Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is an ancient tradition that has been linked to early Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. It is still widely used today, with many people enjoying the combination of natural incense with essential oils such as patchouli and lavender. While it is possible to make your own incense sticks by dripping essential oils onto them, this method does not produce a strong fragrance. A better method is to soak the sticks in a mixture of dipropylene glycol and essential oil for 24 hours, allowing them to absorb the fragrance, before leaving them to dry and cure for another 24-48 hours.
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What You'll Learn
Using essential oils to scent blank sticks
Scenting blank incense sticks with essential oils is a simple process. However, it is important to note that most blank incense sticks have a combustible powder coating that may be toxic, and the sticks themselves may be made from toxic woods and glues. Thus, it is recommended to use unscented punk sticks made with joss/makko powder.
To make incense sticks with essential oils, you will need a long, narrow dish, such as an olive dish, or you can use aluminium foil folded into a "V" shape with the ends folded up to prevent oil spillage. If you are making a single test stick of incense, simply apply up to 20 drops of essential oil directly to the incense stick. If you are using a blend of oils, be sure to mix them before applying to ensure they are evenly distributed. You can use up to 4 ml (about 100 drops) of essential oil per five incense sticks, and a little less per stick as the volume increases.
For a batch of five incense sticks, first, add your essential oils to the dish and gently stir them with the end of a spoon or a glass stirring rod. Then, place the blank sticks into the dish and press gently so they absorb the oil. Set your homemade incense sticks in a mug to dry overnight (between 10 and 15 hours) before burning them. The room will hold the aroma of the incense for days.
You can also try the horizontal or vertical methods for making incense sticks. The horizontal method involves using the lid of a toilet tank to soak the sticks. The vertical method involves binding the sticks at the top before soaking them in a mixture for 24 hours in a beaker. Once removed from the beaker, the sticks are hung or stood up for another 24 hours to dry.
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The 'horizontal method' of making incense
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is used for various purposes, including aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonies. Incense can be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning". Direct-burning incense, also known as combustible incense, is lit directly by a flame and continues to smoulder and burn without external heat.
The process of making incense can be done through various methods, one of which is the horizontal method. This method involves the following steps:
The Horizontal Method:
- Prepare the Incense Mixture: Pulverize your chosen ingredients into a very fine powder. This is crucial for making cones or sticks that will burn properly. You can mix loose incense ingredients or use essential oils with a base such as dipropylene glycol to slow down the burn and reduce smoke.
- Bind the Incense Mixture: Mix the powdered incense material with a sticky binder such as dried fruit, honey, or soft resin. This will help form the incense into the desired shape.
- Shape the Incense: You can shape the incense mixture into balls, small pastilles, or cones. For incense sticks, you can roll the mixture onto blank bamboo sticks or use the paste-rolling method to coat the sticks with the incense mixture.
- Dry the Incense: Allow the shaped incense to dry completely. The drying time can vary from a couple of weeks to several weeks, depending on the climate and the shape of the incense. Keep the incense away from direct sunlight and heat during the drying process.
- Test and Adjust: Once dry, light one of your creations and observe how it burns and smells. If it doesn't burn steadily, adjust the mixture by adding more binder or incense powder. If it burns too quickly, decrease the amount of binder in the mixture.
- Package and Store: After you're satisfied with the burning and fragrance, you can package your incense in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes. Store them in a cool, dry place until ready for use.
- Burn the Incense: When ready for use, place the incense in a suitable holder, light the tip, and gently blow out the flame. Enjoy the fragrance as the incense smoulders and releases its aroma.
The horizontal method of making incense is a fun and creative process that allows you to customize your own fragrances. It may take some experimentation to find the right ratios and drying times, but with practice, you can create incense that burns well and fills your space with your desired scent.
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The 'vertical method' of making incense
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonies. It is also used as a deodorant or insect repellent. Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils.
The vertical method of making incense is a simple process that can be done at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making incense using the vertical method:
Preparation:
Firstly, gather your tools and supplies. You will need blank bamboo incense sticks, essential oils or fragrances of your choice, a beaker or container, and string or rubber bands. It is also recommended to use an additive such as dipropylene glycol, which helps the incense burn slower, improves scent absorption, and reduces black smoke.
Binding:
Begin by binding the incense sticks together at the top. Use the string or rubber bands to secure the sticks into a bundle. This step ensures that the sticks can be easily soaked and dried as a group.
Soaking:
Prepare your fragrance mixture in the beaker or container. Combine your chosen essential oils or fragrances with the dipropylene glycol. The standard ratio is 66% dipropylene glycol to 33% essential oils. You can use a single oil or create your own unique blends.
