There are few incense ingredients as confusing as Dragons Blood. The name Dragons Blood can refer to no less than sixteen different resins from the same number of trees. It can also refer to the extremely poisonous mineral cinnibar (mercury sulfide) although not in recent times to my knowledge. It is also another name for red rock opium, but it contains no opiates and its intoxicating properties are dubious at best.

Tolu balsam (Myroxylon balsamum) trees grow in the northern part of South America. Primarily Colombia. Supposedly, the best tolu trees grow in the lower delta of the Magdalena River near the city of Santiago de Tolu.
A member of the Fabaceae family, the same as the Peruvian balsam tree, the tolu tree can grow its straight trunk up to 40 feet high. All parts of the tree have an aromatic fragrance and the balsam discharges from V-shaped cuts in the bark and is collected in containers.
The balsam is soft and can be kneaded easily. It can contain small crystals and it hardens over time to to a dark or reddish-brown color. It has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments including coughs, headaches, gout and various stomach ailments.

Anise (Pimpinella aniseum) comes from the eastern part of the Mediterranean and from western Asia as well. It is generally used as a spice. It aids digestion and reduces bloating. It is a sweet and very aromatic spice and is characterized by its licorice-like flavor. In fact, if you enjoy Jagermeister then you have sampled anise.

Ambergris is the only perfumery ingredient that I can think of that comes from a living animal that is neither tortured, imprisoned or outright killed to harvest the substance. It is a solid, waxy and flammable substance that is grey to black in color. It is produced in the digestive system of sperm whales and is regurgitated naturally. It then floats on the sea for perhaps tens of years before washing up on the beaches of countries such as India, China, Japan and Australia among others.

Before you run out and light your aloe vera plant you have on your windowsill on fire, be advised that this aloe (aloe ferox) is a different plant. It is also a part of the Asphodelaceae family and it can also be used in the same way as aloe vera for cuts, wounds, and burns as well as constipation and indigestion. The big difference is the wonderful smell that Aloe ferox gives when burned.

So with that aside firmly spell checked, lets talk about Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa. Is it worth the hype and number one selling incense spot? Well, yes and no. Make no mistake, it is an excellent nag champa. Perfectly representative of nag champa incense. Warm, earthy, sweet, slightly “moist” smelling and with plenty of character. However, that comes with a big “but”.

The Hem incense company puts forth a very good effort with their Hem Champa. Unfortunately it doesn’t have what it takes to be a serious contender to the current kings of the hill. Don’t get me wrong, I am not dismissing this version of nag champa with the wave of an elitist hand. It is just that what is an acceptable formulation of nag champa has such narrow margins and any scent that strays too far out of them falls by the wayside. This is by popular vote and not my personal opinion.

Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa.  Golden Nag Champa.  Shanthimalai Nag Champa. Goloka Nag Champa.  These are the heavy hitters in the nag champa category and each one has its own die-hard fans.  Some will defend …