Anisha Riggs
Incense has been used for aromatherapy, spiritual practices, and as a natural fragrance for over 6000 years. While incense is often made with synthetic fragrances, it is possible to make your own natural incense at home using essential oils. Essential oils and incense have therapeutic benefits and can promote relaxation, mental clarity, and other positive effects. Making your own incense at home allows you to customize your incense and know exactly what you're burning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of incense burning | Dates back more than 6000 years |
| Incense in ancient times | Used in balms as a crucial ingredient during the mummification process |
| Incense in modern times | Used in aromatherapy practices |
| Incense forms | Cones and sticks |
| Incense ingredients | Both natural and synthetic |
| Incense type | Synthetic incense is more common |
| Natural incense | Available but harder to find |
| Incense and essential oils | Essential oils can be used to make incense at home |
| Essential oils | Not as fragrant as fragrance oils |
| Essential oils | Need to be mixed with a solvent like DPG to make incense |
| Essential oils | Should be dripped onto incense blanks or sticks |
| Essential oils | Should be used in small batches to test potency |
| Essential oils | Should be allowed to soak and then dry for 24 hours |
| Essential oils | Can be used in diffusers, bowls of hot water, or personal inhalers |
| Essential oils | Can be added to bathwater or mixed with carrier oil or shower gel |
| Essential oils | Can be used in compresses and poultices |
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What You'll Learn
How to make incense sticks with essential oils
Making incense sticks with essential oils is a fun and meditative process. The history of incense burning dates back more than 6000 years, with many historians linking its appearance to early Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations.
To make your own incense sticks, you will need:
- Blank incense sticks
- Essential oils of your choice
- A shallow glass dish
- A tray lined with aluminium foil
- A dropper or sprayer
- Water
- Natural powders (wood, resin, herb, or floral incense powders)
Firstly, it is recommended to try out a small batch of your blend on a single stick. You can do this by applying up to 20 drops of essential oil directly to one incense stick. If you are using multiple oils, be sure to mix them together before applying to ensure even distribution.
If you are happy with your blend, you can then make a larger batch by mixing your chosen natural powders with water to form a dough. Add the water slowly and in small amounts, as you do not want the dough to become too moist. Once the powder forms clumps, you can start to work it with your fingers, kneading it like bread dough to ensure a consistent texture. At this stage, you can add your essential oils, mixing thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
The next step is to prepare your blank incense sticks. If you are using DPG (dipropylene glycol), place your blank sticks into a shallow glass dish, and add your essential oil blend. If you are not using DPG, simply lay your blank sticks on a tray lined with aluminium foil, and use a dropper or sprayer to distribute the oil blend evenly.
Finally, place your soaked blanks on a rack to dry for 24 hours. After this, they can be packaged in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, boxes, or wax paper to protect their aroma.
Some popular essential oils to use in incense sticks include lavender, amyris (West Indian sandalwood), neroli, patchouli, and geranium.
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Essential oils vs incense
Aromatic products like essential oils and incense sticks have been used for their natural fragrances and therapeutic properties for thousands of years. Both have played significant roles in various cultural and spiritual practices throughout history.
History
The use of scents and fragrances for therapeutic purposes dates back to ancient civilizations. In ancient China, aromatherapy was an integral part of traditional medicine. Chinese herbalists discovered the therapeutic properties of aromatic plants and developed systems to classify and use them. Essential oils were extracted through steam distillation, which revolutionized the production of concentrated plant essences. In ancient India, the use of incense was deeply intertwined with spirituality and Ayurvedic medicine. Incense was crafted from resins, herbs, spices, and flowers, and burned to purify spaces, enhance focus, and create a tranquil atmosphere. During the Middle Ages, knowledge of aromatherapy was further developed by Islamic scholars and Persian physicians, and in Europe, the use of incense and essential oils gained prominence during the Renaissance.
Method of Use
One of the main differences between essential oils and incense lies in their method of use. Essential oils are typically used with a diffuser, which disperses the oil into the air, creating a pleasant fragrance. Incense, on the other hand, is burned, releasing smoke and fragrance into the air. This creates a unique, fleeting experience as the incense stick burns, allowing you to appreciate the different notes and nuances of the scent.
Fragrance
Essential oils offer a wide range of fragrances, from floral and fruity to earthy and woody. However, some find that the scent of essential oils can be overwhelming or sickly when used in diffusers, especially if the oils are not properly diluted. Incense, on the other hand, often has a more subtle, natural, and lively fragrance. The scent of incense sticks is often described as woody and calming due to the variety of plant components used, such as resin, tree bark, roots, and flowers.
Health and Safety
The health benefits and risks of essential oils and incense are often debated. Essential oils are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. However, it's important to remember that just because they are natural doesn't mean they are completely safe. Essential oils can cause harm if used incorrectly or in excessive amounts. Incense burning, on the other hand, releases smoke, which may contain particulate matter that is not healthy to inhale. However, the smoke can be minimized by choosing lighter styles of incense and increasing ventilation.
