The Complete Guide to Burning Hojari Frankincense for the Perfect Aromatic Experience

Hojari frankincense—often called liquid gold—is one of the world’s most treasured aromatic resins. Harvested from the Boswellia sacra trees of Oman’s Dhofar region, this resin has been used for over 5,000 years in spiritual rituals, meditation, and wellness practices.

When burned correctly, Omani Hojari frankincense releases an uplifting citrus-pine aroma with subtle honeyed notes. But if overheated, it can produce a harsh, bitter smell that masks its delicate fragrance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to burn frankincense resin without charring it, the best equipment to use, and insider tips for getting the most from your Hojari.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather:

• Heatproof incense burner (brass, ceramic, or stone)
• Charcoal discs (quick-light or natural coconut/bamboo)
• Tongs or tweezers
• Your chosen Hojari frankincense resin
• Optional: Fine sand, salt, or ash (heat buffer)

Step-by-Step: How to Burn Hojari Frankincense

1. Prepare Your Burner (Optional)

Add a 1–2 cm layer of sand or salt to your burner. This protects the base from heat and slows down resin burning.

2. Light the Charcoal

Hold the charcoal disc with tongs and light the edge until it starts sparking. Place it concave side up on the sand and wait 5–10 minutes until it’s fully ashed over.

💡 Pro Tip: Never add resin before the charcoal is ready—this causes scorching.

3. Add the Resin

Place a pea-sized piece of Hojari on the charcoal. It will release fragrant smoke within seconds. Use small amounts—frankincense is potent.

4. Control the Heat

If the resin blackens or bubbles aggressively, the heat is too high. Move it to a cooler part of the disc or place it on a heat resistant plate or foil above the charcoal.

How to Avoid the Burnt Smell

The secret is gentle heat and short burning sessions:

• Optional: Buffer the charcoal with sand, salt, or ash
• Let charcoal fully light before adding resin
• Use smaller resin pieces for more even aroma
• Burn for 10–15 minutes per piece, turning if required and refresh as needed
• Try an electric resin burner for precise, smoke-free control

Alternative Burning Methods

Electric Resin Burners

Perfect for continuous, gentle fragrance. Set to around 210°C for optimal release without smoke.

Tea Light Burners

Add water or a carrier oil to the top dish, crush resin into small pieces, and heat with a tea light for a subtle, long-lasting scent.

Quick Facts: Burning Hojari Frankincense