Introduction to Bakhoor – Step by Step Instruction
Burning oud chips captures the essence of the wood in a more complete scent profile than does the wearing of oud oil, albeit in the perfect world of a sheikh one will anoint oneself with the oil and then while standing in a tent over the burning coals will allow the smoke of the burning chip to fumigate one’s clothes and hair and beard.
Nowadays there are electric burners but charcoal in a bowl or an Arabian Mubakhar are the most efficient methods.
Burning with charcoal is the most effective way to heat up your oud although it is also messier than an electric burner.
The utensils you will need for this style of burning are a clay bowl, bamboo or Abrasar charcoal (don’t use the instant light charcoal which may contain Saltpeter or sulphur) and a little pair of tongs to place the Oud chips or Mabthouth balls on the heated charcoal.
Ensure the charcoal is heated all the way through. We usually wait 10-15 minutes before placing the wood chips or balls onto the burning charcoal. Place some ashes on top of the burning charcoal to keep the wood from burning too fast, otherwise it may give off a rubbery odor. The ashes referred to the residue from previously burned charcoal. Always make point to retain the ashes so that they can be used for layering in the next oud session.
Below is a step by step summary of burning Oud Chips / Balls :
Light up a piece of charcoal and place it in a Mubakhar, or an incense burner.
After the charcoal has burnt for approximately 10 minutes, a thin layer of ash will have formed on top of it. Do not brush this off.
Now place a small oud chip or a piece of crusted wood grains or ball,, on top of the charcoal. The thin layer of ash will ensure that the wood itself does not burn too much - rather the resin inside will heat up.
In a few seconds, you will see that the color of the wood starts to become darker, and the surface starts bubbling. This is the resin being released due to the heat, and some smoke will start to rise now.
You can scent your clothes and neck with the smoke. Be sure not to let your clothes get singed by the burning charcoal!
Put the oud chip aside once the smoke stops rising from it. Do not flip the chip. While you may notice that more smoke is emitted by doing so, it will have a harsh smoky smell that pricks the nose instead of the sweet woody smell you want to scent yourself with.
The smell of smoke will fade soon, and what you will be left with is a spicy, sweet, woody smell that will keep you company for days, and will be the curiosity in the minds of those you meet.
All our Bakhoor Gift Sets come with a Step by Step Instructions and simple introduction to the giving of Bakhoor and its benefits. For more information, contact us at sales@gift-lab.com or +603-78830233.
