Simply put, resin incense is a form of incense that relies on raw materials from aromatic plants and herbs.  Resins are hardened secretions of plants, particularly coniferous trees.  Some of the most well known forms of resin that have been used for incense in the west are frankincense and myrrh, which were first used by the ancient Egyptians and which were once worth more than their weight in gold, so important were they as part of religious ritual.

Many resins that are used for incense contain powerful essential oils and can produce beautiful scents when burned all on their own.  There are several advantages to resin incense over other forms, most notably the "classic" nature of burning incense in this form.  Resins are natural incenses that do not contain any additives, and are just as effective now as they were when used by the ancient Egyptians. Another advantage to resin incense is that you can easily customize your experience by mixing two or more resins, or purchasing a pre-mixed assortment of resins.  Mixing resin incenses is a quick and fun way to start practicing making your own incense, because you can simply add a few different ingredients together and see how the scents react in unison.

Another advantage to resin incense is that it is a pure form of incense that is not diluted with a burning base or other substance such as those used to hold crafted forms of incense together.  And, since resin incense has been burned for thousands of years, you are sure to immediately feel its ancient power.  Our Celtic Blend of frankincense, myrrh, benzoin and lavender resins has been used in celtic protective and purifying rituals for centuries, and might be a good option for someone who wants to try out resin incense but doesn't know what to choose.  We also carry a number of other powerful resin blends which we find very useful both for ritual and mundane purposes.

Types of Resin Incense

Different types of plant resins provide different scents, obviously, will also produce a different environment in your space when burned.  We carry a wide variety of pure plant resins that can be used as incense for a variety of purposes.  Copal incense, much prized by the ancient Mayans, who said that it was extracted from the tree of life, is very cleansing and creates an excellent space for spiritual work.  Dragons Blood incense, which has been used for thousands of years in India as part of ritual, is said to bring couples together and to heal bonds between individuals.  Frankincense can be used to awaken the mind to a higher state and to enhance meditation and prayer.  It also slows and deepens breathing and calms the body and the mind.  It is even said to remove negative karmic links and to release internal stresses of the energy lines.  Myrrh, meanwhile, fortifies and renews the spirit, while boosting the immune system and the body's natural energetic defenses, making it a natural counterpart to Frankincense.

How to Burn Resin Incense

In order to burn resin incense you will require a few more tools than you will for burning sticks, spirals, or cones. For instance, since resin will not remain lit and burn on its own, you will first need to obtain charcoal discs to provide heat to release the scent. Pure-burning charcoal discs will burn long, and are only slightly larger than a quarter dollar coin.  It is best to look for charcoal that does not contain saltpeter, as this chemical makes the charcoal burn too hot and produces an unpleasant scent.  If burned correctly over a bamboo charcoal, resin can burn and produce scent for a very long time.

You will also need a bowl or urn capable of withstanding the heat of burning charcoal. Specialized brass urns, or censers, work well, while also adding a nice decorative touch to any décor.  Those who are interested in burning resin incense are also advised to find a pair of tongs to handle the charcoal (which, once it gets going, can obviously cause some major damage to unprotected fingers).

To burn your resin, place the charcoal in your urn on top of a bed of sand or ash to further absorb the heat. Apply a match or lighter for 10-20 seconds until the charcoal self-ignites (you may have to hold the disc in the air in your tongs to facilitate the lighting process). Give the charcoal two or three minutes to warm up and go gray around the edges. Next, add resin incense on top of the charcoal.  The resin will begin to burn, thus releasing its essential oils for you to enjoy. Remember, with resin you have flexibility with your experience. Don't be afraid to experiment with mixtures.

Resin on a Stick

If the idea of burning resin incense in its natural state sounds too confusing, but you are still attracted to the powerful effects of plant resins, you may want to try some of our Resin on a Stick products.  These hand crafted incenses are, without a doubt, some of the highest quality that we carry, and all are hand dipped in small batches.  These incenses are made using a unique process in which resins are made into a substance that can be applied to a stick.

It generally takes a little more continuous flame in order to get resin on a stick going, but otherwise they burn just like ordinary stick incense.  This way, you can appreciate the magical qualities of resins without having to purchase a censer and deal with charcoal.  From stimulating and inspiring cedar to calming and grounding frankincense and patchouli, incense on a stick is just as amazing as loose resin incense, and is a whole lot easier to handle.  So, if you are looking to play around with different types of resins and to explore what sorts you like the best, resin on a stick is a simple and fun way to do just that!  No matter how you decide to explore the vast world of resin incense, you are sure to find something to suit any need.