This is only my second experience of dammar, and my very first with it in natural resin form. My first time was Gokula Dammar - an incense stick. Then, as now, because I know little of dammar, I consulted my Kinkele. He says that dammar is a light incense in which the "bright fresh/fine to citrus fragrance works like a ray of light" to clarify confused mental states, and to "bring the gift of clairvoyance".
Dammar is a tree resin like frankincense and halmaddi. It is harvested from the dipterocarpaceae family of tropical forest trees related to hibicus. The trees grow in South Asia, India, and South America, and are valued for their timber, though, as they grow, resin is extracted and used locally. Kinkele says the resin is used locally for protection and cleansing. While there is a light, almost lemony, fragrance from the resin, which is moderately pleasant, it is not a scent I'm getting excited about. I can sense the terpenes rather more than the fragrance, though chamomile does emerge along with hints of rubber and warm plastic. This is rather too fine a fragrance for me. I like my incense to be a little more heady, varied, and engaging. I like chamomile tea, but it's not the most exciting of aromas.
I feel this is more of a functional resin than aesthetic. I find it calming and restful. Useful for burning before bed, or at times of stress, perhaps.
I feel this is more of a functional resin than aesthetic. I find it calming and restful. Useful for burning before bed, or at times of stress, perhaps.
