Incense

Guide Note

Incense is the substance that releases a smoke of fragrant odor when it is burned. Burning of incense has been around for thousands of years, and even now it still remains to be a very important ritual in the lives of many people. It can be made through several methods, and comes in many forms: stick, cone, spiral, powdered, and oils.

Fast Facts

1. Comes in various smells and colors
2. Can be used to mask bad odors
3. Swallowing liquid incense can cause poisoning
4. Some incense are used to treat various health problems
5. Specific incense are attributed to enhancing moods and emotions
6. Contains high concentrations of pollutants
7. Smudging incense burns spices and herbs

Incense is used for several purposes. It has long been associated with the practices of many religions. In some religious traditions, people use incense to create a favorable atmosphere for meditation and prayer. During some worship ceremonies, incense is used with offerings and devotions. It is also believed that each incense has the power to attract the Gods while simultaneously casting out evil spirits. Some believe incense has the ability to purify the air and release negative energy or bad vibrations. In some religious beliefs, incense is thought to have the capability to induce self-awareness and set them free of a negative state of being. Some believe that each fragrance has its own ability to assist with mood enhancement and relieves stress, thus creating a healthy surrounding. Incense is also used in certain religions to cast spells and perform magic. Many others use incense simply to enjoy the smell it offers.

Plant materials used in the making of incense include woods, barks, seeds, fruits, resins, gums, leaves, roots, rhizomes, flowers and buds. As for animal ingredients, the specific parts used to make incense includes ambergris, musk, and operculum. Ambergris is obtained from the digestive tract of the sperm whale. Musk is a substance of strong odor found in the male musk deer. The operculum of some gastropods can serve in the making of incense. Incense can also obtain its fragrant aroma by the use of essential oils, such as jasmine, rose, sandalwood, etc. Lastly, artificial fragrances can be added to a charcoal based powder to form incense.

Incense can be burned indirectly or directly. When burning indirectly the incense needs to have a separate heat source usually provided by glowing embers or charcoal. This method requires raw unprocessed forms of incense, powdered or granulated forms. Direct burning applies to incense in these forms: coils, sticks, or cones. These types of incense are directly lit by a flame and smolders to dispense the desired fragrance.