What Are Resin and Loose Incense Blends?
Resin incense comes from the hardened sap of trees like frankincense, myrrh, or copal. It’s typically sold in small, irregular chunks or granules and requires heat to release its rich, aromatic smoke. Because it’s pure and unprocessed, resin offers an intense, authentic fragrance that’s perfect for rituals or meditation.
Loose incense blends, on the other hand, are mixtures of dried herbs, flowers, spices, woods and resin. These blends can be tailored to your preferences or intentions—think lavender for calm, cinnamon for warmth, or sage for cleansing.
Both types require a heat source to burn, unlike pre-made sticks or cones, but that’s part of their charm: you get to control the process and connect more deeply with the experience.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essentials:
Resin or Loose Incense Blend – Choose based on your mood or purpose. Frankincense is grounding, myrrh is mystical, and a lavender-rose blend is soothing.
Charcoal Discs – These are the most common way to heat resin and loose blends. Look for quick-lighting, natural charcoal discs (avoid ones with heavy chemical additives).
Heat-Safe Burner – A metal or ceramic incense burner works best. Avoid glass or plastic, as they can crack or melt.
Sand or Ash – Place this in your burner to insulate it and diffuse heat.
Tongs or Tweezers – For safely handling the hot charcoal.
Lighter or Matches – To ignite the charcoal.
Ventilation – A window or fan keeps the air fresh, especially if you’re burning larger amounts.
Optional: A small spoon or scoop for handling loose blends and a lid for your burner to extinguish the charcoal when done.
Step-by-Step: How to Burn Resin and Loose Incense
Prepare Your Space
Set up your burner on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Fill it halfway with sand or ash to absorb heat and protect the base. Open a window or turn on a fan for airflow—safety first!
Light the Charcoal
Hold a charcoal disc with tongs and light one edge with a match or lighter. You’ll see sparks and hear a faint crackling as it ignites. Let it sit on the sand until it’s fully lit (usually 1-2 minutes), glowing red with a thin layer of gray ash on top. Be patient—this step is key.
Add Your Incense
- For resin: Place a small piece (about the size of a pea) directly on the charcoal. It’ll start to melt and release smoke almost instantly.
- For loose blends: Sprinkle a pinch (1/4 teaspoon or less) over the charcoal. Too much at once can smother the disc, so start small.
Enjoy the Aroma
Let the smoke rise and fill your space. The scent will evolve as it burns—resins often deepen over time, while loose blends may shift depending on their ingredients. Use this moment to relax, meditate, or set an intention.
Adjust as Needed
Add more incense sparingly if the scent fades. A single charcoal disc can burn for 30-60 minutes, so pace yourself.
Extinguish Safely
When finished, let the charcoal cool completely (this can take an hour). To speed it up, cover the burner with a lid to cut off oxygen, but never leave it unattended while hot. Dispose of the ash and leftovers once everything’s cool.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Start Small: A little resin or loose blend goes a long way. Overloading the charcoal can create too much smoke or a burnt smell.
- Mix and Match: Combine resins (like frankincense and myrrh) or add loose herbs (like rosemary or cedar) to create your own signature scent.
- Clean Your Burner: Resin can leave sticky residue. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol once cooled.
- Store Properly: Keep incense in airtight containers away from moisture and sunlight to preserve its potency.
Why Choose Resin and Loose Incense?
Unlike mass-produced sticks, resin and loose blends let you connect with nature’s raw materials. They’re versatile, allowing you to experiment with scents and quantities, and they carry a timeless, ceremonial vibe. Whether you’re seeking spiritual depth, a cosy atmosphere, or just a break from the everyday, these incense forms offer something special.
Ready to try it? Pick up a curated blend or have a look in our Recipes & Rituals Page and grab some ingredients to make your own, light that charcoal and let the smoke carry you away.
What’s your favourite scent to burn? Let us know in the comments!