Last Updated on September 21, 2022 by IncenseJunction
Different materials are used to make incense. Copal is one of these raw materials. Compared to others, copal might just be the most magical and historical of all. It dates back to the old ages of the Mesoamerica region where it played an important role in rituals and offerings. It is still a big part of these rituals and offerings.
Copal incense has always been considered to be a bond that unites the earthly and the divine. It would be acceptable to refer to it as an energy channeler. Considering its importance, it is only fair to recognize this amazing resin and identify the benefits with which it is associated.
This post is meant to do just that. We aim to answer some important questions including, what is copal incense? What does copal resin smell like? We also intend to help you learn the process involved in burning copal incense with and without charcoal. Stay tuned for a detailed guide through the uses of copal.
Origin and History
Copal has been used by the Maya and Aztec cultures for a long time for different ceremonies and rituals. The Aztecs would refer to it as the blood of trees. As written in history, the Aztecs would use this resin in a mixture of calcium phosphate to create a glue that they would use to attach gems to teeth. Nevertheless, it had more purposes aside from glue.
So, what is copal resin? Copal is a resin that is produced naturally by trees belonging to the Bursera family. If you look or feel the resin, you will realize that it is somewhere between resin and sap. That means that it is not completely liquid or completely solid.
Where does copal resin come from? The tree from which the resin is from the Mayas, which is in Southern Mexico. Here, the resin is considered to be very medicinal and is widely used in this aspect.
What it Symbolizes
Let us go deeper. Let us start with copal incense meaning. Well, the Aztecs would refer to this resin as copal, which means incense. The Mayans, on the other hand, refer to it as pom. This resin has been widely used as a great offering to Tlaloc and Chalchiuhtlicue. These are both ancient gods that are highly associated with fertility and creation.
So, what does copal symbolize? As you can tell from the meaning associated with the resin, it is a symbol of new beginnings. That would mean eradicating the old and ushering in a new order. In most cases, it has an association with the sun, a masculine element related to fire. Therefore, one amazing use would be to raise vibrations and usher in love. It is an important part of churches and the Day of the Dead Celebration.
Benefits of Burning Copal
Copal is highly beneficial and widely used. But what is copal resin used for?
Meditation
Copal is quite powerful when used in meditation. Why? It has a link with the crown chakra, which helps to deepen the connections to a mystical presence. It will also encourage clear and pure thoughts when you are meditating. As you would expect, copal is used to improve the auric body, in turn removing any stagnant energy that would be in a person.
It is a huge belief that the use of copal incense would help to unite the energy from the sun with the earth’s grounding properties, which will then help to transmute and draw out any negative energy that would be present.
Relief of Anxiety
Are you dealing with some insomnia or anxiety? Well, burning copal resin might be exactly what you need. The incense is known to provide some calming and uplifting effects on your mind. The reason for this is the huge presence of triterpenes, which are known to reduce anxiety greatly. Therefore, when you burn the incense, you will activate some ion channels in your brain, which will then result in the alleviation of anxiety and stress.
While you enjoy the benefit of stress leaving your mind, your body will calm down and distress, which will then lead to some amazing sleep. In the past, when it was extremely common, the resin was used to improve the balance of a person and help in calming down a person’s nervous system.
Cleansing Energy
There are more uses than those. Copal incense is known to clear negative energy from a space. That is also the case with any objects. When burnt, the resin will produce amazingly loving and positive energy. Therefore, a home will have more peace.
What does copal incense smell like?
The incense features a very light, woody, and clean scent. You can burn the incense to eradicate any bad odors that might be in your house, replacing them with this warm aroma.
Burning Copal Resin
It is important to learn how to burn copal resin for the best effects and results. There are two main ways you can burn copal resin and get the results you would want. The first one involves burning the incense with charcoal. You can burn copal resin using a charcoal disc.
