HEM’s Resin Collection is a 26 × 18 × 3 cm gift box. Inside are six hexagonal boxes of incense sticks, each with the scent of a different resin, and a long, green-painted wooden holder. The incense is made in India.
Six resins, six scents
- Frankincense: the resin of the Boswellia tree, burned in churches for centuries.
- Myrrh: gathered in Arabia and East Africa, and one of the gifts of the wise men.
- Amber: in incense, the name of a warm, sweet, resin-like blend.
- Copal: the resin of Central American trees, burned in Maya and Aztec ceremonies.
- Benzoin: the resin of Southeast Asian trees, with a sweet scent reminiscent of vanilla.
- Dragon’s blood: a deep red plant resin named after its colour.
All six are incense sticks that carry the scent of the resins; there are no pieces of resin in the set.
Finding your favourite
With this set you can try six resin scents before buying more of your favourite. If you like the scent of a church, start with frankincense and myrrh; benzoin and amber are sweeter and softer. It comes in a gift box, so it also works as a present for Christmas or a name day.
Using the green wooden holder
There is a small hole at one end of the holder; push the bare end of the stick into it. The stick leans over the board, and the ash falls onto the wood. Light the tip and blow out the flame after a few seconds.
Put the holder on a heat-resistant, steady surface, because the wood itself can burn. Don’t leave the incense unattended, and let in some fresh air. If you go out or go to bed, press the glowing end into sand or a heat-resistant bowl.