Lance Carson
Burning incense is a centuries-old practice with spiritual and therapeutic benefits. Resin incense, derived from the dried sap of certain plants, is a popular form of incense with a unique scent. Burning resin incense is different from burning incense sticks or cones, as it requires a charcoal disc or special burner. This article will explore the different methods of burning resin incense and the supplies needed to do so safely.
How to get resin out of incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning resin incense | Burning resin incense on charcoal |
| Burning resin incense without charcoal | |
| Burning tools | Charcoal disc |
| Incense burner | |
| Oil warmer | |
| Tea light candle | |
| Vegetable oil | |
| Foil | |
| Safety tips | Proper ventilation |
| Avoid burning incense in a confined space |
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What You'll Learn
Using an oil warmer
To use an oil warmer, first add a small amount of oil to the dish. You can use almond oil or a cooking oil such as vegetable oil. Do not use essential oil. Next, add a few pieces of your chosen resin incense to the oil. Then, light a tealight candle and place it underneath the dish, or plug in the warmer if it is electric. Never use a votive candle, as these are too tall. Always use an unfragranced tealight, otherwise the aroma will mix with that of the incense.
It will take a few minutes for the oil to heat up, depending on the size of the warmer, the material it is made from, and the amount of oil used. You will know when the oil is hot enough when you can start to smell the resin. Once the oil is hot, you don't need to do anything else. When you are finished, extinguish the candle or let it burn out. Most tealights will burn for around 4 hours. Never leave the oil warmer unattended, as it can become very hot.
If you use the incense daily, you will need to replace the incense and oil every 3 to 4 days. When you are not using the oil warmer, empty and wipe the bowl clean with a paper towel.
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Burning on charcoal
Burning resin incense on charcoal is a popular method, but it can create a lot of smoke, which some people find undesirable. It can also be a very hot process, which may cause the resin to burn too quickly, and the charcoal itself may have a bad smell that ruins the incense fragrance.
To burn resin incense on charcoal, you will need an incense burner designed for burning resins, charcoal tablets, a match or lighter, and a metal spoon. You can also use salt or sand to help absorb the heat.
First, fill the incense burner with a bit of salt or sand. Then, place a charcoal tablet inside the burner and light it with a match or lighter. The charcoal will spark and crackle, and ash will begin to form. Once the charcoal is fully lit and ashy, use a metal spoon to place a small piece of resin incense in the middle of the coal. The resin will begin to bubble and melt, releasing its fragrance and smoke. You can add more resin as desired and even blend different resins to create a custom scent.
When you are finished, allow the charcoal to cool completely in the burner before discarding it. Do not touch the charcoal tablet once it is lit, and do not leave it unattended. Make sure your incense burner is on a heat-resistant surface and properly ventilated.
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Using an electric burner
Electric burners are a great way to heat resin incense without having to worry about the smoke and fumes that come with traditional charcoal-burning methods. They are also known as incense heaters and are perfect for indoor use.
To use an electric burner, simply place the device on a table or any other heat-resistant surface, and plug it into a power source. Turn it on and allow it to heat up to your desired temperature. Electric burners can be adjusted to your preferred temperature settings, and once heated, they will vaporize the incense resin placed on the burner's hot plate.
The type of resin you use is important. Firmer resins such as Frankincense and Myrrh work best with electric burners. Softer resins like Copal tend to clog the burner screen if used in large quantities, so they should be used sparingly. Black Copal, for example, is a great choice for its sweet, fruity fragrance when burned.
When using an electric burner, it is important to exercise caution as the device can become very hot. Never leave the burner unattended while in use. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and care of your electric burner.
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Burning without charcoal
Burning resin incense on charcoal can create a lot of smoke, which can be undesirable and cause breathing problems for some people. Here are some alternative ways to burn resin incense without using charcoal:
Electric Incense Burners
Electric incense burners are a great option for burning resin incense without charcoal. They work by heating a ceramic plate that melts the resin and releases its fragrance. While these burners can be more expensive than other options, they are the easiest and most effective way to burn resin without charcoal. They also allow for temperature adjustment, providing control over the burn rate, which is important as some resins are at their best when heated slowly.
