What is Halmaddi resin?

What is Halmaddi resin?

Here’s a bit about one of our favourite ingredients in incense – Halmaddi.

You may hear us talk about Halmaddi a lot. Halmaddi resin is in the beautiful base of most of our masala incense. It is the natural gum that holds all the gorgeous oils and ingredients together on the humble bamboo stick.

Much like frankincense, myrrh and benzoin, Halmaddi is a type of natural resin. It is derived from the Ailanthus Malabarica tree, which is native to the Western Ghats of India. The rich, earth-coloured liquid is molasses like when it is fresh and hardens to a brittle resin with a floral, balsamic smell when it ages.

It’s an ingredient that has been used in incense-making for centuries. Not only is the fragrance distinctive (and addictive), it has a magical ability to help the incense oils, woods and herbs bind together and burn slowly and evenly.

So much cheaper incense is mass produced these days, and to make it quickly and cheaply, shortcuts are made. The first being – cutting the use of Halmaddi. Temple of Incense has committed to high quality incense made with lots of Halmaddi which is harvested consciously and ethically. That’s one of the ways we honour the tradition of real incense.

Spiritual benefits of Halmaddi resin.

Different individuals may have unique interpretations and connections with this resin, so it’s essential to explore and find what resonates with you personally. Here are some spiritual benefits that people associate with its use:

1. Purification and Cleansing: Many believe that burning halmaddi incense sticks can help purify the environment and cleanse negative energies. It is often used in rituals and ceremonies to create a sacred atmosphere and clear the space of impurities.
2. Meditation and Relaxation: The aroma of halmaddi is often considered soothing and calming. Lighting halmaddi incense during meditation or spiritual practices can help create a peaceful ambiance, enhancing focus, and promoting a sense of relaxation.
3. Connection to the Divine: For some individuals, halmaddi is believed to aid in establishing a connection with the divine or higher realms. The pleasant fragrance is thought to attract positive spiritual energies and facilitate a deeper spiritual experience.
4. Enhancing Spiritual Awareness: The aroma of halmaddi can evoke a sense of tranquility and heightened awareness. Some people believe that it helps to awaken the senses, increase mindfulness, and deepen spiritual insights.
5. Ritual and Tradition: In many cultures, the use of halmaddi in religious ceremonies and rituals has been practiced for centuries. Burning halmaddi incense can be seen as a way of honoring and preserving these ancient traditions, creating a sense of cultural continuity and spiritual heritage.

Which incense should I try?

Our Nag Champa Gold is the incense that’s most famous for its use of Halmaddi resin, and to experience the magic of the ingredient, this stick is a great place to start.