7 Sacred Resins to Burn for Clearing Negative Energy

Resin is the lifeblood 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. In Christian tradition, it 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 known to clear negative energies, connect us with the our higher consciousness and spiritual realms, and surround us with high vibrations. These sacred resins are also used to heal, balance, and protect our physical and energetic bodies.

Whether in your home, office, bedroom, or beyond, burning these resins has the power to transform and deflect unwanted energy, bless a space as sacred, and connect you to your higher Self.

Here are seven sacred resins beyond sage that can be used to increase the vibration and positive chi in any space.

Copal: Provides spiritual cleansing, connection to spirit realm. Sap from a tree in Mexico and considered the “blood” of the tree, copal is believed to appease the Gods when burned as a sacred offering. It has a powerful crisp, clearing, sharp scent that purifies the energy in your space and in your energetic field.

Myrrh: Provides clearing, spiritual connection, healing. In the Bible, the story goes that myrrh was one of the gifts given to baby Jesus from the wise men (along with frankincense and gold). That tale shows just how significant this tree resin truly is. It was also used during the mummification process as an embalming substance, and the ancient Egyptians also used myrrh for healing, as well as spiritual rituals. The sacred resin 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: Provides protection, healing, 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 used to clear and balance one’s aura and energy field. The pine is also commonly used in healing ceremonies and invokes clairvoyance, compassion, and spiritual strength.

Frankincense: Provides protection, purification, spiritual awareness, antidepressant. This powerful resin produces a heightened spiritual awareness. One study revealed how frankincense works as an effective antidepressant and stress reliever. It’s said to enhance intuition and clairvoyance, and is ideal to use before meditation. Frankincense was also once worth more than its weight in gold. However, the tree that provides this resin is now seriously at risk of extinction, reports The New York Times. It suggests that you can help by looking for sustainably harvested, socially conscious products.

Benzoin: Provides 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 as church incense for its potent effects.

Amber: Provides 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. Also unique to amber, when rubbed against certain fabrics, 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: Provides protection, negativity clearing, 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 while emitting a heavenly fragrance.

Want more? Learn how to purify your space with smudging.