Seamus Hammond
Burning myrrh incense is a popular ancient technique that can fill your home with a pleasant fragrance. It is believed to have several benefits, including healing and medicinal properties. The most common way to burn myrrh resin is to use charcoal, but this can produce a lot of smoke. As such, alternative methods include using an aromatherapy oil warmer or burning myrrh resin with an electric incense burner.
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What You'll Learn
Burning myrrh incense on charcoal
To burn myrrh incense on charcoal, you will need a few special items: an incense burner designed for burning charcoal and resins, a charcoal disc, tongs, and a heat-resistant surface such as a metal bowl, tile, or coaster. You can also use salt or sand to help dissipate the heat.
- Place the charcoal disc in your incense burner. If using a metal bowl, you can add a small mound of sand or salt first, then place the charcoal on top.
- Light the charcoal disc with a match or lighter. It will begin to crackle and spark, and ash will form on the edges.
- Allow the charcoal to heat up for 5-15 minutes. You will know it is ready when it is glowing red and a layer of ash has formed on the tablet.
- Using a metal spoon or tongs, place a small piece of myrrh resin on top of the hot charcoal. The resin should be about the size of a grain of rice or a pea.
- The resin will begin to bubble and melt, releasing its fragrant smoke. You can add more resin as desired.
- Always allow the charcoal to fully cool in the burner before discarding it. Do not touch the charcoal tablet once it is lit, and do not leave burning charcoal unattended.
Breathing in incense smoke can potentially cause respiratory issues, so it is important to burn myrrh incense in a well-ventilated area and not while sleeping. Enjoy the soothing and sacred aroma of myrrh incense, perfect for meditation, prayer, or creating a tranquil atmosphere.
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Using an electric incense burner
Burning myrrh incense using an electric burner is a safe and effective way to enjoy the fragrance. Electric burners are commonly used in countries where burning incense is a daily tradition and offer a longer-lasting, smoke-free experience.
To burn myrrh incense using an electric burner, first, prepare your work area. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated room, and have kept the burner away from children and pets. You can place the burner on a spare cooking pot or pan lined with foil, or directly on a heat-resistant surface.
Next, prepare the myrrh resin. Break up the resin with a mortar and pestle if you prefer smaller pieces. A pea-sized or slightly larger chunk of resin is sufficient. You can also add other fragrant materials such as powdered bark, flowers, or essential oils to the resin if you wish.
Now, turn on your electric burner. Set the temperature to 235 °F (113 °C) and place the resin on the burner tray. If your burner has heat settings instead of a temperature dial, start with the lowest setting and gradually increase the heat until you can smell the fragrance. Remember to adjust the heat as needed to avoid an overly strong fragrance.
Finally, enjoy the aroma! You can extinguish the burner once the fragrance is too weak or when you no longer wish to continue. Remember to clean the burner tray after it has cooled down.
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Burning myrrh incense without charcoal
Another way to burn myrrh incense without charcoal is to use an oil warmer, also known as an aroma lamp or oil burner. You can use almond oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, or vegetable oil. Add about a teaspoon of oil to the bowl of the warmer and then add a few pieces of myrrh resin. Light a tealight candle underneath or plug in the warmer if it is electric. After a few minutes, the resin will begin to soften, infusing the oil with fragrance.
You can also make your own incense burner using an old soda can and a tea light candle. First, clean out the soda can and cut it in half. Use scissors to trim off any sharp edges 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 more airflow, you can poke holes in the top with a hammer and nail. Light a small unscented tea light candle and place it underneath the can. Take another old tea light candle and clear out any excess wax, then fill it halfway with vegetable oil and myrrh resin. Place this on top of the can and it will warm and diffuse into the room.
Finally, you can purchase a brass or soapstone incense burner that is designed to be used with or without charcoal. These burners have adjustable heights and flame control, allowing you to customise your experience.
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Health and safety considerations
Burning Myrrh Incense with Charcoal
Myrrh resin is commonly burned on charcoal, which can generate significant heat. To ensure safety, always use a fire-safe burner or chamber, such as a censer. Avoid using flammable or heat-sensitive surfaces as a base. Instead, place the charcoal on a heat-proof pad to protect your furniture. Additionally, it is recommended to use a metal incense bowl or a similar heat-proof container.
