Lance Carson
Resin incense is made from the dried sap of certain plants. It has been used for centuries in spiritual and religious practices, as well as for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. Burning resin incense can be tricky and sometimes dangerous if not done properly. The smoke produced can be irritating to the lungs and respiratory system, especially if burned in an enclosed space without proper ventilation. To burn resin incense, you can use charcoal or an oil warmer. If using charcoal, place a charcoal disc between a set of tongs and light it up before placing it in a resin burner with your chosen resin. If using an oil warmer, add almond oil to the bowl of the warmer and then add a few pieces of resin. Light a tealight underneath or plug in the warmer if it is electric.
How to use resin as incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items needed | Resin incense, incense burner, charcoal, salt or sand (optional) |
| Process | Fill an incense burner with salt or sand, place a charcoal tablet inside the burner and light it using a match or lighter. Once the charcoal is fully lit and ash has begun to form, place a small piece of resin in the middle of the coal. Additional resin pieces can be added as desired and different resins can be blended to create a custom scent. |
| Pros | Resin incense is great for spiritual practice and has been used for centuries. |
| Cons | The charcoal method produces fumes and smoke, which can be irritating to the lungs and respiratory system. |
| Precautions | Never leave lit charcoal unattended or close to flammable materials. Always use a heat-resistant surface for the burner and handle the charcoal tablet with tongs or another tool. |
| Alternative methods | Oil burners or electric burners can be used for less smoke and a more subtle fragrance. |
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Using charcoal
Burning resin incense on charcoal is a popular method, but it can create a lot of smoke, which some people find undesirable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use resin incense with charcoal:
Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary items: resin incense, an incense burner, charcoal tablets, salt or sand (optional), a match or lighter, and tongs. Fill your incense burner with a layer of salt or sand to help absorb the heat. This step is optional but can help protect your burner and make cleaning easier. Place the burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic coaster or tile, as the bottom of the burner will become very hot.
Using the tongs, hold the charcoal tablet and light it according to the instructions provided. Be careful, as the charcoal will spark and crackle, and ash will begin to form. Once the charcoal is fully lit and has a layer of ash, carefully place it on the bed of ash inside your burner. You can also place the charcoal on the burner's mesh screen if it has one.
Allow the charcoal to heat up for 5-15 minutes. You will know it is ready when it is covered in a layer of ash. Using a metal spoon, carefully place a small amount of resin incense on top of the hot charcoal. The resin will begin to melt and bubble, releasing its fragrance. You can add more resin as needed and even blend different resins to create a custom scent.
It is important to never leave lit charcoal unattended and keep it away from flammable materials. Always ensure proper ventilation in the room when burning incense. Once the charcoal is burning, it needs time to burn out completely. Therefore, make sure you have at least an hour before you need to leave the area.
There are different ways to place the resin incense on the charcoal, which will affect the intensity of the smoke and burn:
- Place the resin on a layer of ash, either directly above or beside the charcoal.
- Place the resin directly on the hottest part of the charcoal for an instant plume of smoke.
- Light only a section of the charcoal and place the resin on the unlit part.
You can also try using natural charcoal, such as bamboo charcoal marketed for incense, or "lump" or "chunk" charcoal for grilling. These options may produce less unpleasant odour than regular charcoal. Additionally, placing a layer of foil or salt between the charcoal and the resin can help reduce the temperature and improve the scent.
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Electric burners
One of the main advantages of an electric burner is that you can vaporize the volatile aromatic oils out of the resins by getting the temperature just right. This gives the purest and most accurate aroma with no smoke, and the resins will not burn or scorch. You can also learn what individual aromatics smell like, which can increase your enjoyment and understanding of blended incense.
However, there is a learning curve when it comes to figuring out the right temperature, which is different for different types of resins. It can also be messy, especially as the resins liquefy, but this can be remedied by lining the hot plate with tin foil.
There are several electric burners available on the market. Mermade's Lotus heater is a popular option, although some users have noted that resin can fall into the gap between the heating element and the wires. A blue ceramic heater from Heyoka Frankincense on Etsy is another option, which does not have this gap and comes with a built-in timer. Apothecary's Garden on Etsy also sells ceramic heaters, although they are more expensive, heavy, and good quality.
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Oil burners
To use an oil burner for resin incense, start by choosing your desired resin and deciding on the amount you want to burn. Place a small amount of vegetable, almond, or avocado oil into the burner bowl, and then add a few pieces of your chosen resin. If using a tea light oil burner, light the tea light underneath the bowl. For electric burners, simply plug them in and turn them on. As the oil heats up, the resin will begin to soften and infuse the oil with its fragrance.
