Uunsi-Somali Amber Incense

Uunsi, is the traditional Somali Incense used by every Somali woman around the world. No matter which country you are in, you can always identify a Somali woman by the heavenly Amber aura that surrounds her. This is Uunsi.

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$9.00 - $58.00

Frequently asked questions

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Does the scent come through before burning?

Yes. Many customers report enjoying the aroma directly from the tin—some even place it in drawers to scent linens without burning. The product description notes that fresh Uunsi has an aroma, though the deeper, softer fragrance is revealed after burning on charcoal.

What is the scent like when burned?

Reviewers consistently describe it as soft, pleasant, and natural-smelling—not harsh or overpowering. One long-time customer called it "by far the best, cleanest uunsi we've ever experienced." The product description explains that the true fragrance emerges from the smoke of burning Uunsi on charcoal, delivering a softer and deeper aroma than the fresh scent.

How natural is this Uunsi?

This batch is made with natural ingredients including Frankincense, Onycha, Sandalwood, Oud, Agarwood, Maydi, Musk, Rose, Amber, and essential oils. A reviewer who has burned Uunsi for years called it "the cleanest uunsi we've ever experienced," and the seller notes this particular batch is "the most pleasant and natural-smelling Uunsi" they have offered, though the product description acknowledges that synthetics sometimes appear in modern Uunsi formulas.

Does this Uunsi have batch consistency?

Most reviewers praise quality consistently, but a couple of customers noted differences between orders—one reported a newer batch being more crystalline and lighter in color with less scent than their first order, though they praised the seller and said they'd try again.

Is this suitable as a gift?

Yes. One reviewer called it "a unique and memorable gift," and another highlighted the meaningful cultural background story as part of its appeal. Several customers purchase it repeatedly and treasure it enough to save for special occasions.

How do you use Uunsi?

According to the product description, Uunsi is burned on charcoal to release smoke, which is then used to scent the body and clothing. The fragrance absorbed through the smoke is the true perfume. It can also simply be placed in a space to provide ambient scent.

Is this the real traditional Somali Uunsi?

The seller sourced this batch directly from a Somali grandmother in Marsabit, Kenya, who is noted as a keeper of traditional Uunsi recipes. The product description emphasizes this is the traditional incense used by Somali women worldwide and that preparation and use are passed down through generations.

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This listing is for some especially nice Uunsi I brought back from a Somali grandmother in Marsabit Kenya. Somali grandmothers are known as the keepers of Uunsi recipes. Each with her own variations that she will only pass down to her daughters.

Uunsi is both incense and perfume. Not a harsh synthetic scent that you smell from a mile away and stays with you for hours, but a fragrance more like the natural smell of spring or fall that we wish we could capture.
Uunsii is applied to the body and clothes through the smoke released when it is burned on charcoal. It is the secondary perfume lent by the smoke of burning Uunsi that is the true perfume. This is different, deeper and softer than the aroma of fresh Uunsi.

The origin of the word perfume is "Per-fume", translated as, by or through the smoke. The word refers to perfuming oneself with the smoke of burning aromatic materials and incense.

Also written as Cunsi, is an aromatic secret that distinguishes Somali women from all others. Its preparation and use is passed down from generation to generation through women. I doubt if a Somali man can list the ingredients and prepare a batch of Uunsi.

In Hamilton, Ontario we are blessed with a rich multicultural mosaic representative of ethnic groups from across the globe. Many display their heritage with their clothes, physical features or hairstyles, their language or habits. Though Somali women do have their distinct beauty, bearing and attire, it is their fragrance that gives them away.

Somali culture dictates that women burn Uunsi after cooking a meal to freshen the house, but more importantly, using a special burner, clothing and body are regularly impregnated with its delightful soft scent. The true fragrance of Uunsi is only revealed after it is burned.

A partial list of Uunsi ingredients may include, but is not limited to, Frankincense Frereana (Maydi), Myrrh, Onycha, Sugar, Oud, or Agarwood shavings, Sandalwood and Frankincense wood, Musk and essential oils.

Uunsi is a special gift the Somali women have brought to us in the West. It would be a shame to miss it.

Though once upon a time, Uunsi was made exclusively with natural materials, synthetics do find their way into most modern Uunsi formulas.
That being said, this batch is the most pleasant and natural-smelling Uunsi I have yet to burn.

Dan

Materials: Frankincense, Onycha, Sandalwood, Oud, Agarwood, Essential oils, Maydi, Musk, Rose, Amber.

Burned a lot of this over the years

Burned a lot of this over the years. By the far the best, cleanest uunsi we’ve ever experienced. Thank you to the women who made it and Dan for curating.

Beautiful Uunsi

This is so beautiful. I hold a women’s circle every week and we crave the smell of those Uunsi. Thank you for carrying it

A curious scented treat

What an addictive smell! I have to admit that I haven't even burned mine yet...I just put the open tin in my pajama drawer so my clothes and linens get that lovely scent on them. A must-try and would make a unique and memorable gift.

Such a wonderful scent!

What a discovery, this Uunsi! Amazing scent, really, and already right from the container. Thank you!

This is truly amazing! Thank you

Wonderful hard to find Somali incense. It smells so good, what's not to like?!

I absolutely loved my first order of Unnsi...

I absolutely loved my first order of Unnsi , so I ordered twice as much this time but it's different. It's more crystalline, not as dark in colour and doesn't have as much small as the first batch that was dense and dark and very heavily perfumed a bit disappointed, but the seller is great , Will try again

I absolutely loved my first order of Unnsi , so I ordered twice as much this time but it’s different. It’s more crystalline, not as dark in colour and doesn’t have as much small as the first batch that was dense and dark and very heavily perfumed a bit disappointed, but the seller is great , Will try again

One of my favs from this order! Beautiful...

One of my favs from this order! Beautiful scent that comes from burning this! Will buy this one again!

Uunsi-Somali Amber Incense

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