Copal Blanco (Dacryodes Peruviana)

Copal Blanco, a resin of the Dacryodes Peruviana, was already used by the Maya and Aztecs in ceremonies for purification. The Maya used copal to cleanse the souls of deceased animals before preparing them for consumption, to clean public spaces and to keep mosquitoes away. The resin exudes a pleasant scent and is now often used as an ingredient to make incense. The Peruvian Copal Blanco comes from a different species than the Mexican one. Trees of the Bursera family possess special medicinal benefits that can cleanse the body and the environment of unwanted mosquitoes, diseases, and sometimes unwanted spirits. Copal is an umbrella term for resins that come from various Burseraceae trees and refers to the cured resin. So it is not the resin of a specific tree species. An important ingredient in Copal is the prized linalool, which is often used in perfumes, especially those with floral notes. Linalool gives Copal an unmistakable fragrance that is reminiscent of places like Tulum or other areas of Central America, where the resin is still used as a natural cleaning agent. Compared to other incense products, Copal is less intrusive and can be used indoors without any problems.