Here at Modal, we've spent a long time studying the fragrant materials nature produces and we use nothing but to produce our whole herb incense cones. We're aware that a big part of our accrued knowledge is, well, kind of specialist, so we've put together this glossary of materials that will give you an overview into the raw materials we use to make our product...
Agarwood/Oud: the wood of an aquilaria tree that has been infected (purposely or naturally) with a specific mould that causes the tree to produce a powerfully scented resin to combat the infection. Agarwood is much sought after because of both it's scarcity and it's hyper faceted smell.
Bee Propolis: Bee Propolis (or Bee Glue) is an absolutely wild material. Made by bees from tree resin and beeswax to caulk their honeycomb, it smells like a mixture of rich amber, heady floral concretes and burnt sugar all at once. It's been proven to have anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti oxidant properties.
Benzoin: derived from the styrax tree, which is primarily found in Southeast Asia, benzoin resin is renowned for both it's warm, addictive vanillic smell and for it's healing properties. It soothes irritated skin, aids in wound healing and can alleviate respiratory issues when used in aromatherapy. It's aroma also has a decidedly calming effect.
Elemi: Elemi resin has a fresh, spicy, zingy citrus type scent with very green undertones of pine and balsam. The aroma is said to promote mental clarity and is often used in blends intended to reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue
Frankincense/Olibanum: the resin of the Boswelia tree, Olibanum's aroma has an exceptionally grounding quality, which is why it's such a staple of meditation blends the world over.
Lavender: Lavender essential oil is world renowned for its calming and soothing properties, making it a staple in aromatherapy practices worldwide. Its aroma is believed to alleviate stress, anxiety and insomnia, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. We use both the flowers and the essential oil of the plant.
Lemongrass: a tropical plant native to south east Asia, lemongrass contains citral, the same molecule as lemon peel, which is how and why they remind us so readily of each other. The plant's refreshing aroma is used to uplift the mood, alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
Myrrh: a distinctively, deep but sweet resin obtained from Commiphora trees, myrrh is valued in aromatherapy terms for its grounding and calming effects on the mind and the emotions, making it useful for reducing stress and promoting a sense of inner peace.
Opoponax (pictured): also known as 'sweet myrrh' opoponax is another resin that offers grounding and calming properties. Like myrrh it's a complex aroma but opoponax leans a little further toward the perfumer's amber accord without the spicy darkness of labdanum.
Palo Santo: a unique and natural tool for mental clarity, Palo Santo wood has a spiritual reputation and a smell that is like no other. The resin laden sticks smell like buttery pine, mint and citrus all at the same time.
Sandalwood (Red): scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus, red sandalwood has less of an obvious characteristic sandalwood aroma than it's white counterpart when it burns.
Sandalwood (White): scientifically known as Santalum album, white sandalwood is a fragrant and highly prized wood that is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It's long been revered for its distinctive fragrance and therapeutic properties. The sweet, creamy woody aroma promotes relaxation, reduces stress and enhances mental clarity.
Tabu no ki/Makko powder: the bark of the Machillus Thunbergii tree which grows all across Japan, China, Taiwan and Thailand. In incense terms, tabu no ki is a combination binder and burning agent that is almost odourless when burnt. Tabu no ki is a revered and versatile natural resource, deeply ingrained in the cultural and healing traditions of East Asia. The wood is believed to purify the air and create a sacred atmosphere when burnt.