Heidi Norton
Resin incense is made from the dried sap of certain plants and has been used for centuries in spiritual and religious practices. It is also used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties, creating a relaxing and calming environment. Burning resin incense can be tricky and sometimes dangerous if not done properly. The most common method involves using a charcoal tablet and an incense burner, but alternatives include using an oil warmer or a brass resin burner.
How to use resin incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items needed | Resin incense, incense burner, charcoal, salt or sand (optional) |
| Preparation | Fill an incense burner with salt or sand to help absorb heat |
| Lighting | Use a match or lighter to light the charcoal tablet |
| Burning | Place a small piece of resin in the middle of the coal. As the resin begins to bubble and melt, smoke and fragrance will be released |
| Customisation | Additional resin pieces can be added as desired, and different resins can be blended to create a custom scent |
| No charcoal method | Use an oil warmer to get the fragrance without the fumes |
| Oil warmer steps | Add almond oil and a few pieces of resin to the bowl of an oil warmer. Light the tealight underneath or plug in the warmer |
| Brass burner method | Add a few small pieces of resin to the upper basket of a brass burner and light a tealight underneath |
| Caution | Burning resin incense can be dangerous if not done properly |
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What You'll Learn
Using charcoal
Firstly, ensure you have the correct equipment. You will need an incense burner designed for burning resins, charcoal tablets or disks, and resin incense. It is important to use natural charcoal that is free from toxic chemicals such as sodium or potassium nitrate, and sulfur. Charcoal made from bamboo or natural roots is a good option. You can also use salt, sand, or small pebbles to help absorb heat and act as a base for the charcoal.
Before lighting the charcoal, fill the incense burner with a small amount of salt or sand, if desired. Then, light the edge of the charcoal tablet or disk using a match or lighter, or by holding it over a candle flame with tweezers or tongs. The charcoal will begin to crackle and spark, and ash will form on the edges.
Once the charcoal is fully lit and has turned grey, it is time to add the resin. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on your preference:
- Place the resin directly on the hottest part of the charcoal. This will create an instant plume of smoke and will burn through the resin quickly.
- Place a layer of ash on top of the hot charcoal, then put the resin on the ash directly above the charcoal.
- Put the resin on the ash beside the burning charcoal. The smoke and burn will be less intense the further away the resin is from the charcoal.
- Create a "bowl and stand" with tin foil or a copper sheet to hold the resin close to, but not directly on, the charcoal.
- Bury the charcoal about 1/2 inch under the ash, then sprinkle the resin on top of the ash.
You can continue to add more incense to the hot charcoal as it burns and as desired. Remember to keep in mind that burning charcoal needs oxygen, so don't use too much incense at once. Always allow the charcoal to fully burn itself out and never leave it unattended while lit. Once the charcoal has cooled, sift the ash through a strainer to keep your burner clean.
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Using an oil burner
To use an oil burner, start by adding about a teaspoon of almond oil or vegetable oil to the bowl of the warmer. Then, add a few pieces of your chosen resin incense. If you're using a tea light, make sure it's an unfragranced one, so the aroma of the incense isn't altered. Light the candle underneath the bowl (or plug in your electric warmer if you're not using candles) and wait a few minutes. The resin will start to soften and infuse the oil with its fragrance. Be cautious, as the oil burner can become very hot, and never leave it unattended while in use.
The oil will take varying amounts of time to heat up, depending on the size of your oil warmer, the material it's made of, and the amount of oil you've used. Typically, it should only take a few minutes. As the oil heats up, the resin will also heat up and begin to release its scent. You'll know the oil is hot enough when you start to smell the incense.
Once you're done enjoying the fragrance, you can blow out the candle and let the oil burner cool down. You can reuse the incense and oil for up to four days before needing to replace them. Remember to clean your oil burner regularly.
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Burning resins sustainably
Firstly, when it comes to sourcing resins, opt for websites or local shops that offer sustainably harvested and ethically traded resins. For instance, Apothecary's Garden, a website recommended by internationally renowned magician Josephine McCarthy, offers frankincense and other sustainably sourced resins. You can also explore direct trade options, such as the fair-trade and sustainably harvested Frankincense Neglecta from the Samburu tribe in Northern Kenya.
Another way to burn resins sustainably is by using alternative methods that reduce the amount of resin burned or allow for multiple uses. One such method is using an oil warmer, where you add almond oil and a few pieces of resin. The resin softens and infuses the oil with fragrance, and this oil mixture can be used multiple times before losing its scent. This method produces less smoke and a more subtle fragrance compared to burning on charcoal.
If you prefer a stronger fragrance, a brass resin burner may be a better option. This method produces less smoke than charcoal and a more intense scent than the oil warmer. Simply add a few small pieces of resin to the upper basket and light a tealight underneath. However, be cautious as the screen can become clogged if too much resin is used at once, and softer resins like Copal should be used sparingly.
