Loose Incense Recipe with Frankincense and Myrrh

To make loose incense with frankincense and myrrh, mix 14 grams of frankincense resin (Boswellia carterii) and 14 grams of myrrh resin (Commiphora myrrha) in a small bowl, stir in 1 teaspoon of rosemary powder, and add 10 drops of Piñon Pine essential oil. Let the blend dry uncovered for about 24 hours. Then sprinkle a pinch onto hot charcoal on a heat-safe incense burner and enjoy the fragrant smoke.

Loose incense is one of the oldest and simplest ways to scent a home. Frankincense and myrrh are natural tree resins: fragrant drops of hardened sap that people have burned for thousands of years. Making your own blend is easy and fun, and working with resins, herbs, and essential oils can put you in touch with a creative side of yourself connected to nature. This blend is a variation of a popular Aromahead loose incense recipe, and it fills your home with a gorgeous aroma.

What you need

This recipe uses four ingredients and one small mixing bowl.

• 14 g of frankincense resin (Boswellia carterii)
• 14 g of myrrh resin (Commiphora myrrha)
• 1 teaspoon of rosemary powder (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• 10 drops of Piñon Pine essential oil (Pinus edulis)

For burning the finished incense later, have a heat-safe incense burner or heat-safe surface ready, along with some charcoal. Natural bamboo charcoal is a lovely choice because it does not contain any lighter fluid.

For the rosemary powder, you can simply grind dried rosemary in a coffee grinder. A grinder reserved just for aromatherapy keeps the aromas pure. If you use your everyday coffee grinder, your incense might pick up a hint of coffee. You may actually enjoy that: ground coffee has a wonderful aroma and makes a great loose incense ingredient in its own right.

The recipe: pine and resin loose incense

1. Measure 14 g each of the frankincense and myrrh resin.
2. Place both resins in a small bowl and stir them together with your fingers.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of rosemary powder.
4. Add 10 drops of Piñon Pine essential oil. Simply spread the drops over the top of the other ingredients. It does not have to be technical.
5. Stir everything together, then let the blend sit out uncovered for about 24 hours so the resin can dry. After that, it is ready to burn.

Variations to try

Here is a friendly warning about making loose incense: once you make this recipe and start burning it, you might get all kinds of ideas for new blends. A few other ingredients you can play with:

• Dried orange peel
• Clove buds or clove powder
• Cardamom powder
• Ground coffee

How to burn loose incense

Burning loose incense is very easy. Place a piece of charcoal on a heat-safe incense burner or heat-safe surface, light it, and let it get hot. Then sprinkle a pinch of your incense onto the charcoal. The warmth releases the aroma of the resins in soft curls of smoke.

There is something soothing about it, too: the sight of the smoke rising from natural loose incense can help you feel connected to the moment. A pinch at a time is all you need, and you can add another pinch whenever you like.

Safety notes

• Always burn loose incense on a heat-safe incense burner or heat-safe surface.
• Choose natural bamboo charcoal, which does not contain lighter fluid.
• Burn a small pinch at a time.
• Let your finished blend dry uncovered for about 24 hours before you burn it.
• Be fire-safe: give hot charcoal the same care you would give any open flame in your home.

Questions people ask

What is the difference between loose incense and incense sticks?

Loose incense is a free-form blend of resins, herbs, and essential oils that you burn on hot charcoal, a pinch at a time. Incense sticks are shaped and dried so they burn on their own. Loose incense gives you more room to play with ingredients, while sticks are easy to light and carry from room to room. If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like learning how to make incense sticks with essential oils.

Can I make incense with just resins, or do I need essential oils?

Both approaches work beautifully. Frankincense and myrrh resins are naturally aromatic all on their own, and essential oils let you layer extra character over that base. This recipe uses 10 drops of Piñon Pine essential oil for a fresh, foresty note. For a blend that leans on the resins themselves, see this frankincense and myrrh resin incense recipe.

How long does homemade loose incense keep?

Resins are naturally long-lasting: frankincense and myrrh have been stored and traded for centuries. Once your blend has dried uncovered for about 24 hours, keep it in a closed jar away from direct sunlight and it will hold its aroma well. Small batches also give you a reason to blend something new whenever inspiration strikes.

Is it safe to burn loose incense indoors?

Yes, loose incense is a time-honored way to scent a home. Keep it simple and fire-safe: use a heat-safe incense burner or surface, choose natural bamboo charcoal without lighter fluid, and burn a pinch at a time. A little goes a long way, and you can always add another pinch later.

What kind of charcoal should I use for loose incense?

Natural bamboo charcoal is a wonderful choice because it does not contain any lighter fluid. Place it on a heat-safe incense burner or heat-safe surface, let it get hot, and sprinkle your incense on top.

Bring more natural crafts into your home

If making this incense sparks something in you, there is a whole world of hands-on natural crafting to explore. The Aromatherapy for Natural Living course teaches practical ways to use essential oils throughout your home, from cleaning products to DIY skin care. Enjoy your harmonious, sweet-smelling home!