Although "tabu no ki" is often called "makko", it is actually the natural wood binder that is used when making makko. Tabu no ki is virtually scentless and will easily absorb the scents from any incense blend. Keep this in mind when storing your tabu powder. Don't store too close to fragrant materials or it might absorb some of that scent.
This is the most widely used incense binder in the world. Unlike gum binders, incense that binds with a wood binder may need to be 30% to 40% binder. By contrast, gum binders make up about 5% of most blends.