Vedic Vaani Gili Mitti Mattipal

Mattipal when given as an incense name is the aromatic bark of the Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa), and not to be confused (though people often do because the error keeps being repeated) with halmaddi resin from Ailanthus triphysa. It is unfortunate that Mattipal is used as one of the alternative names for both trees - and this is where the confusion lies. But halmaddi resin is never used as a perfume, while mattipal tree bark is. 

Gili Mitti is a traditional Indian attar made by distilling sandalwood with pieces of clay to create a rain on earth fragrance. Such an accord would work well with the natural earthy, musky tones of mattipal. The scent on the stick is  awesome, and something a little different to most incenses. It is pleasantly earthy and dry with strands of clay and sandalwood. And it has that electric ozone note of fresh rain drops on dry ground during a hot summer. The sandalwood wraps it all pleasantly and warmly. 

For such a chunky stick the smoke and fragrance is rather quiet and mild. It is a relaxed and relaxing accord, and very, very beguiling. There are times when a clean, gentle, relaxing, and somewhat beautiful scent is just what is needed, and this is the sort of incense I want at times like that. And absolute bonus points for the scent being a little jump to the left of the usual.  

Available from Vedic Vaani at 100gm for £5.78 plus shipping (at least £25). 

Date: May 2026   Score: 42/50

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Vedic Vaani of Mumbai

  

Mattipal:
Earthy Sacred Fig Incense

Reviewed in USA