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Natural resin incense is a substance harvested from gum trees via 'tapping'. This process is done sustainably to ensure the tree continues to thrive. Natural resins are commonly burned for spiritual and religious purposes, as well as for meditation and relaxation. They have been used since ancient times in Egypt, Africa, and Mesopotamia. Examples of natural resins include frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, dragon's blood, palo santo, and styrax. To burn natural resin incense, one requires an incense burner, charcoal tabs, a pair of tongs, and a lighter or match.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Natural substances obtained from the sap, bark roots or wood of trees, shrubs and plants |
| Sources | Gum trees, Boswellia tree, sacred wood, shrubs and plants |
| Common Types | Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin, Copal, Dragon's Blood, Palo Santo, Styrax |
| Uses | Religious and spiritual ceremonies, mediation, relaxation, and medicinal purposes |
| Burning Process | Requires charcoal tabs, an incense burner, a pair of tongs and a lighter or a match |
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What You'll Learn
Natural resin incense sources
Natural resin incense is harvested from the sap, bark roots or wood of trees, shrubs and plants. It is the most natural and pure form of incense, with a richer and deeper fragrance than incense sticks. The most commonly used resins include Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin, Copal, Dragon's Blood, Palo Santo, and Styrax.
Copal is sacred to the indigenous cultures of Central and South America and is burned in Mexican churches and homes during the Day of the Dead. It has a light, sweet, and pleasant aroma with notes of citrus. Mexican White Copal is known for its uplifting and calming effects and can take up to three years to be ethically sourced. Palo Santo, which means "sacred wood", is another resin with a sweet and woody aroma that has been used by shamans for centuries.
Frankincense, Myrrh, and Dragon's Blood are other popular resins with distinct fragrances. Frankincense has a fresh, woody, and almost fruity scent, while Myrrh is sweet and earthy. Dragon's Blood has a strong, earthy, and slightly sweet fragrance with a hint of cinnamon. These resins are often sourced from Europe, Africa, and Asia, and they are used in religious ceremonies, meditation, and relaxation practices.
To burn natural resin incense, you need an incense burner, charcoal tablets or discs, a pair of tongs, and a lighter or matches. The charcoal is lit and placed in the burner, and then the resin is spread on top using a small spoon. It is important to follow safety precautions, such as using a heat-proof container and never leaving burning incense unattended.
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How to burn natural resin incense
Natural resin incense is a substance harvested from gum trees via 'tapping'. The resins are obtained from the sap, bark, roots, or wood of trees, shrubs, and plants. Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, dragon's blood, palo santo, and styrax are among the most commonly used. Resin incense has been used for centuries in spiritual and religious practices, as well as for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.
Prepare your materials
To burn natural resin incense, you will need an incense burner, charcoal tablets, a pair of tongs, and a lighter or matches. It is important to note that different types of incense burners are used for different purposes. For example, copper and steel incense burners are frequently used in religious ceremonies, while clay and glass incense burners are popular for yoga and meditation. Charcoal tablets are also essential, as resin incense does not burn on its own. Quick-lighting charcoal tabs from Three Kings are recommended for burning natural resins.
Light the charcoal
Place the charcoal tab in the incense burner and hold a flame to it. You will know the tablet is ready to use when it is covered in a grey and ashy soot.
Spread the resin
Use a small spoon to spread the natural resin on top of the charcoal tab. The resin will start to release its exotic fragrance.
Extinguish and dispose
After use, immerse the remains of the charcoal tab in water. It is important to keep charcoal tabs out of the reach of children.
Alternative method: Using an oil warmer
If you prefer to avoid using charcoal, you can burn resin incense using an aromatherapy oil warmer. There are two types of oil warmers: ceramic and glass. For the glass option, you will need a glass dish set on top of a metal or ceramic stand. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the dish, and then add the resin. Light an unscented tea light candle and place it underneath the dish to heat the oil and resin, releasing the fragrance. Always keep an eye on the oil warmer and never leave it unattended, as you are working with an open flame.
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The history of natural resin incense
Natural resin incense is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was used in burial rites. It is made from the sap of trees, which is then dried and powdered. Resin incense has been used for centuries in religious and spiritual ceremonies, as well as for meditation and relaxation.
One of the most well-known types of resin incense is frankincense, which has been used since ancient times in Egypt, Africa, and Mesopotamia civilizations. It is also the famous incense mentioned in the Bible, believed to awaken a feeling of union with the divine. Frankincense is said to have a purifying and relaxing quality, and its character is considered to strengthen willpower, self-confidence, and determination.
Another type of resin incense is myrrh, which has a warm, earthy, and woody fragrance with slight balsamic undertones. Myrrh is often blended with frankincense, prickly pear, and Peruvian copal, among other ingredients. It is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits, purify ritual tools, and bring good fortune and money. Myrrh is known for its cooling and calming effects, which can help to subdue angry or inflamed emotional states.
