Incense Resins

The word "incense", meaning originally "the aroma given off with the smoke of any odoriferous substance when burnt", has been gradually restricted almost exclusively to Frankincense, also known as Olibanum.

Manila Elemi is the soft, fragrant oleoresin obtained from the trunk of the Canarium luzonicum. The resin Elemi is pale yellow or greenish in color and has a balsamic fragrance, smells a bit like Fennel.

Canarium strictum exudates a resin called as ‘Sambrani’ or ‘Dammar’ which has many commercial uses. Its usage among tribal and folk people in different parts of India has been explored through ethnobotanical studies.

Camphor is the white crystalline substance obtained from the tree Cinnamomum camphora, native to China, Japan and adjunct parts of East Asia.

Commiphora myrrha is indigenous to Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, and South Arabia. Myrrh is the resin of this tree. Myrrh has been used from remote ages as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, etc.

Copaifera resin has traditionally been used by healers in the Amazon, and still burns as an incense during many ceremonies and in churches.

The Bursera family of trees have specific medicinal advantages that clear the body and the environment of unwanted mosquitos, ailments and for some unwanted spirits. Copal resin was frequently used by the Mayans and Aztecs during ceremony dealing with purification.

This aromatic gum resin formerly used in medicine is now used in perfumery and many incense formulas.

A powerful incense, and of special importance to wilderness survival and wilderness medicine in particular are the antiseptic and healing properties of Balsam fir.

Benzoe is the resin from the tree Styrax benzoe, native to Indonesia. The aroma of this resin is relaxing, soothing and deeply sensual, with notes of sweet vanilla and cinnamon.

Sandarac resin is obtained from tears of the Cypress Sandarac tree that grows in the Atlas region in Morocco. The gum leaks from the bark and branches of the tree and hardens in the air.