Resin Incense & Charcoal Discs
How to burn resin incense safely and effectively — a complete guide to resins, charcoal discs, burners, and technique.
Resin incense is one of the oldest and most sacred forms of incense in the world. Frankincense, myrrh, copal, dragon's blood — these are the resins that have been burned in temples, ceremonies, and healing spaces for thousands of years across every major spiritual tradition. Unlike incense sticks and cones, resins are the pure, unprocessed sap or gum of trees and plants, and they require a different burning method: a charcoal disc and a heat-proof burner.
What Is Resin Incense?
Resin incense is the hardened sap, gum, or resin of a tree or plant — collected by making small cuts in the bark and allowing the substance to seep out and harden in the air. The resulting pieces are then burned on a heat source to release their fragrance and smoke. Because resins are pure and unprocessed, they tend to produce a richer, more complex, and more authentic fragrance than manufactured incense sticks.
Popular Resin Incenses and Their Uses
Frankincense
One of the most widely used sacred resins in the world, burned in religious and spiritual ceremonies for over 5,000 years. Warm, woody, slightly citrus scent. Deeply calming and associated with purification, spiritual connection, meditation, and prayer.
Best for: Meditation, prayer, spiritual cleansing, creating a sacred atmosphere, stress relief
Myrrh
Often burned alongside frankincense, myrrh has a deeper, earthier, slightly bitter scent. Associated with healing, protection, and grounding.
Best for: Deep cleansing, healing, protection, grounding, ancestral work
Copal
A sacred resin from Central and South America, used in Mayan and Aztec ceremony for thousands of years. Bright, clean, slightly sweet scent. Central to the Despacho ceremony and other Andean traditions.
Best for: Space cleansing, ceremony, offering, connecting with spirit, shamanic practice
Dragon's Blood
The deep red resin of the Dracaena tree. Rich, warm, slightly sweet, and intensely aromatic. Associated with protection, strength, love, and banishing negative energy.
Best for: Protection, banishing negativity, love and passion, amplifying intention
Benzoin
A sweet, vanilla-like resin from Southeast Asia. Warming, comforting, and uplifting. Associated with purification, prosperity, and emotional warmth.
Best for: Purification, prosperity, emotional comfort, blending with other resins
What You Need to Burn Resin Incense
- A heat-proof burner — brass, ceramic, soapstone, or cast iron. Shop Incense Burners →
- Sand or salt — 2–3cm in the base of your burner to insulate from the heat
- Charcoal discs — self-lighting discs designed for incense burning (never barbecue charcoal). Shop Charcoal Discs →
- Tongs or tweezers — to hold and place the charcoal safely
- Your resin incense — start with just 2–3 small pieces
How to Burn Resin Incense – Step by Step
- Prepare your burner — place on a heat-proof surface and fill the base with 2–3cm of sand or salt
- Light the charcoal disc — using tongs, hold at an angle and apply a flame until it sparks and begins to glow
- Place in the burner — concave (hollow) side facing up. Allow to heat for 2–3 minutes until glowing red with grey ash
- Add your resin — place 2–3 small pieces into the hollow. The resin will melt and smoke almost immediately
- Add more as needed — a single disc remains hot for 45–60 minutes
- Allow to cool completely — this can take an hour or more. Never move a hot burner or dispose of a hot disc
Safety Guidelines
- Always burn in a well-ventilated space — open a window or door
- Never leave burning charcoal unattended
- Keep away from children and pets
- Use a heat-proof surface under your burner at all times
- Keep flammable materials well away from the burner
- Do not use barbecue charcoal indoors
Blending Resins
- Frankincense & Myrrh — the most traditional combination. Deeply purifying and spiritually elevating
- Frankincense & Copal — bright, clean, powerfully cleansing. Excellent for space clearing
- Dragon's Blood & Frankincense — protective and spiritually uplifting
- Myrrh & Benzoin — warm, deep, and comforting. Good for healing and emotional support