Copal is another important type of resin incense, particularly in the indigenous cultures of Central and South America. It is burned year-round in churches in Mexico and is commonly used in homes during the Day of the Dead celebrations. The familiar scent of copal is believed to help the souls find their way back during their annual visit home. Copal has a light, sweet, and pleasant aroma with notes of citrus and is used for inspiration, attraction, invocation, happiness, and celebration.
Overall, natural resin incense has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, where it played a significant role in spiritual and religious practices, as well as in meditation and relaxation.
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Spiritual uses of natural resin incense
Natural resin incense is a substance harvested from the sap, bark, roots, or wood of trees, shrubs, and plants. Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, dragon's blood, palo santo, and styrax are some of the most commonly used natural resin incenses. They are often burned for spiritual and religious purposes, as well as for meditation and relaxation.
Natural resin incense has been used for centuries in various spiritual and religious practices. Here are some of its spiritual uses:
- Purification and Sacred Atmosphere: Resins like frankincense and copal are burned to purify the space and create a sacred atmosphere. Frankincense, for example, is believed to gather energy from the hot desert sun and eliminate negativity, enhancing one's awareness of the spiritual realms.
- Rituals and Ceremonies: Resin incense is an integral part of rituals and ceremonies in many religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, and shamanism. In the Tantra tradition of Hinduism, there are instructions on how to offer aromatic and colourful resins to the deities during worship.
- Heightened Spiritual Perception: Burning resin incense is believed to heighten spiritual perception and deepen one's connection to the spiritual realm. Shamans, for example, use incense to interact with spirits and facilitate healing.
- Meditation and Relaxation: The rich and deep fragrances of natural resin incense make it ideal for meditation and relaxation practices. The exotic fragrance released by natural resins like frankincense can enhance one's meditation experience and promote a sense of calm.
- Divine Inspiration: Certain resins are believed to inspire insights into the divine. For example, copal, which is derived from the Bursera tree in Mexico, is said to reveal energies that are invisible in the physical dimension, helping to inspire insights into the divine.
When using natural resin incense for spiritual purposes, it is important to use an appropriate incense burner and charcoal tablets, as resins do not burn on their own. Different types of burners are used for different purposes. For example, copper and steel burners are common in religious ceremonies, while clay and glass burners are popular for yoga and meditation practices.
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Natural resin incense vs incense sticks
Natural resin incense is an aromatic biotic natural tree resin that releases fragrant smoke when burned. Resin incense is incense in its most pure and natural form. Resins are obtained from the sap, bark, roots, or wood of trees, shrubs, and plants. Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, dragon's blood, palo santo, and styrax are among the most commonly used.
Natural resins are the original form of incense and are used in many religious and spiritual ceremonies. They are also burned for meditation and relaxation purposes. Natural resins give off a richer and deeper fragrance than incense sticks. However, resins and wood chips need charcoal to burn and don't usually last as long. Resin incense requires more attention and is therefore more of an event than just lighting an incense stick and forgetting about it.
Incense sticks are typically made from a combination of natural materials such as herbs, spices, gums, resins, and wood powders. The exact contents of incense sticks can vary depending on the manufacturer, as most incense recipes are often trade secrets. Incense sticks are easier to use and are pleasant and long-lasting. They burn for around 30 to 60 minutes, with some burning for an hour or longer.
To burn natural resin incense, you need an incense burner, a quick-lighting charcoal tab, a pair of tongs, and a lighter or match. Once the charcoal tablet ignites, it will be covered in grey and ashy soot, indicating that it is ready to use. The natural resins can then be spread on top of the charcoal tab using a small spoon. After use, the charcoal tab should be immersed in water.
Both natural resin incense and incense sticks have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. While natural resin incense may offer a richer and deeper fragrance, it requires more attention and equipment to burn. On the other hand, incense sticks are easier to use, more convenient, and have a longer burning time. Ultimately, the choice between natural resin incense and incense sticks depends on individual preferences, the desired fragrance, and the intended purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural resin incense is incense in its most pure and natural form.
Resin incense is harvested from gum trees via 'tapping'. The resins are obtained from the sap, bark, roots, or wood of trees, shrubs, and plants.
Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, dragon's blood, palo santo, and styrax are among the most commonly used natural resin incenses.
Natural resin incense does not burn on its own, so charcoal tabs are needed. Using a pair of tongs, hold a charcoal tab over a flame until it is red-hot and covered in grey ash. Then, spread the natural resin on top of the charcoal tab using a small spoon.
Natural resin incense gives off a richer and deeper fragrance than incense sticks. It is also used in many religious and spiritual ceremonies, as well as for meditation and relaxation purposes.
