Katrina Rosales
Incense is a staple in many cultures and is used for a variety of purposes, from invoking spirituality to simply enjoying its fragrance. While incense is readily available in stores, some people prefer to make their own at home using tree resin or sap. This process involves collecting resin or sap from trees, such as pine or spruce, and processing it into a usable form. The sticky and dried sap of trees, known as resin, can be found in abundance on conifers, with pines producing particularly pleasant amounts with a piney and lemony scent. Once collected, the resin or sap can be dried, crushed, and combined with other ingredients to create unique incense blends.
How to make incense from tree sap
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tree sap type | Pine resin/sap, Spruce resin, Siberian Cedar resin, Juniper wood, Black Cherry resin, etc. |
| Tree sap collection | Collect from the ground under trees, or from the tree itself. |
| Tree sap preparation | Dry the sap by placing it in the freezer and smashing it into pieces, or air-drying it. |
| Additional ingredients | Coriander seed, usnea, calamus root, wood betony, orange peel, etc. |
| Incense shape | Thick coin-shaped, incense balls, cones, sticks, bricks |
| Incense storage | Incense tin |
| Incense drying | Low heat oven or sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Pine resin as a base for incense mixtures
Pine resin is a classic evergreen botanical used around the world as incense and as aromatic and topical medicine. Its aromas are piney, fresh, green, penetrating, and sharp. Pine resin is also anti-microbial and its sticky nature acts as a barrier and adhesive. Pine resin can be used as a base for incense mixtures, with additional ingredients added to create unique fragrances.
When creating incense with pine resin as a base, it is important to consider the stickiness of the resin. While it can act as a binder, the stickier the resin, the less you will need to use. Experimentation is important to get the right ratios, as the amount of resin used will impact the amount of makko or charcoal needed to keep the incense burning.
To collect pine resin, look for drops of resin on the ground under pine trees. These can range from gooey globs of honey-coloured resin to dried or semi-dried pieces. Dirt, twigs, and needles may be embedded in the resin, so it is important to remove them as needed. Wearing gloves is recommended, as the resin can be difficult to remove from bare hands. If resin does get on your skin, it can be washed off with cooking oil.
When creating incense mixtures with pine resin as a base, additional ingredients can be added for their aromatic properties or for their symbolic or spiritual meanings. For example, calamus root can be added for focus, wood betony for grounding and soothing, and orange peel for its uplifting scent. Other ingredients that can be added include coriander seed, usnea, Solomon's seal root, cat's claw, and dried acorn shell. These ingredients can be ground into a powder and mixed with the pine resin to form a thick, coin-shaped piece of incense. The incense can then be dried further in a low-heat oven or the sun.
Pine resin incense can be burned on top of natural charcoal. Sprinkle small granules of resin onto a red-hot charcoal to enjoy the refreshing and uplifting scent of pine.
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Processing sap into resin
To process tree sap into resin, you will need to collect the sap from the tree. This can be done by making a cut into a resin-producing tree, such as a pine, fir, or cedar tree, and collecting the sap as it oozes out. Alternatively, you can collect the natural deposits of resin that form when a tree is injured, such as when branches are broken off in a storm.
Once you have collected the sap, you will need to clean and refine it. This process can be messy, as resin is very sticky, especially when it is warm or melted. To clean the resin, you will need a piece of cloth with a mesh that is not too fine, such as an old towel, a stone as a weight, and a pot that you don't mind soiling. Place the resin in the pot and apply heat. The resin will melt and can then be strained through the cloth to remove any impurities.
It is important to note that this process may remove the essential oils from the resin, so if you want to conserve them, you may need to use a more complicated and potentially messier method. The end product from this process will still have a pleasant smell, but it may not have the same aromatic properties as the raw resin.
After cleaning and refining the resin, you can use it to make incense. This can be done by mixing the resin with other aromatic ingredients, such as herbs, spices, or essential oils. The mixture can then be formed into sticks, cones, or balls and allowed to dry. The incense can then be burned, releasing the aromatic smoke.
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Choosing the right tree
When choosing a tree to make incense from its sap, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to identify the tree correctly and ensure that its sap is safe for burning. While there may not be a significant difference in the type of sap, some trees may produce sap that contains toxins or poisons that could be harmful when burned and inhaled.
Secondly, the aroma of the tree sap is an important consideration. Different tree species will have distinct fragrances, and some may be more appealing than others. For example, pine resin has an uplifting aroma that invokes the power and presence of trees, savannahs, and forests. It is also healing to the respiratory system. Other fragrant tree saps include cedar, frankincense, dragon's blood, and copal. Frankincense, for instance, has a timeless fragrance that is clean, piney, and lemony. Dragon's blood, on the other hand, has a sensual, earthy, and sweet fragrance, blending well with Patchouli, Thyme, or Red Sandalwood.
