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We get so many questions about incense uses, benefits, risks and more. To answer them all, we decided to create this piece – The Ultimate Guide to Incense.
Incense is a form of biotic plant material that is burned to produce a fragrant smoke and scent. There are many different forms and flavours of incense that have been used throughout history in ceremonies, religious practices and for recreational enjoyment.
Incense is used to scent a space, for religious worship, spiritual practice, health, meditation and as simple deodorant or insect repellent, among other reasons.
The tradition of burning plant materials for their aroma has been prevalent across many different cultures for thousands of years. In Asia, incense burners have been found in the ruins of the Indus Civilization (Northwest India, Pakistan & Afghanistan) at around 3300 BC.
In the middle east, carvings from ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom c. 2700 BC depict incense burning. In China at around 2000 BC there is evidence of incense being used in religious ceremonies for worship. In fact the use of incense has been prevalent across many cultures and civilisations around the globe for hundreds if not thousands of years. Native Americans, Arabians, Chinese, Indian, Jewish, Tibetan, Roman, Greek and Japanese ancient cultures all used incense burning as part of their lifestyles.
The benefits of using incense include stress relief, reducing anxiety and depression, helping you relax, improving mindfulness, aiding sleep, increasing focus, stimulating creativity, scenting a room and aiding in spiritual practices such as meditation.
Although these benefits are widely believed in many cultures across the planet, people have argued at times that their powers are somewhat subjective. In recent years certain claims about incense have been studied and the results have been published in scientific literature.
Certain types of incense are known to have psychoactive ingredients and have been associated with a mood enhancement and reduction in anxiety & depression in studies.
Incense is a form of aromatherapy often made using the same or similar ingredients as essential oils and is said to therefore possess similar benefits.
What Types of Incense Are There?
When we think of incense the first thing that springs to mind is often the stick form of incense otherwise known as ‘Joss Sticks’ but there many are other varieties of incense too.
Here are the different types of incense that are available:
Incense Sticks – Incense sticks are the most popular type of incense. They come in various lengths and fragrances, used in religious practices or for simply scenting a living space with pleasant aromas.
Cone Incense – Incense are compressed masses of incense shaped in a cone instead of attached to a stick. They use similar ingredients to the incense found on sticks and come in a big variety of flavours. You can create incense waterfalls using cones and backfall burners.
Coil Incense – Coils are known to have longer burning times than sticks and cones and are often used in large areas like halls and lobbies.
Kneaded Incense – This type of ‘indirect burning’ incense originates in Japan used in Tea Ceremonies. It is not burnt using a flame like with other forms, instead it is heated using hot coal or charcoal. It is best known for a sweet and creamy scent.
Aromatic Wood – Heating aromatic wood is achieved using the ‘indirect burning’ method. There are two main forms of aromatic wood incense ‘Soradaki” for scenting larger spaces and “Mon-koh” for enjoying a sophisticated fragrance using a very small piece of wood.
In-koh – This type of incense is pleasing for its aesthetics as well as its aromas. In-koh which translates as ‘Pressed Incense’ is made by filling shaped moulds with incense. In-koh is another form of ‘indirect burning’ incense.
Incense Scents & Their Uses.
Incense comes in many different scents and flavours. Their uses can depend on the specific ingredients used in the recipe. Here are the most popular types of incense and their uses.
Lavender – This versatile fragrance can be used to cleanse and heal, or to promote relaxation and sleep. Lavender is also known to have antiseptic qualities.It can also attract love, peace, and harmony to your surroundings.
Nag Champa – Is arguably the most popular incense flavour globally. This world-famous incense is made from rare gums, resins, powders and pure Mysore Sandalwood Oil. Nag Champa is often used in meditation or relaxation for its calming properties.
Frankincense – Has been associated with spirituality and protection against negativity and evil since ancient biblical times. It is also said to aid in meditation, concentration and can be used to purify spaces.
White Sage – Sage has been used for centuries to cleanse negative energy and purify sacred spaces and ritual tools. It is said to promote wisdom and clarity. Sage is also believed to aid in the healing of the body, mind, and soul. Some people use sage to enhance concentration, creativity and intuition.
Sandalwood – Sandalwood has long been used for its spiritual and medicinal properties. It is said to enhance spirituality, provide a healing environment, aid in protection and purification, and increase willpower and spirituality
Myrrh – Myrrh has been used as an incense for protection, healing, purification and spirituality for centuries. Myrrh has been used in building bonds and positive relationships with others.
