Moroccan Natural Sandarac Incense

✨ Moroccan Natural Sandarac Incense — The Golden Tears of the Araar Tree

Sandarac is the natural resin of the araar tree, Tetraclinis articulata, a hardy conifer of the Moroccan mountains and hills. In Arabic it is called السندروس (as-sandarous), and in Darija sandrous or sendrous; the tree itself is العرعار (l’araar). In English it is also known as gum sandarac or sandarach, and in French as sandaraque. The resin seeps from the bark and hardens in the air into small, elongated tears. As the photograph shows, the pieces are pale yellow to straw coloured, some clear and glassy, others dusted and opaque, with the occasional natural fleck of bark. Warmed on charcoal, sandarac gives a clean, dry, resinous smoke with a light lemony, pine-like note.

🌿 Traditional and Cultural Uses

In Moroccan homes sandarac has long been one of the familiar resins of the mbekhra. Families burned it to perfume and freshen the house, especially on Fridays, before receiving guests and after family gatherings. In protective tradition its smoke was passed through the rooms of the house to ward off the evil eye and jealousy and to bring a feeling of calm and renewal to the home. Herbalists kept it beside benzoin, frankincense and harmal, and it was often combined with them in home-made bakhour blends. Beyond Morocco, sandarac was traditionally dissolved to make fine varnishes for wood and musical instruments, and ground into a powder that calligraphers rubbed onto paper before writing with ink.

🔥 How to Use

• 🪔 Place a few tears on a lit charcoal disc in a heat-safe mabkhara or incense burner.
• 🏠 Let the smoke rise in a ventilated room, then air the space as you like.
• 🌸 Combine it with benzoin (jawi) or frankincense for a richer, rounder scent.
• 🧺 Pass the fragrant smoke near folded clothes or textiles for a light traditional scent, keeping fabric away from the burner.

🥣 Simple Bakhour Preparation

1. Light a charcoal disc in a heat-safe burner and wait until it glows evenly.
2. Using tongs, place a small pinch of sandarac tears on the charcoal.
3. For a home blend, add an equal pinch of benzoin or frankincense.
4. Add more resin only when the smoke fades and you want a fuller scent.

🧾 Ingredients

100% natural sandarac resin, a single ingredient with nothing added.

🔬 Product Profile

Sandarac is a natural resin from Tetraclinis articulata, a tree of the cypress family (Cupressaceae) native to North Africa, where Morocco holds most of its natural range. It is sold as whole, loose resin tears, not ground.

📦 How We Sell It

Available in 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg and 5 kg. You receive whole, loose sandarac tears, ready to place on charcoal.

⚠️ Usage Note

For aromatic and traditional use only, not for eating. Keep away from children and pets, and always use a heat-safe burner.

🌤️ Storage

Keep the resin in a sealed jar or pouch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Stored well, sandarac keeps its fragrance for several years.