Orange & Clove Resin Incense

3 min to read
Andrea Butje
08/26/2021

Burning resin brings a warm and comfortable homey feeling to your space!

Times like this call for something special. I hope you're finding moments of joy and warmth during this season. Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or taking time for self-care, it's important to embrace the beauty and magic of this time of year.

Aromatherapy can be a wonderful addition to your holiday experience, creating an atmosphere of relaxation, comfort, and tranquility. It allows us to connect with the present moment and nurture our well-being amidst the busyness of the season.

In that spirit, I have a delightful recipe to share with you—a quick and easy blend for loose incense. This aromatic creation fills your home with a captivating fragrance, combining resinous notes with hints of citrus and spice. Not only does it smell exquisite, but it also adds an enchanting touch to your decor, making it an ideal centerpiece or gift for loved ones.

Take a moment to indulge in the sensory delights of aromatherapy during this special time. Let the soothing scents transport you to a place of calm and serenity, allowing you to fully embrace the magic of the season.

Orange & Clove Resin Incense

  • ½ oz (14 g) Copal resin (Shorea javanica)

  • ½ oz (14 g) Opopanax resin (Commiphora guidotti)

  • 2 teaspoons (8 g) Dried orange peel (Citrus sinensis)

  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) Ground clove powder (Eugenia caryophyllata)

If you prefer, you can opt for dried whole cloves instead of the powder. However, I personally enjoy the way the spicy scent is more evenly distributed with the powder.

To create this blend, you'll need a beautiful bowl for displaying your incense or a container with a lid that can hold at least 2 oz (60 ml) for storing any leftovers.

Start by combining the copal and opopanax resins in the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to stir them together. Remember, this is a dry blend, so feel free to mix it with your hands for a more tactile experience. Next, add the orange peel and clove powder, and give it another stir. Congratulations, you've just blended your own loose incense!

While essential oils aren't always necessary for loose incense, they can be a delightful addition. In this case, you can enhance the aroma by adding 5 drops of Siberian Fir (Abies Siberia) essential oil. Simply drop the essential oil directly onto the incense blend and then use a spoon to stir it thoroughly. Using a spoon instead of your bare hands helps prevent the undiluted essential oil from coming into direct contact with your skin.

Enjoy the aromatic journey of your homemade loose incense, whether you choose to display it in a beautiful bowl, share it as a gift, or simply delight in its fragrance during moments of relaxation and reflection.

Here are a few YouTube videos that you might like. The first is "How to Make Incense with Frankincense Resin," and it can be helpful if you want to watch me make a loose incense blend first before making your own.

The second video shows you how to burn your loose incense with natural charcoal. A lot of people may find this one helpful since burning loose incense involves a few more steps than just lighting an incense stick. You'll need a heat-safe surface, a small tab of charcoal (I like to use natural bamboo charcoal made without lighter fluid), a lighter, and a small pair of tongs. Click here to watch!

I hope you enjoy this incense, and I hope your heart feels full of love!


Blog-Dec 25-Orange and resin incense recipe-FB-V1.jpg

Aromatherapy In Your Inbox

Our weekly newsletter in is known for being the best in industry. Sign up today for weekly aromatherapy news, content, recipes & more! Your data will always remain private.