Resin incense is made from tree resins, which give a deeper, richer smoke than most herb or wood incense. Frankincense and myrrh are the classic pair, copal is a ceremonial resin from the Americas, benzoin is sweet and vanilla-like, and dragon's blood is a deep red plant resin. Check each product page for burning instructions.
Resin incense at a glance
| Resin | What it is | Scent in short |
|---|---|---|
| Frankincense | A resin with a long history across religious and meditative traditions | Warm, resinous |
| Myrrh | Burned alongside frankincense for thousands of years | Resinous, often paired with frankincense |
| Copal | A ceremonial resin burned in Mesoamerican tradition | Resinous |
| Benzoin | A resin with one of the warmest, sweetest profiles | Close to vanilla and soft balsam |
| Dragon's blood | A deep red plant resin, despite the name | Warm, spicy |
| Palo santo | "Holy wood", burned in South American Indigenous tradition | Warm, woody |
The Good Earth Scents (Soul Sticks) range puts each of these into a resin powder incense stick. See the resin incense collection and the Soul Sticks collection.
Frankincense and myrrh
Frankincense and myrrh are the oldest pairing in devotional incense. Try the Frankincense Resin Powder Incense Sticks and the Myrrh Resin Powder Incense Sticks on their own or one after the other to hear the difference.
Copal
Copal is one of the oldest ceremonial resins in the Americas, burned across Mesoamerican tradition as an offering and for clearing a space. See the Copal Resin Powder Incense Sticks. If you use copal in your own practice, learn where it comes from and use it respectfully.
Benzoin
Benzoin is the sweetest of the group, closer to vanilla and soft balsam than to the sharper resins. It may suit you if you find frankincense too sharp. See the Benzoin Resin Powder Incense Sticks.
Dragon's blood
Despite the name, dragon's blood is a plant resin, a deep red sap taken from several trees and shrubs. It has long been burned in folk and ritual traditions. See the Dragon's Blood Resin Powder Incense Sticks.
How to burn resin incense
Resin powder sticks burn like any stick incense: light the tip, let it flame briefly, blow it out and stand it in a holder that catches ash. Read how to burn incense sticks. Loose resin is usually burned on charcoal in a burner made for that, so follow the maker's instructions and see the charcoal burners. Resin smoke is dense, so ventilate well and never leave it unattended.
Staying safe
Keep resin and burners away from children and pets, burn on a heat-resistant surface, and stop if the smoke bothers you. People with asthma or breathing problems should ask a doctor before burning resin indoors. Incense is used for scent and ritual and is not a treatment for any condition.
Related reading
- Incense for Beginners: Types, Scents and How to Get Started
- How to Burn Incense Sticks: Holders, Ash and Safety Tips
Frequently asked questions
What is resin incense?
Resin incense is made from tree resins, such as frankincense and myrrh, and gives a deeper, richer smoke than many herb or wood incenses.
Is dragon's blood really blood?
No. It is a deep red plant resin taken from several trees and shrubs.
What is the difference between frankincense and myrrh?
They are different resins burned together for thousands of years. Frankincense is warm and resinous, and myrrh is also resinous and traditionally burned with it.
What does benzoin incense smell like?
It is warm and sweet, closer to vanilla and soft balsam than to the sharper resins.
This guide is general information about fragrance, aromatherapy and home use. It is not medical advice.
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