Smoke pure resins and incense

Incense resins such as frankincense (olibanum), myrrh and spruce resin are among the oldest incense materials in human history – from ancient Egyptian temples via the Incense Route to the Twelve Days of Christmas in the Bavarian Forest. Anyone who has ever experienced genuine resin burning on glowing charcoal understands why the scent of mass-produced incense sticks cannot compare: the scent profile of a single-variety olibanum tear is complex, multi-layered and immediate – a sensory quality that only pure plant resin can deliver.

What is incense resin – and what makes incense special?

Incense resin is solidified plant sap – a so-called exudate – which oozes out when the tree bark is carefully scored and hardens on contact with the air. This distinguishes it fundamentally from incense sticks, which contain a binding agent and often synthetic fragrances, or from incense herbs, which are burned directly as plant material. Resins are pure, concentrated plant substances that gradually release their essential oils when heated.

Frankincense – usually referred to as olibanum in specialist shops – is the best-known example of this category. It is extracted from trees of the Boswellia genus, which grow in arid regions of the Middle East and East Africa. The main regions of origin are the Sultanate of Oman and Yemen (Boswellia sacra), Somalia and Eritrea (Boswellia carterii), and India (Boswellia serrata, also known as Salai Guggal). Each species differs in its scent profile: Omani frankincense is considered particularly pure and balsamic-fresh, whilst the Indian variety has a spicier, heavier aroma and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

The active compounds in genuine frankincense are boswellic acids and monoterpenes – volatile compounds that are released when heated and are responsible for the characteristic scent and the relaxing effect in the room. The higher the essential oil content – indicated by quality terms such as ‘tears’ or ‘first extraction’ – the more intense and complex the fragrance profile when burned.

An overview of the most important incense resins: frankincense, myrrh, copal and more

The world of incense resins encompasses far more than just traditional frankincense. Myrrh and frankincense are not the same – a common misconception: myrrh comes from trees of the Commiphora genus and has a distinctly darker, earthier character, whilst frankincense is obtained from Boswellia trees and has a lighter, fresher scent. The following overview lists the best-known resins, their origins and their uses:

Copal is the incense resin of the advanced civilisations of Central America – the Maya and Aztecs used it as an offering to the gods; today it is regarded as an ‘opening’ resin with a light, fresh note. Styrax, a liquid resin from Mesopotamian cultures, is dripped onto charcoal and gives off a floral, sweet scent. Spruce resin comes from native spruce trees and has a woody, tart-fresh note that feels particularly authentic at markets and around campfires. Dragon’s blood from the Daemonorops palm stands out for its intense, deep-sweet note and characteristic reddish colour – in the esoteric sphere, it is one of the most sought-after resins for protective incense.

Good to know: using incense resins safely and mindfully

Anyone using incense resins in enclosed spaces should ensure adequate ventilation. Even natural resins produce smoke that can irritate the mucous membranes of sensitive individuals. Caution is advised for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis; the same applies during pregnancy – in such cases, medical advice should be sought before burning incense. The question “Why not incense?” often refers precisely to these contexts: it is not the resin itself that is problematic, but the intensity of the smoke in poorly ventilated rooms or in the presence of pre-existing sensitivities.

Storage: Incense resins keep for a very long time if stored correctly – kept dry, in the dark and in airtight packaging, they retain their quality for years. Moisture causes resins to clump or go mouldy; direct sunlight accelerates the loss of essential oils. A dark screw-top jar or a sealable tin is ideal.

Important: Incense resins are not medicines or remedies in the medical sense. It is historically documented that incense has been used for centuries in folk medicine and the Ayurvedic tradition to treat joint and intestinal complaints – however, no claims of medicinal efficacy can be derived from this. The traditional use as incense for interior design and in ritual contexts is the primary focus here.

Incense resins in a medieval context: markets, camps and the Twelve Days

For re-enactments, medieval markets and historical camps, spruce resin is the most obvious local incense resin: it was actually available in medieval Central Europe, smells authentically of forest and fire, and can be easily used on a burner or over embers. Its woody, tart and fresh note creates precisely the atmosphere that suits a military camp or market stall – without any need for imports from the Orient.

Frankincense and myrrh, on the other hand, were actual commodities in the Middle Ages: they reached Northern Europe via the Incense Route and later via Venetian and Genoese trade routes, where they were used in churches as well as in pharmacies and households. A trader at a medieval market offering olibanum or myrrh is therefore on historically solid ground.

The tradition of burning incense is particularly vibrant during the Rauhnächte – the twelve nights between Christmas and Epiphany. In Bavaria, Austria and throughout the Alpine region, homes and farmyards are fumigated with incense and other resins during this period to drive away evil spirits and invite blessings for the new year. The practice is rooted equally in pre-Christian and Christian traditions and remains alive to this day – corresponding incense sets for the Rauhnächte are an integral part of the season.

Dragon’s blood and copal are of particular interest to LARP players and those in spiritual contexts: they offer intense, unusual scent profiles and are suitable for ritual scenarios, protective fumigations or role-playing atmospheres. Those wishing to expand their selection will find further options in the related categories of incense blends and sage, as well as incense woods.

Incense and incense resins in history and ritual

Quality grades for incense resins: from entry-level to hand-selected tears

Not all incense resins are the same – differences in quality are particularly evident in the scent profile, purity and indication of origin. Regarding the frequently asked question about price: good, single-variety incense from Oman is significantly more expensive than standard-quality wholesale incense – anyone who has experienced the difference when burning it will understand why.

Burning resin – a comparison of three methods

When burning incense and other resins, there are three tried-and-tested methods that differ significantly in intensity, handling and smoke production. The basic rule applies to all: always start with a small amount – a pea-sized piece is sufficient – and add more rather than overdoing it. Too much at once produces acrid smoke and overwhelms the scent profile. The right incense accessories make a noticeable difference.

Whether you’re trying spruce resin on a burner for the first time or specifically looking for a particular Boswellia tear for your Rauhnacht practice – browse through the range and find the resin that suits your needs.

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