The first thing you want to do is place a charcoal disc on a fire-proof bowl. You can add a layer of sand under the bowl before placing the charcoal on the bowl. The disc should then be lit on the edges and allowed to burn for a while. As the disc burns, you will notice a gray layer of ash forming towards the center. You can then place the resin on the disc and enjoy an aromatic scent flowing all over the air.
Do you want to know how to burn copal resin without charcoal? This process is even simpler. First, you would need an oil warmer or oil burner. This features a dish placed on top of a stand with a hollow part.
The first step is to add a layer of oil to the dish, around one teaspoon should be adequate. Secondly, light a tea light candle and then place it in the hollow part of the stand so that the dish with oil is above the fire. The heat will start heating the oil, which is when you place the resin. This will start smoking and the resin will burn to produce an amazing aroma.
Quite simple, isn’t it?
So, you might be wondering where to buy copal incense. Copal resin is available on some online markets such as Amazon, and Etsy, as well as local stores. The following section features five of our top picks. We have gone through the market and narrowed down the options for you. Here they are.
How did the Mayans and Aztecs use copal?
The Aztecs used copal for a variety of purposes, including incense, medicine, and adhesive. Copal was burned as an offering to the gods and used in ceremonies and rituals. It was also thought to have medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments.
In addition, the copal was used as an adhesive for attaching feathers to arrows and mosaics to temples. The versatile substance played an important role in Aztec culture and was held in high esteem by the people.
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Our Top Picks
1. Govinda – White Copal Incense Resin
Do you like keeping traditions and customs alive? Well, this might just be the resin for you. The resin will provide you with a sharp scent similar to cypress. The resin will not only provide an amazing scent but also provide an adequate aroma for an entire house.
If you are enthusiastic about resin incense and appreciate the aroma, you probably burn through a lot of incense. If this is the case, we recommend this incense greatly. A small piece of resin would be enough to last a space a long time.
This amazing resin is available from Govinda, a reputable brand with great response in the market. The incense in this package is pure, which means that there are no fillers or sticks. The aroma produced is pure and no sticks or fillers will affect that.
It is packaged in a one-pound packet and is originally from Indonesia, although it is packed in the United States.
Pros
- It has an amazing package.
- A small piece is quite enough
- It is a traditional type of incense
- Buying in bulk will save you a lot of money.
Cons
- It tends to be quite smoky sometimes.
- The aroma is not for everyone because it can be a bit stronger than others.
2. HEM Copal Incense Sticks
HEM is quite popular for its incense sticks production. It is quite an amazing brand and these copal sticks reflect exactly that.
This package features an aroma that will give your house a sense of traditional and ancient rituals. One of the copal resin uses that you can enjoy with this aroma is the uplifting and eradication of negative energy in your house.
The creation of incense is very important. The method that is used to create these sticks makes them of very high quality. They are created by dedicated people with knowledge of traditional methods that bring out the best scent.
Each of the boxes features 20 sticks. There are six boxes in total, which means there are 120 total sticks. Each of the sticks will burn for around 40 minutes, giving you a lot of time to enjoy the scent of the copal incense.
Pros
- The incense burns for a long time
- The sticks cleanse any space quite easily
- They are convenient if you want to enjoy incense without a lot of work
- They are packed well in a beautiful packet.
- The incense sticks are available at an affordable cost
Cons
- Some customers complain that the incense is not strong enough
3. Govinda – Mayan Copal Gold
Are you looking for a great copal aroma that gives you the exact traditional hint we all love? Well, this is the right item for you. There are various reasons why.
The product’s origin is Mexico, which means the product features an amazing authentic copal incense. After that, it is packed in the United States inside a 1 lb. bag.
The product is highly appreciated for its natural scent.
Pros
- The scent is completely authentic.
- It is packed in bulk to reduce the general cost
- The price is reasonable
- A small piece of the chunks would be adequate for an entire house.
Cons
- There might be some pieces of wood in the packet.
4. HEM Copal Cones Incense
This item is available in four boxes. Each of the boxes has around 10 cones, which brings the total to around 40 cones. These cones are quite efficient in providing adequate aroma in your entire house.