Additionally, you can burn resin incense without charcoal by using tea light incense stoves/burners or oil burners. These methods involve placing resin on a metal mesh or plate and heating it with a tealight or electric warmer. These alternatives offer more control over the heat and can extend the burn time of the resin.
Lastly, be mindful of the type of resin you are using and its impact on the environment. For example, Black Copal, or Copal Negro, is sustainably harvested by collecting resin from the ground without harming trees. It has a sweet, fruity fragrance and is used in traditional ceremonies and medicine. By choosing resins that are sustainably sourced and exploring alternative burning methods, you can enjoy the benefits of incense while minimising your environmental impact.
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Choosing a burner
When choosing a burner for resin incense, there are a few options to consider. The most common type of burner is a charcoal-based burner, which involves placing a charcoal disc or tablet in a burner and lighting it with a barbecue lighter or by holding it over a flame with tongs. Once the charcoal is lit and has turned grey or white, you can place your resin incense on top or beside the charcoal. Charcoal burners offer a traditional and versatile way to enjoy a wide range of natural incense types, including resins, and provide a strong, long-lasting fragrance. However, some people may prefer alternatives to charcoal as it can burn incense too quickly, produce too much smoke, and sometimes create off-scents.
Electric incense burners, or incense heaters, are another option that provide more control over temperature and burn time. These burners typically have a hot plate or metal mesh plate where you can place your resin incense or powders, and they produce vapour or smoke depending on the chosen temperature. Electric burners are a good choice if you are looking for a longer-lasting aromatic experience with less smoke. Tea light incense burners are similar to electric burners but use tea lights as a heat source.
Oil burners are another alternative to charcoal burners. They typically have a bowl where you put water and a few drops of oil, and the water regulates the heat. This method may be preferable if you want a slower release of fragrance, as the resin dissolves in the oil and can last for several days. However, it is important to note that this method may not work for all types of resins, and there may be concerns about the oil getting too hot.
When choosing a burner, it is essential to consider safety. Always use a heat-resistant burner or dish to avoid any fire hazards, and never leave burning incense unattended. Additionally, use tongs or another tool to handle hot charcoal tablets, and avoid touching them with your bare hands.
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Safety considerations
Burning incense has been associated with several health risks. It is important to note that the smoke released from burning incense contains various irritants and toxic compounds alongside its aromatic compounds. These irritants can trigger asthma and respiratory allergies. Studies have also found a correlation between incense use and an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, including upper respiratory tract carcinomas and lung carcinomas.
To reduce the potential health risks associated with burning incense, it is recommended to use alternatives to the traditional method of burning incense on charcoal. One option is to use an oil warmer or a brass resin burner, which produces less smoke and a stronger fragrance than the traditional method. When using an oil warmer, add a small amount of almond oil or another oil with a high smoke point, such as refined avocado oil, to the bowl of the warmer, along with a few pieces of resin. The oil will infuse with the fragrance of the resin as it softens, releasing a light scent into the room. It is important to note that the oil warmer can become very hot, so caution should be exercised, and it should never be left unattended while in use.
Another alternative is to use an electric incense burner, which gently heats the resin to release its fragrance without producing smoke. This method may be safer than burning incense, as it avoids the creation of smoke, which contains carcinogens. However, it is unclear whether heating the resin without burning it still produces toxic compounds.
In addition to the health risks, it is important to consider fire safety when burning incense. It is recommended to use a heat-resistant incense burner specifically designed for burning resins. To help absorb heat, the burner can be filled with a layer of salt or sand. Charcoal tablets should be placed inside the burner and lit with a match or lighter. Once the charcoal is fully lit and covered with ash, resin can be placed in the centre to melt and release its fragrance.
When using epoxy resin incense holders, it is important to note that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the epoxy to soften and potentially catch fire. Therefore, it is recommended to use a layer of ashtray sand or another heat-resistant material to prevent direct contact between the incense and the holder.
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Frequently asked questions
Resin incense is made from the dried sap of certain plants. The sap is extracted by cutting into the bark of the tree or plant, allowing the sap to flow out and harden into a resin.
Resin incense has a purer, more concentrated aroma than incense sticks or cones, providing a more immersive experience. It can also be used in smaller quantities, making it more cost-effective. Resin incense is also used for its therapeutic properties, such as promoting deep breathing and enhancing meditation.
Resin incense is commonly burned on charcoal designed for this purpose. However, it can also be burned without charcoal using an oil burner or a brass resin burner.
Fill an incense burner with a bit of salt or sand to absorb heat. Place a charcoal tablet inside and light it with a match or lighter. Once the charcoal is fully lit and ashed, place a small piece of resin in the middle. As the resin melts, its fragrance will be released.
Add almond oil and a few pieces of resin to the bowl of an oil burner. Light the tealight underneath or plug in the warmer if it's electric. The resin will soften, infusing the oil with fragrance.
