Harmala is commonly called wild rue, Syrian rue, African rue, Espand .اسپند, or harmel.

ESPHAND comes in different blends such as mixed with Kondor (frankincense) used to fight off the "Evil Eye", bad omens, and clear negative energy, and it is commonly used in Persian culture. The addition of Frankincense tears brings protection, purification, and spiritual awareness.

when I grew up in Iran we used to burnt Sfand in wedding parties, Haj returns, baby shower and most social gatherings to keep evil-eyes away. I love the smell of it when it burns and it has some white particles that are tree saps. There was always an older aunt or relatives specialized reading the symbol left behind after burning the sap to find a clue behind the bad luck in the family.

enjoy yours and burn it cautiously over open fire, charcoal or hot burning plate. It does create a thick smoke and becareful when burnings it inside the house.

Burn it Persian style:

in a metal small container, Sfandan, turn on a charcoal and pure some sfand over it when it light up completely. Grab the container handle and walk around your house and bless the house by saying “blind the enemies eyes”. We do 3 times circling around each person in the family while they are sitting to keep the evil-eyes from them.