White Copal resin Mexico - Bursera bipinnata 50 g

Net: 50 g

Botanical name: Bursera bipinnata
Other names: Copal, Palo di Copal, Copal blanco, Protium Copal, Copal prieto
Locality: Mexico
Production: indigenous Mexican farmers

What is a white copal?

Bursera bipinnata is a small tree or shrub that grows in arid and semi-arid areas of Mexico. It is often found in regions such as Jalisco, Michoacán and Colima. The resin of the white copal tree is light yellow to yellowish brown and has a characteristic smell. It is a solid that can be dissolved in alcohol.

Traditional uses of white copal

Pre-Hispanic cultures were already well aware of the effects of white copal and used it for ritual, ceremonial, festive, therapeutic and medicinal purposes. The ancient Mexicans considered the bath to be a protective god, called Iztacteteo, meaning white god, because of its white smoke. Copal has been found in Aztec and Mayan sites in the form of small tortillas or corn kernels, so it is thought that copal was food for the gods.
Copal is still used in rituals throughout Mexico, Central and South America. In South America, it has a similar status to incense in Europe and the Middle East. Because of its strong, bright energy, white copal is an important ingredient for incense ceremonies.

About the scent of white copal

Delicately sweet with a hint of citrus.

Effects

The bath relaxes, harmonizes, purifies and creates a positive atmosphere before healing (shamanic tradition).
Known for its calming effects, it is rich in triterpenes, which have been shown to reduce anxiety. The smoke of this resin is thought to activate 'ion' channels in the brain, which helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. These calming effects of the bath also allow the body to relax, de-stress and prepare for sleep. It has been used since ancient times to promote emotional balance and to calm the nervous system.

• clears stagnant and negative energy in a room and creates a warm loving space for creativity and abundance to flow
• creates a sacred space
• calms
• strengthens the aura
• works on the crown chakra
• also recommended for meditation
• it is associated with the Sun and the element of fire

How to use

Use on incense briquette or charcoal. It is not recommended for use in situ as it becomes liquid very quickly. It is a particularly fragrant experience if the white copal is used on an incense pot instead of just on a briquette.

Incense with which it blends well

Cedar, juniper, palo santo.

What is the difference between the copals?

Kopal incense comes in different versions with similar scents. Black copal is considered by some to be the most desirable because of its rich and intense scent. Golden copal has the sweetest scent. White copal has a sweeter scent than black copal but is not as rich nor as sweet as gold copal. All three can be used interchangeably and the choice is up to the individual.