Guide to Burning Copal

Copal resin is derived from Buresa trees, commonly found in Mexico, Central, and South America. For millennia, the Mayan civilization has utilized this resin for its spiritual and medicinal properties. Learn how to burn copal resin in your own home using various methods such as charcoal discs, incense burners, or stovetop pans.

Obtain charcoal discs. Charcoal discs are small, round tablets available at incense stores, Asian markets, or online. They are convenient for burning copal resin.

Prepare a safe area for burning charcoal and copal. Ensure you have a heat-resistant plate or bowl beneath the charcoal disc to catch any heat. Alternatively, a stone or small stone slate can serve the purpose. Keep tongs or a metal spoon and water nearby for safety precautions.

• Some opt to use sand in a bowl to stabilize the disc.

Ignite the charcoal disc. Use tongs if possible to hold the charcoal while lighting. If not, hold it by one edge and ignite the opposite side using a match or lighter. Once ignited, place it on the heat-resistant surface.

• An alternative method is to use a burner to light the charcoal.

Allow the charcoal to ash over. Initially black when lit, let the charcoal burn for 5 to 10 minutes until it turns white and ashy all around. Avoid touching the disc directly at this stage!

• Some choose to place a small amount of salt on top of the disc at this stage. The salt acts as a barrier between the heat and the resin, moderating the burn. While this reduces smoke output, experimentation is key to finding the ideal method for your needs.

Position a small piece of copal resin in the depression atop the disc. Start with a peanut-sized piece of copal, adding more if necessary. Note that this method generates significant smoke, suitable for smudging spaces. If smoke levels become excessive, use tongs or a spoon to remove some resin temporarily.

• This copal burning technique is effective for smudging homes, but be prepared for substantial smoke production.

Ensure thorough extinguishing of the charcoal after copal burning. Never leave a burning charcoal disc unattended due to potential fire hazards. Use water to fully extinguish the charcoal.

• Charcoal discs retain heat for an extended period, remaining hot for at least an hour.
• To minimize mess, consider extinguishing the charcoal in a kitchen sink.

Opt for a resin burner for convenient copal burning. Place a small amount of copal into the burner's cup and plug it into an electrical outlet. Adjust the temperature to 235 °F (113 °C), if applicable, and cover with the lid. Exercise caution as the lid becomes hot; use tongs to handle it.

• If the resin is too large, crush it with a mortar and pestle for easier heating.
• To maintain cleanliness, consider using a foil cup inside the burner before adding the resin.

Utilize an electric stove burner to swiftly burn copal. Lay heavy-duty aluminum foil on the burner, possibly doubling it. Turn the burner to medium-high and place the resin on the foil, monitoring it closely during burning.

• If the copal burns excessively, reduce the burner's heat.

Employ a stove pan for copal burning as a speedy alternative. Choose a small pan, preferably designated for resin burning or lined with foil. Heat the stove burner to medium-high, place the pan on top, and add copal resin. Allow it to burn out, replenishing as needed.

• Avoid nonstick pans to prevent chemical emissions if the pan is empty.

Opt for an oil warmer to minimize smoke. Position resin atop the warmer and switch it on or light the candle beneath it. Let the resin warm to emit fragrance.

• Oil warmers, commonly used for aromatherapy oils, may be electric or feature a candle beneath.
• Since copal isn't directly burned, smoke production is minimal. Resin can be reheated over multiple days by leaving it in the warmer to cool before reheating.

Position a copal resin incense stick in a holder or sand. If the copal is in stick form, ignite the larger end. Place the smaller end in a bowl of sand or in a suitable incense holder.

• Ensure to supervise burning stick incense at all times.

Incorporate copal into your pre-meditation routine for tranquility. Many individuals burn copal before or during meditation to aid in dispelling negative energies from the mind, body, and environment.

Purify a space using copal smoke to dispel negativity. Copal is often used to 'smudge' spaces, purifying them of negative energy. Employ a high-smoke method to burn copal and allow the smoke to permeate the area.

• Efficiently disperse the smoke throughout the room using a feather or hand fan, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Experiment with copal burning for inflammation relief. Traditionally, copal has been burned to alleviate inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and toothaches. Although further research is needed, copal contains compounds shown to reduce inflammation in mice, suggesting potential benefits for humans.

• Burn copal daily and remain nearby to inhale its aroma for optimal effect.