Bursera Bicolor Copalillo Resin

Bicolor Copal Resin — Bursera bicolor — Oaxaca region of Mexico

Bicolor Copal is a sweet-smelling copal resin from Bursera bicolor, one of Mexico’s many aromatic copal trees. This one smells like cake. Yes, a fragrance reminiscent of baked sweets. An unexpected direction for a tree resin, and a lovely reminder that the word “Copal” tells you very little about what your nose is about to encounter.

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$9.00 - $331.00

Frequently asked questions

Some questions and answers are automatically generated.

How does this resin smell?

Reviewers consistently describe a complex, layered scent that evolves as it burns. The fragrance typically opens with caramel or honey sweetness, followed by fruity or citrus notes (lemon, bergamot), floral and woody undertones, and a soft, warm finish. Several note the scent as uplifting and bright overall.

Does it burn well on charcoal?

Yes. Multiple reviewers specifically praise how well this copal burns on charcoal, with one noting it's among their favorite resins for coal burning. Reviewers also mention it works on electric burners at controlled temperature, though some find it shines more on coal.

Is the resin fresh and high-quality?

Yes. Reviewers consistently describe the resin as very fresh, high-quality, and note its sticky texture as an indicator of authenticity. Several mention receiving large, intact pieces and describe the overall quality as excellent.

What is this resin traditionally used for?

According to the product description, Copal Santo is a traditional Mexican incense resin used in rites, rituals, and homes for hundreds of years. It is also used in traditional medicine, often dissolved in oil to treat sore muscles, joints, and various skin conditions.

Does it create a cleansing atmosphere?

One reviewer notes it is 'very cleansing for the home environment,' particularly during colder seasons. The overall tone across reviews is that it leaves a gentle, inviting, and uplifting atmosphere.

What tree does this resin come from?

Copal Santo comes from the Bursera copallifera tree in Southern Mexico. It is a member of the Burseracaea (Torchwood/Incense tree) family, which also includes Frankincense, Myrrh, and Elemi.

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Its sweetness caught my attention, and if you enjoy exploring the differences between copals, this is another one to get acquainted with. Traditionally used for rheumatic complaints in Morelos, Mexico, Bicolor Copal is also burned as incense for its sweet aroma.

The tree is native to central and southwestern Mexico, where it grows in seasonally dry tropical landscapes. It is known regionally as Ticumaca or Cupalaca, among other names. As with many Mexican copals, local names vary, so I like to keep the botanical name attached.

Bursera bicolor belongs to the Burseraceae—the same fragrant family that gives us Frankincense, Myrrh and Elemi.

Bicolor means “two-coloured.”. Interestingly, though this resin has two tones, black and pink, the name actually refers to the two tones of its flowers: magenta with a white margin. Sounds striking!

Copal resins have been traditionally used for incense and medicine in Mexican ceremonies and homes. That shared history is part of their appeal, but each species deserves its own introduction. Calling everything simply “Copal” misses the interesting part. Most of the Mexican Copals will dissolve in warm oil, which makes them perfect for use in skincare and other therapeutic products.

Bursera bicolor resin contains triterpenes including alpha- and beta-amyrin, along with triterpene acetates which have been shown in studies to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

These heavy C30 triterpenes are the compounds responsible for the powerful anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair properties traditionally associated with copal resins. They do not distill over with the essential oils, but like the Frankincense Boswellic acids, they are left behind in the still and can be easily incorporated into anti-inflammatory oils, balms and cremes. They are skin and joint-loving lipophiles and dissolve easily into warm carrier oils.

If you are building a collection of Mexican aromatics, let your nose make the introductions. In this case, it may lead you to cake.

You can view my video introducing Bursera bicolor here-https://youtu.be/c-jjJ0D3B5Q

Dan

Materials: Copal, Bursera Copalillo resin, Copal Bicolor

Bursera Bicolor Copalillo Resin

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