These 15 frankincense incense bricks come in a mustard-yellow box. At the end of the pull-out tray sits a terracotta holder that you stand the brick in to burn it. The slim box measures 7.5 × 14.5 cm and is made in India.
Frankincense for prayer and quiet
Frankincense is the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has been burned in temples and churches since ancient times, and many people still light it before prayer or meditation. By tradition, its smoke goes with a moment of quiet. Many people know the scent from Catholic Mass.
The bricks have a distinctive, resinous scent, slightly woody and warm. It is stronger than benzoin, so in a small room a short burn is enough before you air it.
Lighting and putting it out
Stand a brick in the hole of the holder, light the top and blow out the flame after a few seconds. It then smoulders, and the smoke rises in a thin thread. If you want to stop early, gently press the glowing end into a small bowl of sand.
With no wooden stick inside, only ash is left once a brick has burned. If you light it before prayer or meditation, do so a few minutes early so the smoke has spread through the room by then.
Fired-clay holder
Made of fired clay, the holder has a hole in the middle. Always put it on a heat-resistant surface, because the glowing brick warms the clay too. Once it has cooled, empty out the ash and you can use it again.
Use it in a well-ventilated room, away from anything flammable, and never leave it unattended while it smokes. Do not breathe in the smoke directly, and keep it away from children and pets.