Lance Carson
Burning resin incense is a great way to fill your home with fragrance. The most popular way is to burn it using charcoal, but this produces a lot of smoke, which can cause breathing problems for some people. There are many different types of resin incense, including amber, copal, frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, dragon's blood, palo santo, and styrax. Resin incense is the oldest form of incense, used long before sticks or cones, and is considered the most pure and natural form. Resins are harvested from the sap, bark roots, or wood of trees, shrubs, and plants. When burning resin incense with charcoal, it is important to use a heat-safe surface and a proper incense burner to avoid damage or injury. The amount of resin incense to use depends on the type of burner and charcoal used, but typically a small amount, such as a quarter to half a teaspoon, is enough to create a fragrant smoke.
How Much Resin Incense?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning Method | Charcoal, Oil Warmer, Tea Light Incense Stove/Burner |
| Charcoal Type | Quick-Lite Charcoal Briquettes, Charcoal Tablets |
| Charcoal Burner Contents | 3/4 Full with Sand or Rocks |
| Charcoal Burner Placement | Heat-Resistant Surface (e.g. Ceramic Coaster or Tile) |
| Charcoal Lighting | Matches, Lighter, Candle Lighter |
| Charcoal Tablet Handling | Use Tongs |
| Oil Type | Vegetable Oil, Almond Oil, Paraffin Wax, Avocado Oil |
| Oil Warmer Type | Ceramic, Glass |
| Oil Warmer Bowl Contents | Oil, Resin |
| Oil Warmer Safety | Do Not Leave Unattended |
| Tea Light Type | Unfragranced, Plain |
| Tea Light Placement | Underneath Bowl or Inside Oil Warmer |
| Resin Type | Amber, Copal, Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin, Dragon's Blood, Palo Santo, Styrax, Guggul, Opoponax |
| Resin Placement | On/Near Charcoal, in Oil Warmer Bowl |
| Resin Amount | Small Piece, Few Pieces, Approximately 1 Teaspoon |
| Resin Duration | Up to 1 Hour, 3-4 Days |
| Resin Replacement | Every 3-4 Days with Daily Use |
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What You'll Learn
How to burn resin incense without charcoal
Burning resin incense is a popular way to fill your home with fragrance. The most common way to burn resin incense is by using charcoal, but this method produces a lot of smoke, which can cause breathing problems for some people. Here are some alternative ways to burn resin incense without using charcoal:
Aromatherapy Oil Warmer
Aromatherapy oil warmers are a safe and easy way to burn resin incense with little to no smoke. There are two types of oil warmers: ceramic and glass. Ceramic oil warmers are typically one piece, while glass oil warmers usually consist of a glass dish placed on a metal or ceramic stand. You can purchase these in most stores that sell candles and candle stands. To use an oil warmer, start by pouring a small amount of vegetable oil into the dish. The amount of oil used will depend on the size of the dish. Light a tea light candle and place it inside the oil warmer. Allow the oil to heat up – this may take a few minutes or longer, depending on the size and material of the warmer, as well as the amount of oil used. Once the oil is hot, the resin will heat up and release its aroma. You'll know the oil is hot enough when you start to smell the resin.
Homemade Oil Warmer
If you don't have an oil warmer, you can make your own using a heat-proof dish or ceramic bowl and an old tea light candle. First, fill the bowl with beach sand or dirt. Then, take an old tea light, clear out any excess wax, and fill it halfway with vegetable oil and resin. Light a small, unscented tea light candle and place it underneath the bowl. The candle will heat up the oil and resin, diffusing the fragrance into the room.
Incense Burner from a Soda Can
You can also make an incense burner using an old soda can and a tea light candle. Start by cleaning out the soda can and cutting it in half. Trim off 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. You can also poke holes in the top of the can for additional ventilation. Place a small, unscented tea light candle inside the can and light it. Then, take another old tea light, clear out the wax, and fill it halfway with vegetable oil and resin. Place this on top of the can, and the resin fragrance will warm and diffuse.
Remember to always use plain, unscented tea light candles to avoid altering the aroma of the resin incense. Never leave burning candles unattended, and be mindful of proper ventilation in the room.
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Using an oil warmer to get the fragrance without the fumes
Resin incense is a popular way to fill your home with fragrance. The most common way to burn resin incense is by using charcoal. However, this method produces a lot of smoke, which can cause breathing problems for some people. An alternative to burning resin incense with charcoal is to use an oil warmer.
There are two types of oil warmers: ceramic and glass. Ceramic oil warmers are typically labelled for wax cubes or wax melts, but they can still be used for resin incense. Glass oil warmers usually consist of a glass dish set on top of a metal or ceramic stand. Both types of oil warmers can be purchased from most stores that sell candles and candle stands.
To use an oil warmer to burn resin incense, start by pouring a small amount of vegetable oil or almond oil into the dish. Then, add a few pieces of your chosen resin incense. The amount of resin incense you use will depend on the size of your oil warmer. Once you have added the oil and incense, light a tea light and place it into the oil warmer. Alternatively, if you are using an electric oil warmer, simply plug it in.
It will take a few minutes for the oil to heat up and the resin to soften. Once the resin has softened, it will infuse the oil with fragrance, filling the room with a light scent. It is important to note that the fragrance produced by this method is more subtle than burning resin incense with charcoal. It is also important to never leave the oil warmer unattended, as it can become very hot.
