There are two types of benzoin resin used in incense and perfumery, benzoin Siam and benzoin Sumatra. Benzoin Siam is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis, found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Benzoin Sumatra is obtained from Styrax benzoin grown on the island of Sumatra. Both varieties are anti-pathogenic resins, which are exuded from the tree when it is damaged. Benzoin resin or styrax resin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. It is used in perfumes, some kinds of incense, as a flavouring, and medicine. Benzoin resin is a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery because of its vanilla ice-cream aroma and fixative properties. Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies, also in Arab States where it is burned on charcoal as an incense. In perfumery, benzoin is used as a fixative.

There are three main types of copal, golden, white and black. It originated in South America, where it is known to have been burnt by the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas as a gift to the Sun. Sometimes it is referred to as the "American Frankincense" Nowadays it is widely grown elsewhere - especially the "Golden" Copal. The best grade is generally held to be the sensual Dark Copal (Night Copal) which comes from Mexico. Also used as fossilised resin, when available.

Frankincense is an aromatic resin derived from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly B. sacra (B. carterii, Hojary or Beyo), B. frereana (Coptic resin or Maydi), B. papyrifera (Sudanese Frankincense) and B. serrata (B.thurifera, Indian Frankincense or Salai). Somalia accounts for most of the commercial production, but the resin is also harvested in other African countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan. The milky sap naturally exudes from the bark and hardens into clear yellow teardrop shaped lumps known as tears, but this can be forced by making incisions in the bark and tapping the resin. When used for burning as an incense, the resin emits a fragrant odour described as a balsamic-spicy, slightly lemon scent, with a pine undertone. It is used for religious rituals and for cultural reasons, such as removing negative energy in the environment. Frankincense is also used as an herbal extract and in ayurvedic medicine.

Premium quality incense produced in the region of Holy Mount Athos (Aghion Oros) Greece in accordance with ancient tradition that has lasted for many centuries. Frankincense powder is mixed with water and natural fragrances and transformed into the classical grains, which are placed on charcoal tablets.

The word “myrrh” comes from the Arabic word “mirrah”, meaning bitter. Bitter Myrrh is produced by trees and bushes of the Commiphora genus and although there are approximately 200 different species of Commiphora - all of whom can produce a myrrh type resin - only a few are suitable for incense. Of these the most significant are Commiphora molmol which produces the gum usually recognised as true Myrrh, and Commiphora.erythraea which produces the myrrh like gum called Opopanax. The gum-resin from Commiphora.mukal is known as Guggal and is from India.

Authentic Californian White Sage and other traditional sage bundles and smudge sticks, which have been sustainably gathered from their natural habitat, where traditional use began. The plants are gathered carefully so the sages and their companion plants revegetate to carry the species in perpetuity. Smudge sticks and white sage have been burned by many Native American Indians for centuries in ceremonies of cleansing, clearing, and blessing; also during prayer and meditation, to cleanse rooms and to clear crystals between therapy sessions, etc..

Ceramic Dish   £4.00 each