Lance Carson
Incense resin is a natural substance such as frankincense, copal, and myrrh, harvested from gum trees. Resin incense is the original way to use incense, and it has a stronger scent and lasts longer than most other forms. Resins are obtained from living trees via 'tapping' and are used in many religious and spiritual ceremonies. They are also burned for meditation and relaxation purposes. To burn resin incense, an external heat source such as charcoal or an oil warmer is required, as resins don't contain any combustible material. Burning resin promotes a healthier inner world by activating desirable thoughts, emotions, and states of being.
Characteristics and Values of Incense Resin
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source | Natural substances such as frankincense, copal, myrrh, and benzoin, harvested from gum trees |
| Extraction method | Obtained from living trees via 'tapping', done sustainably to ensure the tree continues to thrive |
| Use | Burned during religious and spiritual ceremonies, meditation, and for relaxation |
| Burning method | Requires an external heat source, such as charcoal tabs or an oil warmer, placed in an incense burner |
| Fragrance | Produces a rich, deep, and natural fragrance that can be used to purify, increase mental powers, and aid in meditation |
| Pros | More natural, mystical, and ritualistic than stick incense with a stronger and longer-lasting scent |
| Cons | Burning on charcoal creates a lot of smoke, which may cause breathing problems for people with asthma |
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What You'll Learn
Incense resin sources
Incense resins are natural substances that are harvested directly from the resin or sap of trees. They are obtained from living trees via 'tapping', which is done sustainably to ensure the tree continues to thrive. Incense resins are often sourced from gum trees, with popular sources including frankincense, copal, myrrh, benzoin, and dragon's blood. These resins are known for their rich and deep fragrances and are used in a variety of applications, including religious and spiritual ceremonies, meditation, and aromatherapy.
The sources of incense resins can vary depending on geographic region and cultural significance. For example, Mayan Copal resin, which is sacred to the indigenous cultures of Central and South America, is known for its sweet and husky aroma. It is commonly burned in churches in Mexico and during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Similarly, Mexican White Copal is ethically sourced in an artisanal way and can take up to three years to collect.
Peruvian Myrrh, or Commiphora Myrrha, is another source of incense resin with a warm, earthy, and woody fragrance. It is often blended with other resins such as frankincense and prickly pear. Burning myrrh is believed to have spiritual and medicinal purposes, such as warding off evil spirits and calming angry or inflamed emotional states.
Some incense resins are sourced from specific trees or plants that are believed to have sacred or spiritual properties. For example, Palo Santo resin incense, sourced from the Incas of the Andes, is known for its mild, soft, and pleasant aroma. It has been used by shamans for centuries for ceremonial, spiritual, and medicinal purposes.
While stick incense is the most common form of incense, resin incense is less processed and offers a more natural and pure form of incense. Resin incense also tends to have a stronger scent and longer-lasting fragrance compared to other forms of incense.
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Burning incense resin
To burn resin incense, you will need an incense burner, charcoal tablets, a lighter or matches, and a heat-resistant surface. First, place a layer of black sand or small rocks in your burner to prevent slippage and aid in heat insulation. Then, using a pair of tongs, place a charcoal disc or tablet in the burner and light it up. You can light the entire tablet for a quicker burn or just one side for a slower burn. Once the tablet is lit and covered in grey ash, place your chosen resin on top. The resin will begin to melt and release its fragrance.
If you prefer a less smoky experience, an alternative method is to use an oil warmer. This method involves using an aromatherapy oil warmer, adding a teaspoon of vegetable, olive, sunflower seed, or almond oil, and a few pieces of resin. Light a tea light underneath or plug in the warmer if it is electric. The resin will infuse the oil with its fragrance, filling the room with a light scent.
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Incense resin uses
Incense resin is used for a variety of purposes, including religious and spiritual ceremonies, meditation, and relaxation. It is also used for cleansing, balance, clarity, protection, and invocation. The use of incense resin is believed to promote a healthier inner world by activating desirable thoughts, emotions, and states of being.