Customization
Essential oils offer a high level of customization, allowing users to create their own unique blends by mixing different oils. This enables a personalized aromatherapy experience tailored to individual preferences and desired effects. Incense also offers some customization options, as you can create your own incense sticks by soaking blank sticks in essential oils and DPG (dipropylene glycol).
In conclusion, both essential oils and incense have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Essential oils offer a wide range of fragrances, health benefits, and customization options, while incense provides a more natural, lively, and fleeting aromatic experience. The best choice depends on individual preferences, the desired atmosphere, and the intended use.
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Incense and aromatherapy
Today, incense is available in a wide array of forms, using both natural and synthetic ingredients. The most commonly available types of incense are synthetic and can fill the air with toxic substances when burned. Natural incense, on the other hand, tends to be harder to find, but it can also be made at home.
Essential oils, which are natural aromatic products, can be used to make incense. However, many essential oils will not give a very potent fragrance when used in incense sticks. This is because, unlike fragrance oils, they are not formulated to be safe when heated, and their scent may burn off very quickly. Nevertheless, essential oils are often preferred to fragrance oils because they are natural.
To make incense sticks with essential oils, you can follow these steps:
- Place your unscented incense sticks in even spaces on a tray lined with aluminium foil.
- Using a dropper, add 20 drops of essential oil to each incense stick, distributing it evenly across the whole stick.
- Once applied, keep your sticks in a glass jar and let them rest for 24 hours.
- Package them in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, boxes, or wax paper to protect their aroma.
It is important to note that, while essential oils can have health benefits, they can also be harmful under certain circumstances. Therefore, it is important to do your research and ensure proper ventilation when burning incense.
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History of incense
The use of incense dates back to biblical times and is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was used in religious ceremonies. Incense was made from aromatic trees imported from Arabia and Somalia to Egypt, where it was burnt to counteract or mask unpleasant odours. It was also believed to ward off malevolent demons and appease the gods with its pleasant aroma. Resin balls were found in many prehistoric Egyptian tombs in El Mahasna, and one of the oldest extant incense burners originates from the 5th dynasty. The Temple of Deir-el-Bahari in Egypt contains a series of carvings that depict an expedition for incense.
The Babylonians used incense while offering prayers to divine oracles, and it later spread to Greece and Rome. Incense burners have also been found in the Indus Civilization. The oldest textual source on incense is the Vedas, specifically the Atharvaveda and the Rigveda.
Incense is believed to have been used in India and other parts of southern Asia as early as 3300 BC, with the practice spreading to ancient China around 2000 BC where it was used for worship and prayer. The earliest documented evidence of incense use is from ancient China, where it was made from blends of herbs and plants such as cinnamon and sandalwood.
In the 4th century AD, the early Christian church began to use incense in eucharistic ceremonies, where it symbolised the ascent of the prayers of the faithful and the merits of the saints. Incense was also used in Israel before the Babylonian Exile (586–538 BC) and was assigned miraculous powers. In the 5th century BC, altars were set apart for incense offerings.
Incense was introduced to Japan by Ganjin, a Buddhist priest from Tang China, in 754 AD. Ganjin brought a thriving incense culture to Japan, including the practice of nerikoh (blended incense balls) and medical incense. Court nobles in the Heian period (8th to 12th centuries) created original incense blends for personal use, establishing the foundation of the aesthetic and artistic world of graceful incense-burning in Japan.
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Packaging and storing incense
Incense can be packaged in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes. Wax paper and cellophane can also be used to protect their aroma.
When it comes to storing incense, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure that the incense maintains its aroma, quality, and efficacy over time. Firstly, it is crucial to store incense in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from heat, sunlight, and direct light. Excessive heat or moisture can damage the incense sticks and diminish their fragrance, and promote the development of mould or mildew. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing incense in damp environments or near liquids, as even condensation from unexpected temperature changes can be harmful. Similarly, exposing incense sticks to high temperatures can cause the aromatic oils to evaporate, reducing their fragrance potency.
It is also important to consider potential environmental odours and the possibility of cross-contamination between fragrances. Incense should be kept away from areas with strong odours, such as kitchens, and stored separately to prevent the transfer of scents. Additionally, storing incense in a sturdy box can help prevent physical damage, breakage, and the subsequent reduction in quality and burning time.
Some people opt for more elaborate storage systems, such as a kiri wood tansu (chest of drawers), while others utilise dresser drawers, wooden boxes, plastic containers with tight lids, or even ziplock bags. The original packaging can also be used, especially if it is made of kiri wood, which naturally guards against moisture and humidity.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is a product that releases fragrant smoke when burned, filling a room with its scent.
Essential oils are natural aromatic products that can be added to a diffuser, bathwater, or bowl of hot water to release their scent.
Yes, you can use essential oils in incense. You can make your own incense sticks by adding essential oils to blank incense sticks or by making your own incense dough and forming it into cones or sticks.
Any essential oil can be used in incense. Popular choices include lavender, geranium, patchouli, frankincense, sandalwood, and orange.
To make incense with essential oils, you can add up to 20 drops of essential oil to blank incense sticks or make your own incense dough by mixing dry ingredients with water and essential oils and forming it into cones or sticks. Let the incense dry for at least 24 hours before using it.
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