Additionally, the consistency of the tree sap is a factor to consider. Some tree saps are stickier and gooier than others, which can make them more difficult to work with and burn. For example, pine sap is known for its sticky and gooey consistency, which can act as a natural adhesive. However, this stickiness can be advantageous, as it can help bind other ingredients when making incense cones or balls.
Lastly, the availability of the tree sap is important. Some tree saps may be more readily available in certain regions or seasons, so choosing a tree that is native to your area or easily accessible can be beneficial. It is also important to note that tree sap is produced by trees to protect and heal wounds, so it is advisable to collect sap that has dropped to the ground rather than taking it directly from the tree.
In summary, when choosing the right tree for making incense from its sap, consider factors such as the safety of the sap, its fragrance, consistency, and availability. By taking these factors into account, you can select a suitable tree for creating your own unique and fragrant incense.
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Adding herbs and spices
When making incense from tree sap, you can add a variety of herbs and spices to create your desired fragrance. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for adding herbs and spices to your incense mixture:
Firstly, it is important to choose the right herbs and spices that complement your base of tree sap. Dried and ground herbs typically form about half of the incense mixture. A variety of bitter and sweet herbs can be used. Examples of bitter herbs include sagebrush, mugwort, juniper berries, wormwood, and rosemary. Sweet herbs can include rose petals, lavender, cinnamon, and fir needles. You can also add spices such as clove, nutmeg, coriander, mace, and cinnamon for extra aroma and warmth.
When preparing your herbs, ensure they are dried and ground into a fine powder. This can be done by grinding them in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. However, avoid using an electric coffee grinder as the heat produced can cause the loss of vital chemicals from the herbs. You can also make a herbal tea and use the strained liquid to add moisture to your mixture.
Once you have your powdered herbs, you can mix them with the tree sap. The sap should be in a solid form, and you can break it into small pieces using a mortar and pestle or by freezing it beforehand to make it brittle. Combine your dry ingredients, including the powdered herbs and resin, and then add a binder to create a dough-like consistency. Common binders include honey, water, or dried fruit soaked in wine.
When mixing the ingredients, add small amounts of liquid at a time to create a dough that barely binds and holds together. You can use a fork or spoon to mix and form the dough. If you prefer, you can roll the mixture into small balls and coat them with additional powdered herbs to prevent sticking.
Finally, allow your incense mixture to dry before use. Place the incense balls on a ceramic plate or parchment paper and let them dry for several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the humidity. Turning them occasionally will ensure even drying. Once dried, you can burn your incense by placing it on a charcoal briquette, igniting it, and enjoying the unique fragrance you've crafted.
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Drying and shaping the incense
Drying and shaping your tree sap into incense involves a few steps. First, you'll need to collect the sap. Tree sap flows most abundantly in the spring, and it will often be dried a bit by the fall. You can collect the sticky and dried sap balls and drips from conifers, especially pines, which produce nice amounts of resin. Make sure to identify the tree correctly and only take what you need.
Once you have your sap, you can start the drying and shaping process. One method is to put the sap in the freezer, where it will harden, and then smash it into small pieces. However, sap can be very goopy and sticky, and it may turn back into a semi-liquid once it reaches room temperature. To fully dry it out, you can let it air dry for several years. You can also dry it in a low-heat oven or in the sun, but be aware that the gooey texture may incorporate the dry ingredients, affecting the final product.
After your sap is dried, you can shape it into incense. One way to do this is to crush the dried sap into a powder and then add other dry ingredients, such as herbs, to create a thick, coin-shaped piece of incense. You can also try forming the sap into cones or balls, which are more forgiving when burning as you don't have to worry about keeping them lit.
Remember to be cautious when handling and burning tree sap. Some resins can be toxic, and you don't want the sticky substance on your skin or clothes. Wear gloves, and if you get it on your skin, wash it off with cooking oil.
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Frequently asked questions
Tree sap flows most abundantly in the spring, and it will often be dried a bit by the fall. You can collect sap by making a small horizontal cut in the tree and placing a jar underneath to catch the drippings.
First, place the sap in the freezer and smash it into small pieces. Then, let the pieces air dry. You can burn the dried sap as incense, or add other ingredients to create different scents.
You can add a variety of herbs and plants to your incense, such as coriander seed, calamus root, wood betony, orange peel, or cat's claw. You can also add essential oils like cedarwood or balsam fir.
Pines produce nice amounts of resin, especially if they have a broken limb, and most of their resins have a piney/lemony smell. Spruces also produce resins that are typically easy to harvest and have a muskier scent.
