Natural Incense Charcoal: DIY Tinder Fungus
A long time ago, I wondered how people in ancient times burned their incense herbs, resins, and woods. Today, we typically use charcoal discs (briquettes), and I must confess: I do not like them very much. I never quite know what is inside them—saltpeter, quick-lighting chemicals, sulfur? After all, we inhale these substances during a ritual.
The Solution from the Forest In earlier times, people used the Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius)—also known as the Hoof Fungus—as incense charcoal. It is a polypore mushroom that grows on trees. Historically, this fungus was sliced, dried, and treated in a special way to catch sparks for making fire. In Germany, we still have the saying “Es brennt wie Zunder” (“It burns like tinder”) to describe something highly flammable.
For our incense purposes, however, we only need to dry the most important part: the Trama (the flesh). This tree fungus smolders for a very long time without spraying sparks. In medieval times, it was used to transport fire over long distances and, of course, to ignite sacred incense.
Where to find the Tinder Fungus?
Here in the North, it loves to grow on dead Birch wood, but it is also very commonly found on Beech trees.
Harvesting Tip: You can often detach it easily from the wood. However, older specimens of the Tinder Fungus hold on very tightly.
The Technique: Strike the underside of the outer rim of the mushroom with the heel of your hand (pushing upwards). This usually loosens it.
Sustainability: In Germany, it is not strictly protected (according to NABU), but please, for the beginning, only take a small fungus and leave the rest for nature. (Note: Please check the foraging laws in your specific region).
Instructions: How to Make Natural Charcoal
It is best to split the Tinder Fungus first. ⚠️ Caution: Please watch your fingers! This fungus is very, very hard and tough.
Finding the Heart: Once you have split it, you will see the Trama. This is the felt-like, soft, brownish substance located between the hard outer crust (top) and the tube layer (bottom). This substance is the “Tinder” (Amadou)—our natural incense charcoal.
Cutting: You can cut or scrape this layer out, depending on how large you want your pieces to be.
Drying: The pieces must be dried thoroughly.
That is actually all there is to it!
Application: To light it, use a pair of charcoal tongs and a lighter (a small storm lighter/jet lighter works best). Hold the flame to the piece of Trama until it begins to glow. As you can see in the photo, it will start to smolder independently. You can then place your herbs or resins directly onto this glowing, natural ember.
Alternative: The Birch Polypore
The Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) is also suitable as natural incense charcoal. To process it, cut it into small, flat slices and dry them. Once dry, you can light a slice and use it just like a charcoal disc. It releases a very earthy, mushroom-like scent when burning. Actually, the Birch Polypore is a highly valued Medicinal Mushroom—but more on that in my dedicated Birch Polypore article.