It is important to note that oil burners may not get hot enough to release the aromatics of the resin. In this case, you can try using firmer resins such as frankincense or myrrh, or propping the tea light closer to the bowl. Always use caution when handling oil burners as they can become very hot and should never be left unattended while in use.
When choosing an oil burner, opt for one that is heat-resistant and stable, with a solid base that will not tip over easily. Ceramic and metal are both good options, but be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations for use with high temperatures. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation when burning resin incense indoors to avoid inhaling too much smoke.
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Tea light burners
To use this method, you will need a tea light oil warmer. You can purchase one or make your own using an old soda can and a tea light candle. If you're making your own, start by cleaning out the soda can and cutting it in half carefully. Trim any sharp edges with scissors and cover them with masking tape. Take the top half of the can and cut 3-4 V-shaped holes into the side to allow airflow. For even more airflow, poke some holes into the top of the can. Place a small, unscented tea light candle underneath the can and light it. Take an old tea light candle, clear out any excess wax, and fill it halfway with vegetable oil and your chosen resin. Place this on top of the can, and it will warm up and diffuse the scent into the room.
If you're using a purchased tea light oil warmer, the process is similar. Fill an empty tea light with oil and resin, then place it over the bowl of your warmer. Make sure to use a cooking oil like vegetable oil and not essential oil. You can also use foil over the bowl, shaping it into a bowl shape with a dip in the middle. You can reuse this setup as long as it stays clean and intact.
You can also use a copper or metal plate with a tea light candle. Place a few pieces of resin in an empty tea light cup, and place this on the plate above the candle. You can also use a tea strainer or metal mesh over a tea light candle.
Remember to use caution when burning resin incense. Never leave the setup unattended, and make sure the surface you're using is heat-safe, like a ceramic plate.
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Safety precautions
Burning incense resin can be a powerful way to enhance your spiritual practice, create a relaxing atmosphere, or simply enjoy the aromatic benefits of incense. However, there are some safety precautions you should take to ensure a positive experience:
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial when burning resin incense. The smoke produced can irritate the lungs and respiratory system, especially in enclosed spaces. Open windows or use a fan to ensure adequate airflow and minimize the risk of smoke inhalation.
Heat-resistant surfaces: Always use a heat-resistant surface to place your burning charcoal and resin. Resin incense burners can become extremely hot and should never be left unattended. Use tongs or similar tools to handle the hot charcoal disc, and avoid touching it with your bare hands.
Charcoal discs: Charcoal discs are commonly used to burn resin incense. However, they pose a risk of burns or fire if not handled properly. Ensure you follow the instructions for lighting and placing the charcoal disc, and always allow it to cool completely before disposing of it safely.
Amount of resin: Using too much resin at once can clog the burner and impact its effectiveness. Start with a small amount of resin, and increase gradually if needed, to find the right balance for your burner and space.
Alternatives to charcoal: If you prefer to avoid using charcoal, there are alternative methods for burning resin incense. You can use an oil burner by placing a small amount of almond oil or another suitable oil in the bowl and adding a few pieces of resin. Tea light incense burners or stoves are another option, which use a metal mesh or plate instead of a bowl. Always follow the specific instructions for your chosen method and burner type.
By following these safety precautions, you can minimize potential risks and fully enjoy the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of burning resin incense.
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Frequently asked questions
Resin incense is made from the dried sap of certain plants. The sap is extracted by cutting the bark of the tree or plant, allowing the sap to flow out and harden into a resin.
You will need incense resin, charcoal tablets, a heat-safe vessel or bowl, and a lighter. If you are using charcoal, you will also need black sand and tongs. If you are using an oil burner, you will need a plain, unfragranced tea light, and a cooking oil such as vegetable oil.
Place a charcoal disc between a set of tongs and light it. Place the charcoal on top of a bed of black sand in your heat-safe vessel or bowl. Place one piece or a few small pieces of resin on top of the charcoal. The resin will begin to melt and smoke.
Fill an empty tea light with oil and resin, then place it over the bowl of your oil warmer. Alternatively, you can make your own oil warmer using an old soda can and a tea light candle. Light the candle and place it underneath the can.
Charcoal produces more smoke and can cause breathing problems, but it also provides a stronger fragrance. Burning resin incense without charcoal is safer and produces less smoke, but the fragrance is more subtle.