Aromatherapy Oil Warmers
Aromatherapy oil warmers, also known as aroma lamps or oil burners, can be used to burn resin incense without charcoal. Both ceramic and glass oil warmers are available, with the glass ones typically consisting of a glass dish set on top of a metal or ceramic stand. A small amount of vegetable or almond oil is poured into the dish, and then a few pieces of resin are added. The oil is heated either by lighting a tea light candle underneath or plugging the warmer into an electric power source. As the oil heats up, the resin softens, infusing the oil with fragrance and filling the room with scent.
Homemade Incense Burners
If you don't want to purchase an electric burner or oil warmer, you can make your own incense burner at home using everyday items. One method involves using an old soda can and a tea light candle. The soda can is cleaned, cut in half, and modified to allow airflow. A small unscented tea light candle is lit and placed underneath the can. An old tea light candle is filled halfway with vegetable oil and resin and placed on top of the can, where the heat from the candle below diffuses the fragrance into the room. Another method involves piercing an empty tea light candle tin with four toothpicks in a cross shape and placing it over the hole of a candle holder with a lit candle inside.
Other Methods
There are a few other creative methods for burning resin incense without charcoal. One option is to use a metal spoon or a piece of aluminum foil as a makeshift bowl. The resin is placed on the spoon or foil and held over a candle flame, causing it to melt and release its fragrance. Additionally, you can use a copper plate, or a ceramic or Pyrex plate, on top of a heat diffuser plate with vent holes.
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Safety tips
Burning incense resin can be a great way to enhance your spiritual practice, create a relaxing atmosphere, or simply enjoy the aromatic benefits of incense. However, it is important to follow safety tips to minimize any potential risks associated with the practice. Here are some detailed safety tips to keep in mind when burning resin incense:
Proper Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when burning incense, especially indoors. Open a window or turn on a fan to allow fresh air circulation and avoid inhaling too much smoke. Burning incense in a confined space can lead to smoke inhalation and potential health issues.
Heat-Resistant Surface: Always use a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic plate, to place your incense burner on. Never burn incense on a wooden table, tablecloth, or other flammable surfaces. The hot charcoal disc can damage certain surfaces and create a fire hazard.
Never Leave Unattended: It is important to never leave burning incense unattended. Keep an eye on the incense while it's burning to prevent accidents. This is crucial whether you are using a traditional charcoal method or an oil warmer. Open flames and hot surfaces pose potential risks.
Handling Charcoal: When using the charcoal disc method, always use tongs or appropriate tools to handle the hot charcoal. Do not touch the charcoal with your bare hands to avoid burns. Use caution when lighting the charcoal and placing it in the incense burner.
Oil Warmer Safety: If using an oil warmer or burner, follow specific safety guidelines. Never leave the oil warmer unattended, as you are working with an open flame. Allow the oil warmer to cool completely before cleaning it. Use caution when handling the oil warmer, as it can become very hot.
Awareness of Surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings when burning incense. Keep flammable materials and other heat-sensitive items away from the incense burner. Ensure that the incense burner is stable and secure, reducing the risk of accidental spills or tip-overs.
By following these safety tips, you can safely enjoy the fragrance and therapeutic benefits of burning resin incense. Remember to always read and follow the instructions provided with your chosen method of burning incense.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to burn resin incense is to use a charcoal disc. Place the disc in the centre of the resin incense and light it. Once the charcoal is fully lit and has turned grey or white, the incense will begin to diffuse. However, some people find that charcoal causes the incense to burn too quickly and does not bring out the fine fragrance.
Yes, you can burn resin incense without charcoal by using an oil warmer. Fill an empty tea light with almond or vegetable oil and resin, then place it over a bowl. Alternatively, you can make your own incense burner using an old soda can and a tea light candle.
When burning resin incense, it is important to ensure proper ventilation, especially if you are burning it indoors. Avoid burning incense in a confined space and make sure there is enough fresh air circulating in the room to avoid inhaling too much smoke. Additionally, never leave lit charcoal or the oil warmer unattended.
