How to Burn Frankincense Resin: A Step by Step Guide

Frankincense resin is one of the oldest aromatics in the world, and it is still one of the simplest to use at home. All you need is a few frankincense tears, a heat source and a heatproof dish. In this guide you will learn three easy ways to burn frankincense resin, how much to use, how to make a simple infused oil, and how to store your tears so they keep their aroma.

Contents

• What Are Frankincense Tears?
• What You Need
• Method 1: Burning Frankincense on Charcoal
• Method 2: Electric Resin Burner
• Method 3: Tea Light Resin Burner
• How Much Frankincense to Burn
• How to Make Frankincense Infused Oil
• Using Frankincense for Meditation and Rituals
• Safety Tips
• How to Store Frankincense Resin
• FAQ

What Are Frankincense Tears?

Frankincense tears are drops of hardened resin from trees of the Boswellia genus. When the bark is cut, the tree releases a milky sap that slowly dries in the air into small, tear-shaped pieces. These pieces are collected, sorted by size and color, and sold as whole resin.

There are several kinds of frankincense. Boswellia serrata, also called Indian frankincense, grows in India and gives golden to amber tears with a warm, woody and lightly citrus aroma. Other well-known species include Boswellia sacra from Oman and Boswellia frereana from Somalia. So when people ask “is Boswellia serrata the same as frankincense?”, the answer is yes: it is one species of frankincense, each with its own scent profile.

Whole tears are the most versatile form. You can burn them as incense, warm them on an electric burner, or infuse them in oil.

What You Need

• Frankincense resin: a few small tears, such as our natural Boswellia serrata resin.
• A heat source: a charcoal disc, an electric resin burner or a tea light resin burner.
• A heatproof container: a ceramic, stone or metal bowl.
• Sand or ash: to fill the bowl and absorb the heat (for charcoal).
• Tongs: to hold the charcoal while you light it.
• A lighter or long matches.

Method 1: How to Burn Frankincense Resin on Charcoal

This is the traditional way. It gives the strongest aroma and a visible stream of smoke.

1. Prepare the bowl. Fill a heatproof bowl about two-thirds full with sand or ash. This keeps the bowl from getting too hot and holds the charcoal steady.
2. Light the charcoal. Hold a quick-light charcoal disc with tongs and light the edge. It will spark and crackle across the surface for a few seconds.
3. Let it settle. Place the disc on the sand and wait about 5 minutes, until it is covered with a thin layer of grey ash. Adding resin too early makes harsh smoke.
4. Add the resin. Place 1 to 3 small frankincense tears in the center of the disc. They will soften, bubble and release fragrant smoke.
5. Add more as needed. When the aroma fades (usually after 10 to 20 minutes), scrape off the burnt resin and add a fresh tear.

Tip: if the smoke smells bitter, the charcoal is too hot. Place a small piece of aluminum foil or a thin layer of sand on top of the disc and set the resin on that.

Method 2: Electric Resin Burner

An electric burner warms the resin instead of burning it. There is no charcoal and very little smoke, and you can hear the finer, lighter notes of the resin, including the citrus top note that charcoal often hides.

1. Place a few tears on the metal plate or mesh of the burner.
2. Start on the lowest heat setting.
3. Increase the heat slowly until the resin begins to soften and release its scent.
4. Let the plate cool completely before you clean off the leftover resin.

This is the best method for small apartments, for daily use and for anyone who wants aroma without smoke.

Method 3: Tea Light Resin Burner

A tea light resin burner has a fine metal mesh above a small candle. It works like a gentle electric burner, but needs no power.

1. Light a tea light and place it under the mesh.
2. Put 1 or 2 small tears on the mesh, not directly in the flame.
3. The resin will slowly melt and scent the room for about an hour.

How Much Frankincense to Burn

Less is more. For an average room, 1 to 3 pea-sized tears are enough. Larger pieces can be broken with a mortar and pestle or wrapped in a cloth and tapped with a hammer. If you are new to resin incense, start with one tear and add more only if you want a stronger scent.

How to Make Frankincense Infused Oil

Frankincense tears can also be infused in a carrier oil to make a fragrant oil for natural perfume, massage or homemade candles.

1. Grind 1 tablespoon of frankincense tears into a coarse powder. Freezing the resin for 30 minutes first makes it easier to grind.
2. Add the powder to 1 cup (about 240 ml) of carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.
3. Warm the mixture gently in a double boiler on very low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Do not let it boil.
4. Let it cool, then strain through a fine cloth or coffee filter.
5. Store in a dark glass bottle away from light and heat.

Not all of the resin will dissolve. This is normal. Before using the oil on skin, do a small patch test.

Using Frankincense for Meditation and Rituals

Frankincense has been burned in temples, churches and homes for thousands of years. Many people today use it to mark a quiet moment in the day:

• Burn one tear before meditation, yoga or prayer to set the space.
• Use it as part of an evening ritual, together with a cup of herbal tea.
• Blend it with other resins, such as myrrh, or with dried herbs and flowers to create your own incense mix.

You can find more resins for blending in our Resin & Incense collection.

Safety Tips

• Always burn resin in a well-ventilated room.
• Never leave burning charcoal or a lit tea light unattended.
• Keep burners away from children, pets and anything flammable.
• Charcoal stays hot for a long time. Let it cool fully, or cover it with sand, before you throw it away.
• If you are sensitive to smoke, choose an electric burner.

How to Store Frankincense Resin

Keep frankincense tears in an airtight container, in a cool, dry and dark place. A glass jar in a cupboard is ideal. Stored this way, the resin keeps its aroma for years. Avoid heat and direct sunlight, which can make the tears sticky and fade the scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you burn frankincense resin without charcoal?

Yes. An electric resin burner or a tea light resin burner warms the resin without charcoal. The aroma is softer and there is very little smoke.

How long does frankincense resin burn?

On charcoal, a small tear releases its scent for about 10 to 20 minutes. On an electric or tea light burner it melts more slowly and can last up to an hour.

What does burning frankincense smell like?

Boswellia serrata frankincense smells warm, woody and balsamic, with a light citrus note. On low heat the citrus note is stronger, on charcoal the scent is deeper and smokier.

Is Boswellia serrata the same as frankincense?

Boswellia serrata is one species of frankincense, known as Indian frankincense. Other species, such as Boswellia sacra and Boswellia frereana, are also sold as frankincense but have a different aroma.

Why is my frankincense smoke harsh?

Usually the charcoal is too hot or was not fully lit. Wait until the disc is covered with grey ash, use smaller tears, or put a thin layer of sand or foil between the charcoal and the resin.