Charcoal produces a substantial amount of smoke, which may trigger breathing problems for certain individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to provide adequate ventilation during and after burning myrrh incense with charcoal. Keep the area well-ventilated to prevent smoke inhalation and potential health issues associated with smoke exposure.
Burning Myrrh Incense without Charcoal
If you prefer to avoid charcoal, you can opt for an aromatherapy oil warmer made of ceramic or glass. Using an appropriate amount of vegetable oil or other liquid oils, except thick oils like argan, jojoba, or coconut oil, is essential. Essential oils should also be avoided as they may overpower the incense's aroma.
When using an oil warmer, always follow safety precautions. Never leave the warmer unattended, as it involves an open flame. Ensure the warmer is placed on a heat-resistant surface, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Extinguish the candle or tea light when you're finished, and allow the warmer to cool completely before handling or cleaning it.
General Precautions
Regardless of the method used, always ensure proper ventilation when burning myrrh incense. Keep myrrh incense and burning materials away from flammable objects and materials. Do not leave burning incense unattended, and always supervise children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or injury.
When handling hot surfaces and materials, use heat-resistant gloves or tongs to protect your hands. Allow sufficient cooling time before disposing of ashes or cleaning burners and bowls. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen burning method and equipment for the safest experience.
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The history and benefits of myrrh incense
The use of myrrh incense has a long and rich history. It is a gum-resin extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree, native to the Middle East and parts of Africa. Myrrh has been used for centuries in various cultures and religions, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Middle Eastern civilisations.
One of the most well-known references to myrrh is in the Bible, where it is mentioned as one of the gifts brought to baby Jesus by the Three Kings, along with frankincense and gold. In the Bible, myrrh is also listed as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil used to anoint the tabernacle, high priests, and kings. Additionally, myrrh was an ingredient in the consecrated incense used in the First and Second Temples at Jerusalem.
Myrrh has also been used in other religious and spiritual practices, such as in the Eastern Orthodox Church, where it is used to perform the sacrament of chrismation. In ancient times, myrrh was burned during embalmment rituals to cleanse the body of sin and heal skin abnormalities.
Today, myrrh incense is still popular and is used for its aromatic and medicinal properties. When burned, myrrh releases a rich, exotic, and naturally appealing fragrance that is comforting and enhances spiritual experiences. It is believed to aid in meditation, relaxation, and stress reduction, as well as having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
To burn myrrh resin, the most common method is to use charcoal. However, this produces a lot of smoke, so it is important to place the charcoal in a fire-safe burner or chamber. Alternatively, myrrh incense can be burned using an aromatherapy oil warmer with vegetable oil, olive oil, or sunflower seed oil. This method produces less smoke and is safer, but it is important to never leave the oil warmer unattended as it uses an open flame.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common way to burn myrrh resin is to burn it upon charcoal. However, this produces a lot of smoke, which can cause breathing problems for some people. If you choose to use charcoal, place the lit charcoal disc in a metal incense bowl or censer and let it heat up for about 5-7 minutes. Then, place a small piece of myrrh resin on top.
Yes, you can use an aromatherapy oil warmer. Purchase a ceramic or glass oil warmer and pour a small amount of vegetable oil or another type of liquid oil, such as olive oil or sunflower seed oil, into the dish. Then, add some myrrh resin into the oil and light a candle beneath it.
Burning myrrh incense can help boost immunity due to its naturally antibacterial and cleansing properties. It is also well-known for its wound-healing benefits and can help rejuvenate skin imperfections such as acne, scars, cuts, and burns.
Myrrh resin is usually a reddish-brown (sometimes with yellow tones) and is typically a solidified, rocky, or crystal-like substance. It is enriched with a pleasant, earthy aroma.
You can purchase myrrh resin and charcoal pucks online or in stores that sell incense, such as Mermade Magickal Arts and Essence of the Ages. You can also find charcoal pucks in most North American cities in corner stores, head shops, and Asian and Mediterranean food stores. For the oil warmer method, you can purchase a ceramic or glass oil warmer in stores that sell candles and candle stands.