Some of the benefits associated with these cones include their amazing appeal to the nose and eyes. They also meet the copal incense magical uses, which include religious ceremonies, meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, and much more. They have a variety of uses that you will highly appreciate.
All the cones are hand-rolled and packed in India. As you would expect, they are high-quality cones that are made using traditional methods. They can increase positive features and reduce all negative aspects of zodiac signs. They are therefore able to present positive energy around a home or person.
But that’s not all. The cones do not have any harmful chemicals such as Toluene and Benzene.
It is highly recommended that you store these cones in a cool and dry place. That will prevent the absorption of moisture, which would affect the general functionality.
Pros
- Hand-rolled for best results and quality
- They are an affordable copal incense option
- They are authentic copal without any synthetic chemicals
- The scent is not extremely harsh
- The cones burn for an adequate time to fill your home with the aroma of copal
Cons
- The scent is not strong enough for some people
- The smell might not be for everyone
5. Ancientveda Copal Smudge Sticks
This sage is from California and is sourced responsibly according to the USDA. It is known to provide amazing sleep, reduced stress levels, as well as kill bacteria. This is an amazing scent that will heal your soul and bring you back to focus.
The sage features an amazing light, woody, and clean scent that will clean and purify all the energy around you.
There are different uses for this incense, which include yoga and meditation. Nevertheless, here is a guide that should help you learn how best to smudge using an abalone shell.
Pros
- A detailed guide to help you use the incense properly
- The incense is quite efficient in cleansing energy
- It is 100% organic
- The price is quite reasonable
Cons
- Some clients complain of some problems lighting the sage.
FAQs
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Is copal and frankincense the same thing?
There is a lot of confusion surrounding copal and frankincense. Both are resin-producing trees, and they have many similarities. However, there are also some important differences between them.
Frankincense is produced by the Boswellia tree, which is native to northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The tree produces a white or pale yellow resin, which is then dried and used in a variety of ways, including as incense. Copal, on the other hand, is produced by the Protium tree, which is found in Central America. Copal resin is usually red or black in color, and it has a much softer consistency than frankincense. It is often used in ceremonial rituals or as an ingredient in incense blends.
So, while copal and frankincense share some similarities, they are not the same thing. Frankincense has a longer history of use and is more widely available, but copal is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique properties.
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Is copal the same as amber?
Amber and copal are both fossilized tree resins, but they have some key differences. Amber is older and has undergone more changes over time, making it harder and more translucent. Copal, on the other hand, is fresher and still soft enough to be carved. In terms of chemical composition, amber is made up of hydrocarbons, while copal contains a mix of terpenes and diterpenes.
Finally, amber typically originates in Europe or North America, while copal is found in Central and South America. While they may share some similarities, amber and copal are not the same substance.
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Is copal psychoactive?
While there is no definitive answer, there is some evidence to suggest that copal may have psychoactive effects.
For example, in traditional indigenous cultures, copal is often used in ceremonies and rituals. In addition, copal has been shown to induce changes in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as altered states of consciousness. While more research is needed to confirm these effects, the available evidence suggests that copal may indeed be psychoactive.
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Is copal toxic to dogs and cats?
Although this resin is used in some traditional medicines, it can be poisonous to dogs if ingested. Copal contains a substance called eugenol, which can cause liver damage and gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms of copal toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect that your dog has eaten copal, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Does copal incense repel mosquitoes?
When burned, copal produces a sweet, smoky scent that is said to be pleasing to the spirits. Some believe that this scent also helps to keep mosquitoes away. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it does not hurt to try burning some copal the next time you are outdoors.
Conclusion
Copan incense is quite magical. When you consider its uses and efficiency, you will think of it as the perfect incense. Different products in the market bring you copal incense. However, not all of them are completely natural. For the best results after burning incense, we recommend that you burn incense made with 100% natural materials.