Ylang Ylang – Ylang Ylang is believed to have antidepressant properties. It is also thought to boost confidence and promote feelings of joy.
Dragon’s blood – Dragon’s Blood is a resin collected from the dragon’s blood flower. It is used for protection, purification, courage, and to enhance awareness.
Patchouli – Patchouli has a deep, musky scent that is often used to create a calming and sacred atmosphere. It is often burned to stimulate spirituality and meditation, and its powerful cleansing aroma can bring balance and clarity to your space.
Lemongrass – Lemongrass is a popular insect repellent, due to its strong citrus scent. When burned, lemongrass is known to create a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere. Lemongrass is used to promote energy and improve memory.
What Ingredients Are Used In Incense?
Incense is made up of fragrant plant materials, tree resins, and herbs often mixed with essential oils. The forms of incense vary depending on the culture, and have changed over time with advances in technology and the increasing number of uses. Traditional and pure incense is only made with natural organic materials however some recent mass produced forms of incense unfortunately now include synthetic fragrances.
When choosing an incense you should check the ingredients and ensure the product you are buying is natural and doesn’t include any “fragrances” or “perfumes”, as they contain unregulated and potentially harmful ingredients.
Is Incense Bad For You?
When incense is burned, it emits smoke that contains particulate matter, gas products, and other organic compounds. Directly inhaling incense smoke is not advised, just like smoking a cigarette isn’t. Indoor incense burning increases levels of chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which can be harmful when inhaled in large quantities. The aromas from incense are however experienced second hand and are not directly inhaled.
The safest way to burn and enjoy the benefits of incense is to ensure your area is well ventilated and that you do not directly inhale the smoke.
What Are The Risks of Using Incense?
Using incense is a relatively low risk practice with benefits that far outweigh any potential harm. The most popular way of using incense is by directly burning it with a flame. With that in mind incense does pose a small fire risk if it is not safely held in an incense burner and is not properly put out after use. Incense should also be kept away from children who could be burnt if they touch the hot tip.
As mentioned above directly inhaling the smoke like with a cigarette can be harmful as with inhaling any type of smoke. If incense is used safely in the correct way in a well ventilated area the risk of use is minimal compared to the benefits.
How to Burn Incense?
To burn incense use a lighter or matches to ignite the tip of the stick. Once the incense has been safely lit, gently blow out the flame. The stick or cone will continue to slowly burn with a subtle glow producing scented smoke.
How to Dispose of Incense Safely.
When you have finished enjoying your incense the safest way to put it out is using water. Dip the stick or end of the cone in a cup of water to extinguish it. Once the incense is safely put out simply put it in the bin.
Incense & Spirituality.
The use of incense in religious and spiritual practices is a centuries-old tradition that continues to this day. Incense can be used as a tool to create a sacred space, for purification or to connect with the divine, whether in a formal or informal setting, and regardless of one’s religious affiliation. Incense is often used to stimulate and enhance meditation and yoga practices too.
How to Choose Incense.
There are two ways to approach finding the right incense. The first is to consider what you want to use it for, the second is simply based on what aromas you enjoy the fragrance of. Since incense will scent your home, it’s important to consider these factors. Once you have an idea of the flavours you like and what you would like to use it for, simply pick the type that’ll best suit the job.
You should pay close attention to the ingredients ensuring they are natural and do not contain content and synthetics. Our range of Incense brands produce products made using natural ingredients and essential oils with no harmful synthetics.
Popular Incense Brands.
We stock many popular and high-quality incense brands. Here are some amazing incense producers you can shop when choosing an incense for you:
Satya Incense
Tribal Soul Incense Cones
New Moon Incense
HEM Incense
Nandita Incense
Tibetan Incense
Vijayshree Incense
Resin Incense
Where to Buy Incense?
Incense can be found in many online stores, the question is who do you buy from and why. Here at The Indian Connection we only stock high quality incense sourced from some of the world’s longest standing most reputable brands.
Our incense is made from natural ingredients and essential oils and does not contain harmful synthetic fragrances. Our incense is sold and priced at wholesale rates and we also have a no minimum order policy so you can test our product in your store, with your customers, before you stock up on more. Shop our high quality incense today.
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