Copal (Various Types)

Copal is a sacred tree in Mesoamerican spiritual practices that serves a similar "cleansing" purpose to sage or palo santo. It's also known as "rax pom" (pronounced rash pohm) or "copal pom." We have it in three forms, which provide a different aroma and overall experience, and are useful for different purposes: Artisanal incense sticks: Made by hand in San Cristobal de las Casas, in the modern Mayan state of Chiapas, Mexico. The incense sticks can be burned like any incense. "Rax pom" essential oil: Made from copal trees in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. It comes in a convenient roll-on bottle and doesn't require burning. (This type is from the family who makes El Cielo and La Noche ceremonial cacao varieties.) Pure "rax pom" resin: The sticky, unprocessed sap of the copal tree, harvested in Guatemala. The resin can be burned over hookah coals on a "copalero" or vaporized another way. The smoke and aroma are much thicker with the resin. This more traditional copal is what's used in ce