perform the tapping: Start by cleaning the selected area of the tree trunk with a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris. Using your tapping knife or chisel, make a shallow cut or incision on the trunk, creating a small spout or channel for the resin to flow out. The depth and angle of the cut are crucial, as too deep a cut may harm the tree, while too shallow a cut will hinder resin flow. The cut should be made at a slight upward angle, creating a small groove that guides the resin outward.
Collect the resin: Place your collection container, such as a glass jar or bowl, directly below the tap. Incense resins are generally liquid or semi-liquid when first extracted and will begin to flow out of the tap. The resin may appear milky or yellowish, depending on the tree species. Allow the resin to flow into the container, being careful not to disturb the tap or the surrounding bark. The resin will gradually harden as it dries, forming small beads or chunks.
Store the resin: Once you have collected a sufficient amount of resin, seal the containers tightly to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness. Store the harvested resins in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Proper storage ensures the resins retain their aromatic properties and effectiveness for incense burning.
This harvesting process is sustainable and eco-friendly when done correctly, ensuring the long-term health of the tree. The harvested resins can then be used for various purposes, including incense burning, perfumery, and medicinal applications.
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Preparing resins for burning
Once you have your materials, you are ready to begin. Using the tongs, hold the charcoal tab or disc and light it with a flame. Hold the flame to the charcoal until it sparks and heats up. Place the lit charcoal into your chosen heat-proof burner.
Next, you will need to spread the resin on top of the charcoal. Using a small spoon, sprinkle a small amount of resin over the charcoal. If you are using a fresh block of resin, you may need to melt it down first. It is important to note that only a small amount of resin is required, usually less than half a teaspoon.
If you are using a cauldron, you can place the resin inside and then put the charcoal disc on top. This method will create more smoke and heat up the resin more quickly. After burning the incense, remember to immerse the charcoal remains in water. It is also important to keep charcoal tablets or discs out of the reach of children.
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Burning resins safely
Burning resins is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries for spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes. When burning resins, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process of burning resins safely:
Firstly, prepare your workspace. Always use a heat-resistant surface to place your burner on, ensuring it is stable and will not tip over easily. It is important to select an appropriate burner that is specifically designed for incense, as a simple oil burner may not be sufficient. Some incense burners even include a metal screen that prevents the resin from coming into direct contact with the charcoal, providing an additional layer of safety.
Next, you will need charcoal tablets or discs to burn the resin. It is crucial to purchase charcoal that is specifically intended for incense burning, as the wrong type of charcoal can release dangerous fumes. Place the charcoal tablet in the incense burner and use a lighter or match to ignite it. Hold the flame to the charcoal until it is fully ignited and turns grey or white.
Once the charcoal is ready, use a small spoon or tongs to spread the resin on top of the charcoal. Never touch the charcoal with your bare hands, and keep it out of the reach of children. During the burning process, always keep an eye on the setup and never leave it unattended.
By following these safety guidelines, you can safely enjoy the fragrant and enriching experience of burning resins. Remember to immerse the charcoal tablet in water after use, and always use common sense and caution when working with fire.
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History of incense resins
Incense resins are natural substances such as frankincense, copal, and myrrh, harvested from gum trees. The practice of burning incense is believed to have originated over 6000 years ago in ancient civilisations such as the Qin and Han dynasties in China, Ancient Egypt, and Rome.
In Ancient Egypt, incense was an integral part of day-to-day life, used as a way to connect with higher entities, spirits, and gods. The Egyptians would fumigate their temples with the smoke of resins, plants, and essential oils as offerings to their pharaohs, gods, and statues. They also burned incense during mummification to cleanse the body and soul, bringing protection and prosperity in the afterlife.
Similarly, the ancient Chinese used incense to connect with the spiritual realm, although they worshipped different gods and entities. They also discovered the medicinal uses of herbs, flowers, fruits, seeds, and their extracts, which provided recovery and immunity benefits.
Frankincense, derived from the resin of the sacred Boswellia tree, has been used since ancient times by the civilisations of Egypt, Africa, and Mesopotamia. It is also the famous incense mentioned in the Bible, thought to awaken a feeling of union with the divine. With its purifying and relaxing qualities, frankincense is believed to strengthen willpower, self-confidence, and determination.
Copal, another natural resin, is sacred to the indigenous cultures of Central and South America. It is burned year-round in churches in Mexico and is best known for its use in homes during the Day of the Dead. The scent of copal is believed to help the souls find their way back during their annual visit home.
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Incense resins for spiritual practices
Incense resins are natural substances such as frankincense, copal, and myrrh, which are harvested from gum trees. The resin is obtained from living trees via 'tapping', which is done sustainably to ensure the tree continues to thrive. These natural resins are the original incense and give off a rich and deep fragrance.
Incense resins have been burned for centuries during sacred rituals and spiritual practices. They are also burned for meditation and relaxation purposes. For example, Mayan Copal is burned in homes during the Day of the Dead in Central and South America. It is said that the familiar scent helps guide souls back to their homes during their annual visit. Frankincense is another example of a resin with great spiritual associations. It is derived from the sacred Boswellia tree and has been used since ancient times in Egypt, Africa, and Mesopotamia. It is also mentioned in the Bible and is thought to awaken a feeling of union with the divine.
To burn natural resins, you need an incense burner, charcoal tablets, a pair of tongs, and a lighter or match. First, place the charcoal tab in the incense burner and hold the flame to it. Then, spread the natural resin on top of the charcoal tab using a small spoon. After use, make sure to immerse the charcoal tab's remains in water.
Different types of incense burners are used for different purposes. Copper and steel incense burners are often used in religious ceremonies, while clay and glass incense burners are popular for yoga and meditation.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense resins are made from natural tree resins, such as frankincense, copal, myrrh, dammar and styrax.
The resins are obtained from living trees via ‘tapping’. This is done sustainably to ensure that the tree continues to thrive.
Incense resins are one of the oldest smoke-producing aromatics, having been burned for centuries during sacred rituals. They are great at infusing your home with evocative scents and are easily personalised.
Incense resins need to be burned in a heatproof container, such as a kettle, cauldron or brazier, with a charcoal disc or tab. Light the charcoal with tongs or fireproof gloves and place it in the heatproof container. Then, spoon or sprinkle a small amount of resin over the charcoal.
Incense resins can come from Europe, Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Indonesia. For example, Mayan Copal resin is sacred to the indigenous cultures of Central and South America, while frankincense originates from the Boswellia tree, which is native to Africa and the Middle East.
