7 Sacred Resins to Burn for Clearing Negative Energy

by Bess O'Connor

Resin is the life-blood of the tree, healing its wounds and inflictions and protecting it against infection. In short, resin repairs, protects and heals.

It also has a long history of use in ceremonial practices all around the world from some of the most renowned civilizations—from the ancient Egyptians to the Native Americans. It even made its way into the scriptures of the bible as one of the sacred gifts given to baby Jesus.

When burned, these precious resins emit a holy smoke and beautiful fragrance that is known to clear negative energies, connect us with the our higher consciousness and spiritual realms and surround us with high vibrations. They are also used to heal, balance and protect our physical and energetic bodies.

The below resins can be used to increase the vibration in any space. Whether your home, office, bedroom, or otherwise, burning these resins has the power to transform and deflect unwanted energy, bless a space as sacred and connect you to your higher Self.

Frankincense. Protection, purification, spiritual awareness, antidepressant.

This powerful resin produces a heightened spiritual awareness. A recent study revealed how frankincense works as an effective antidepressant and relieves stress. It’s said to enhance intuition, clairvoyance and is ideal to use before meditation. Frankincense was also once worth more than its weight in gold. Burning frankincense provides protection and purification and is said to help increase your spiritual awareness.

Copal. Spiritual cleansing, connection to spirit realm.

Copal is the sap from a tree from Mexico that is considered the “blood” of the tree and is believed to appease the Gods when burned as a sacred offering. Copal has a powerful crisp, clearing, sharp scent that purifies the energy in your space and in your energetic field.

Myrrh. Clearing, spiritual connection, healing.

The story goes that myrrh was one of the gifts given to baby Jesus from the wise men (along with Frankincense and Gold). The myth shows just how significant this tree resin truly is. It was also used during the mummification process as an embalming substance. The ancient Egyptians also used myrrh for healing, as well as spiritual rituals. It not only helps to maintain a state of enlightenment, but also clears negative energy and illusions that stand in the way of seeing the truth.

Pinion Pine. Protective, healing, and nurturing.

Sacred to the Native Americans for its healing properties and rich, pungent and clearing smoke -- pine resin is a great way to clear a space. When burned, pinion energetically creates a peaceful and inviting environment. It’s also used to clear and balance one’s aura and energy field. It’s commonly used in healing ceremonies and invokes clairvoyance, compassion and spiritual strength.

Benzoin. Purification, blessings, prosperity.

Benzoin has a long history of use as incense and perfume. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Benzoin resin is a “yang” sedative and is used as an effective remedy for congestion and clearing away stagnation. It’s also very warming to the heart and increases circulation. When burned, Benzoin has a nice vanilla undertone with earthy balsam notes and is a commonly used church incense for its potent effects.

Amber. Healing, protection, antiseptic, immortality restorative.

Amber resin was created with the intention to heal the tree and shield it against infection. This resin is so strong that its original structure can remain intact for centuries without any disturbances to its composition. Another interesting fact about amber is that when it’s rubbed against certain fabrics that it creates a spark of electricity. For this very reason, the word for amber in Greek is “Elektron.” Amber is a charged, active and kinetic, meaning it can directly affect our energetics.

Dragon’s Blood. Protection, clears negativity, productivity.

Dragon’s blood is a dark red resin from the rattan palm tree. Southeast Asia is its native origin and it’s used for treating wounds and healing intestinal disorders. It can be burned to enhance productivity and is therefore great to use in your office space. This resin creates a lovely “mood” in the atmosphere along with emitting a heavenly fragrance.

About the author

Bess O’Connor, a certified Ayurvedic and Holistic Health Practitioner, explores the heart of health at the core of alternative medicine, massage therapy, conscious movement, nutrition, meditation and other healing traditions.

Bess O’Connor is the editor of spiritualityhealth, where this article first appeared.