Incense resin has a long history of use in sacred rituals and is believed to have a mystical vibe. It is often used to infuse spaces with evocative scents and create a desired atmosphere. The intensity of the incense can be varied by adjusting the amount of resin burned, allowing for a customised experience.
To burn incense resin, an external heat source is required as resins do not contain any combustible material. Charcoal tabs or discs are commonly used, placed in a heatproof bowl or burner. The resin is then spread on top of the charcoal, releasing its fragrance. An alternative method is to use an oil warmer, where the resin is added to vegetable oil and heated with a tea light.
Different types of incense resin produce different scents and are associated with specific purposes. For example, frankincense is associated with spiritual practices and is believed to have a purifying and relaxing effect. Myrrh is often used for protection and purification, while copal is sacred to indigenous cultures of Central and South America and is burned during the Day of the Dead.
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Incense resin benefits
Incense resins are natural substances such as frankincense, copal, and myrrh, which are harvested from gum trees. The resin is obtained from living trees via 'tapping', which is done sustainably to ensure the tree continues to thrive. Resins are used in many religious and spiritual ceremonies, as well as for meditation and relaxation.
Resin incense has a stronger, richer and deeper fragrance than other forms of incense, and its scent lingers longer. The ritual of burning resin can be therapeutic and relaxing, and each scent can invoke different emotions. Burning resin is believed to promote a healthier inner world by activating desirable thoughts, emotions, and states of being. In aromatherapy, resins are used to promote relaxation, creativity, increased concentration, increased consciousness, and sexual arousal.
Different types of resins offer different benefits. Palo santo, for example, is a tree native to Peru and other South American countries. It has a mild, woody, and sweet fragrance and is believed to clear negative energy and help relieve pain, stress, and headaches. Copal, on the other hand, is a fresh-smelling, fast-burning resin used to purify energies, raise vibrations, attract love, and reveal invisible energies in a space. It comes from the Buresa trees found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Myrrh, derived from a thorny-flowered shrub found in the Middle East, North Africa, and Northern India, is said to have a rich fragrance and tranquil mood-enhancing properties. It is believed to expand one's awareness by connecting the energy centres, or chakras, in the body.
To burn resin incense, an external heat source is required as resins do not contain any combustible material. Charcoal tabs or discs are commonly used, placed in a heatproof bowl or burner, although this method produces a lot of smoke which may cause breathing problems for people with asthma. An alternative method is to use an oil warmer with vegetable oil, olive oil, or sunflower seed oil, which creates little to no smoke.
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Incense resin alternatives
Incense resins are natural substances such as frankincense, copal, and myrrh, which are harvested from gum trees. The unique blends of tree resins do not burn on their own, which is why charcoal tablets are often used to burn incense. However, there are several alternatives to burning charcoal for resin incense:
Oil warmer
An oil warmer is a good alternative when you want to fill your space with the fragrance of the resin without creating smoke. You can use an aromatherapy oil warmer (ceramic or glass) with 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil (or olive oil/sunflower seed oil) and a tea light candle (plain/unscented). Once the oil is hot, add the resin.
Electric incense burner
An electric incense burner is a good alternative if you want to avoid using charcoal. You can simply plug it in, turn it on, and place incense resins or powders in a metal dish on top of its hot plate. They will produce vapour or smoke, depending on the temperature.
Coconut coals
Coconut coals are an all-natural alternative to charcoal that does not produce any smell.
Bamboo charcoal bricket
Small charcoal bricks made from bamboo are another alternative to regular charcoal.
Mica plates
Mica plates can be used to burn resin incense, although the resin may scorch and stick to the plate.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense resin is a natural substance harvested from gum trees via 'tapping'. It is the original form of incense and is burned to release a rich fragrance.
You will need an external heat source to burn incense resin, as resins do not contain any combustible material. Charcoal tablets are often used, but an oil warmer is a good alternative to reduce smoke.
Burning incense resin is an ancient ritual with a rich history in spirituality and meditation. The scent of the resin is said to activate desirable thoughts, emotions, and states of being, promoting a healthier inner world.