Next, soak the bundled incense sticks in the fragrance mixture. Completely submerge the sticks and let them soak for 24 hours. This allows the fragrance to be thoroughly absorbed into the incense.
Drying:
After soaking, remove the incense sticks from the mixture and hang them or stand them upright to dry. Place the bundled sticks in a vertical position and allow them to air dry for another 24 hours. This step ensures that the incense becomes dry and ready for burning.
Packaging and Burning:
Once the incense is completely dry, carefully remove the string or rubber bands. At this point, you can package your incense in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes for storage or gifting.
Finally, you can light your homemade incense and enjoy the fragrance. Place the incense in an appropriate burner, light the tip or end, and let it burn, releasing its aromatic smoke.
The vertical method of making incense is a straightforward process that allows you to create your own unique fragrances. It is a great way to control the ingredients used and ensure a pleasant aromatic experience.
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The best oils for promoting peace in your homemade incense
Incense is an ancient tradition that has been linked to various civilisations, including ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations. The practice of burning incense is believed to have spiritual and aromatherapy benefits, with many people opting for incense sticks with calming, gentle aromas to promote relaxation and serenity.
If you're looking to create your own homemade incense, essential oils are a key ingredient. Any oil can be used to scent incense, but some are better suited to promoting peace and serenity. Here are some of the best essential oils to use in your homemade incense for a calming and peaceful aroma:
Lavender Oil: Classic, sweet, and floral with fresh herbaceous undertones, lavender oil is perfect for total relaxation. According to a 2018 Japanese study, linalool, a key constituent of lavender, can stimulate the olfactory system and produce a calming effect on the body, helping to relax the mind and body and lower blood pressure.
Patchouli Oil: Patchouli has a long history of use in natural incense, and its scent is known to powerfully impact hormone levels, encouraging the release of serotonin and dopamine, which can dispel negative emotions.
Geranium Oil: With a delicate scent similar to roses, geranium oil is a great floral alternative to popular oils like lavender. Geranium is highly effective against symptoms of anxiety and stress, as a 2015 study found that it successfully reduced the worries of women in labour.
Other essential oils that can be used to create calming and peaceful incense blends include lemon, fir needle, and earthy blends. When creating your own incense, it is important to use a carrier substance like dipropylene glycol, which helps the incense burn slower, reduces black smoke, and allows the scent to absorb better.
There are various methods for creating homemade incense, such as the vertical and horizontal methods, which differ in terms of the space required and the reusability of the soaking material.
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How to store homemade incense
Storing homemade incense properly is crucial to ensure their longevity. Here are some detailed tips on how to store your homemade incense:
Choosing the Right Container
Select airtight containers made from non-reactive materials such as glass, ceramic, or metal. Avoid using plastic containers, as they can sometimes emit odours that could alter the fragrance of your incense over time. Japanese Paulownia boxes are an excellent choice due to their ability to swell and become airtight during humid conditions, protecting the incense from moisture and degradation.
Maintaining Optimal Conditions
Keep your incense in a cool, dry, and dark place. Humidity can significantly impact the quality of incense sticks, so it's best to store them in moisture-resistant containers. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a small packet of silica gel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. However, be cautious as silica gel can also absorb fragrances over an extended period.
Separating Different Types of Incense
Store different types of incense in separate containers or compartments within the same container. This is important because different incense fragrances can blend if stored together, compromising their unique scents.
Packaging and Preservation
Once your homemade incense is dry, you can package them in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes. To further preserve your incense, store them in their original carton box and then place that box inside a ziplock bag. This additional layer of protection will help maintain the fragrance and prevent degradation.
Shelf Life Considerations
The shelf life of your incense depends on its quality and type. Generally, cheaper varieties may noticeably degrade in quality after two to three years, while premium-quality incense can retain its potency and fragrance for many years when stored correctly.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively store your homemade incense, ensuring that it remains aromatic and potent for a longer period.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to convert incense to oil. However, it is more common and easier to make incense from essential oils.
You can make incense from essential oils by using the horizontal or vertical method. The horizontal method involves soaking the sticks in a mixture of essential oils and dipropylene glycol for 24 hours, then leaving them to dry for another 24 hours. The vertical method involves binding the sticks at the top before soaking them in the mixture for 24 hours, then hanging them or standing them up to dry.
Common essential oils used to make incense include lavender, geranium, and patchouli.
Making incense from essential oils allows you to know exactly what you are burning in your home and to create incense with specific benefits, such as calming and relaxing aromas.
