Copal, it’s one of the most well-known and oldest names in the world of incense. If you’re into incense, surely you’ve heard of it and likely have burned some before. But what exactly is Copal?
True Copal is a tree resin found from the American Southwest down through northern Argentina, produced by a number of trees in the Bursera and Protium genera. There are however, many imposters from other parts of the world that are freely given the name Copal, though are from completely different genera, have totally different medicinal properties, and their own histories and ceremonial uses.
Copal is the most widely used sacred incense and medicinal tree resin from Mexico to Argentina. Known for its use in treating many skin disorders and irritations, respiratory complaints, infections and viruses, pain, nervous system and mental imbalances, and more, Copal has been used topically, internally, and as a fumigant and medicinal incense for ages.
Its ritual and spiritual history dates back to the early Mayan and Aztec peoples, and earlier. The Mayans and Aztecs considered it one of their most sacred botanicals, where it was used extensively in pyramid temples for offerings and prayers. Shamans and traditional healers from Mexico to Southern Brazil have used this fragrant resin for many spiritual uses as well.
Copal is one of my personal favorite incense resins. After working with it for the past 15 years, I wanted to include it in my ebook, Materia Aromatica, for you.
I’ve decided to offer you my full plant profile on Copal for free. Click below to download your free copy, and learn about the origins, histories, medicinal and spiritual uses of true Copal.
The Materia Aromatica Ebook is a special book containing 20 Full Plant Profiles (like the one I’m giving you above) of the world’s most common incense plants like Frankincense, Agarwood/Oudh, Balm of Gilead, Palo Santo, Sandalwood, Myrrh, and more..
If you’re tired of only being able find bits and pieces of questionable information regarding the use of aromatic plants as smoke therapy or their sacred uses as incense, this book is for you!
The Materia Aromatica Ebook will give you the foundational knowledge to help you become more confident and competent using incense for self healing, family healing, or community healing and preventative medicine.
Article by Evan Sylliaasen
Evan Sylliaasen is the founder of the Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine and Higher Mind Incense. For the past decade his incense company has been a leader in sustainability and conscious sourcing of aromatic plants. As the head instructor of his online school, he teaches aromatherapists, incense lovers, herbalists, and spiritually-minded folks the traditional art of incense crafting, incense as medicine, and the art of wild-harvesting aromatic plants responsibly.
Evan lives with his family in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains of Washington state. He channels his creative passions through writing, photography, wood working, craftsman building, and music. When he’s not working, he’s out in the garden, forest and fields, walking along rivers, beaches, or in the mountains breathing deeply.
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*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician before you use this information for health purposes.