When you are finished using the oil warmer, extinguish the candle. You can also let the candle burn out on its own. Most tea lights will burn for 4 hours, but longer-lasting options are available. After 3 to 4 days of use, replace the incense and oil. If you are not going to use the oil warmer for a while, empty and wipe the bowl clean with a paper towel.
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Using charcoal to burn resin incense
Burning resin incense is a great way to fill your home with fragrance. While there are ways to burn resin incense without charcoal, the most popular way to burn resin incense is by using it. However, it produces a lot of smoke, which can cause breathing problems for some people.
To burn resin incense using charcoal, you will need the following items:
- Resin incense
- Charcoal tablets
- Charcoal incense burner
- Heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic coaster or tile
- Tongs or a long lighter
- Metal spoon
- Sand or rocks (optional)
- Fill your charcoal burner 3/4 full with sand or rocks. This step is optional but recommended to absorb some of the heat from the charcoal burner.
- Place your burner on a heat-resistant surface, as the bottom of the burner will become very hot and may damage your surface.
- Using tongs or a long lighter, hold the charcoal tablet and light it following the instructions provided with your charcoal. You can also place the charcoal tablet on the bed of sand or rocks inside your burner and then light it.
- Allow the charcoal to fully come to temperature, which is indicated by a layer of ash forming on the tablet. This usually takes around 5-15 minutes.
- Using a metal spoon, add a very small amount of resin on top of the hot charcoal. Be careful not to touch the charcoal tablet once it is lit, as it will be very hot and can cause burns.
- The resin will begin to bubble and melt, releasing its fragrant smoke. You can add additional resin pieces as desired and even blend different resins to create your own custom scent.
- When you are finished, allow the charcoal to completely cool in the burner before discarding it. You can speed up the cooling process by dousing it with water.
It is important to note that burning resin incense on charcoal can create a lot of smoke, so it should not be left unattended or placed near flammable materials. Proper ventilation in the room is also crucial when burning incense.
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How much resin to use
The amount of resin incense to use depends on the burning method. The two most common methods are burning resin with charcoal or burning it with an oil warmer.
Burning Resin Incense with Charcoal
When burning resin incense with charcoal, it is recommended to fill your charcoal burner 3/4 full with salt or sand to absorb some of the heat. Place your burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic coaster or tile, to avoid damaging your table. Using tongs, hold the charcoal tablet and light it following the instructions provided. Once the charcoal is fully lit and ashed, take a small piece of resin and place it in the middle of the coal. You can also place the resin directly on the hottest part of the charcoal, which will create an instant plume of smoke and burn through the resin quickly. If you are using softer resins like Copal, use them sparingly as they can create more smoke. You can also add resin pieces as desired and blend different resins to create a custom scent.
Burning Resin Incense with an Oil Warmer
When using an oil warmer, add a small amount of vegetable oil or almond oil to the bowl of the warmer. Then, add a few pieces of your favourite resin. You can use an electric warmer or light a tea light candle underneath. The resin will begin to soften, infusing the oil with fragrance. The amount of oil you use will depend on the size of the dish. The fragrance from this method is more subtle compared to burning resin with charcoal.
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Different types of resin incense
Resin incense is the most natural form of incense, harvested from the sap, bark, roots, or wood of trees, shrubs, and plants. It is less processed than other types of incense, which are often ground into a powder and pressed into a shape. Resin incense is available in single resins or as blends of different resins and herbs.
There are many different types of resin incense, each with its own unique properties and uses. Here are some of the most well-known and commonly used resin incenses:
Frankincense
This is perhaps the most famous type of resin incense, with a long history of use in ancient civilizations and religious ceremonies. It is derived from the sacred Boswellia tree and is known for its purifying, relaxing, and uplifting qualities. Frankincense is often used to create a sense of union with the divine and is popular for spiritual practices and meditation.
Myrrh
Myrrh resin incense is another well-known variety, often used alongside frankincense. It has a rich, balsamic aroma and is believed to have various therapeutic properties, including antiseptic and stimulant effects.
Copal
Copal resin is available in different varieties, with the Copal Negro (Protium Grandifolium) being a premium type originating from Peru. It produces a complex and pleasant multi-layered scent.
Benzoin
Benzoin resin, derived from trees, has a sweet and soothing fragrance. It is believed to have antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic properties and is used in some medicaments. Benzoin is also a component of church incense in Catholic and some Orthodox Christian societies.
Dragon's Blood
Dragon's Blood is a unique resin produced from the fruit of the rattan palm tree, Daemonorops Draco. It has a deep, sweet, and penetrating aroma and is often used for purification and ceremonial purposes.
Palo Santo
Palo Santo is another popular resin incense known for its fresh and fragrant aroma.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need to use much resin incense in an electric burner. One source suggests using 10-15 pieces for 6-8 hours of burn time. Another source recommends using only one or two pieces at the same time.
When using charcoal, start with a pinch of resin incense as it can be quite potent. You can always add more resin as needed, but be mindful not to overwhelm the space with too much smoke.
If your resin is in powdered form, use one small scoop (around one teaspoon). If it's in chunks, use a few pea-sized pieces.
Add a few pieces of resin incense to the oil warmer. You can use the resin/oil combination multiple times before it loses its scent.
