Lance Carson
Incense has been used for centuries for various purposes, including spiritual practices, aromatherapy, and addressing bad odours. Making your own incense cones at home allows you to customise your ingredients, save costs, and create a tranquil-smelling space. You can make incense cones with a variety of ingredients, including herbs like lavender and bay leaves, and bases like sandalwood, cedar, and pine. The process involves mixing and grinding the ingredients, shaping them into cones, and drying them before use. It's important to follow safety precautions when burning incense, such as ensuring proper ventilation and keeping it away from children and pets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Used for various purposes, including spiritual practices, addressing bad odors, and aromatherapy to address issues like anxiety |
| Ingredients | Base wood (e.g. sandalwood, cedar, pine), aromatics (e.g. cinnamon, lavender, sage), binder (e.g. makko, guar gum, honey), and water |
| Tools | Mortar and pestle, old piping cone tip, toothpick, mixing bowl, coffee grinder |
| Drying | Place cones on a car dashboard on a sunny day for 1-2 days, then store in an airtight container |
| Burning | Light the cone's tip and blow it out after a few seconds. Burn in a well-ventilated area on a non-flammable surface, away from children and pets |
| Storage | Store unused cones in airtight containers away from heat, direct sunlight, children, and pets. Can be used for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your base and binder
When making your own incense cones, it's important to choose the right base and binder to ensure your incense burns well and evenly. The base and binder are there to heat the aromatics and release their scents. Here are some things to consider when choosing your base and binder:
Choosing a Base
The base material in your incense replaces the charcoal or other outside heat source used in non-combusting forms of incense. Good base materials burn well and burn evenly. Bases can be tricky because some of them have very prominent scents of their own. For example, sandalwood, cedar, and pine are all excellent bases that can add a very strong scent to your incense blend. Therefore, you have two choices: use a base with very little scent or choose one with a scent that complements the rest of your blend. For instance, using sandalwood as a base for an incense with aromatics like frankincense or patchouli can provide amazing results.
Choosing a Binder
The binder is what holds your incense cone together. Popular choices for binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, makko, marshmallow root, and honey. Makko is probably the easiest to work with, and it is naturally combustible, which helps ensure a slow, even burn. When mixing makko powder with herbs, use a 1:3 ratio (e.g. one teaspoon of powder for every three teaspoons of herbs). Marshmallow root powder also acts as a binder and has a woodsy, floral scent that complements other herbs well. If you use honey as a binder, be sure to store your cones in an airtight container, as honey is a humectant and will attract water, causing the cone not to burn as easily. Gum binders are much more powerful than wood binders, so be careful not to add too much to your recipe, or it may bind so strongly that it can't burn.
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Selecting herbs and aromatics
Selecting the right herbs and aromatics is a crucial step in making incense cones. The aromatic ingredients are what you actually want to smell, so choose herbs that are still potent. Over time, most herbs lose their potency, which could impact the aroma created by your incense.
Some popular choices for herbs include basil, dill, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, and sage. You can also use aromatics like cinnamon, frankincense, and sandalwood. If you want to add a light, fresh, and uplifting smell to your incense cones, bay leaf powder is an excellent choice. Dried lavender lends a sweet and delicately floral scent. Marshmallow root powder has a woodsy and floral scent that complements other herbs well and also acts as a binder to hold the herbs together.
When selecting your herbs and aromatics, it's important to consider any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Talk to your doctor before making your own incense to ensure you're using safe ingredients. It's also important to note that incense should not be overused. It emits volatile organic compounds that can irritate the lungs. Always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from children and pets.
Once you've selected your herbs and aromatics, you'll need to crush them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. This step is crucial, as it ensures the release of the aromatic compounds when burned. The powder should be fine and consistent, with a fluffy texture similar to baking flour.
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Mixing and moulding the dough
When mixing and moulding the dough for your incense cones, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, gather your chosen herbs and ensure they are dried and still potent. Popular choices include basil, lavender, rosemary, and sage. You want to use a variety of herbs to create a well-rounded and fragrant scent profile. Once you have your herbs, use a mortar and pestle to grind them into a fine powder. Alternatively, you can use a coffee grinder for this step.
Next, you'll want to add your binder. Makko powder is a great choice as it is naturally combustible and ensures a slow, even burn. Guar gum and xanthan gum are also good options, but be careful not to add too much as they are very powerful binders and can prevent the incense from burning properly. Use a 1:3 ratio of binder to herbs, or follow the standard ratio of 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material. If you're using honey as your binder, add it after grinding your herbs.
Now, it's time to add your liquid ingredients. Start by slowly adding distilled water to your powder mixture, a few drops at a time. You can also add essential oils or perfume to boost the fragrance. The amount of water you add will depend on the other liquid ingredients in your mixture. You want to create a dough that holds its shape well and has a consistency that will allow you to form it into cones.
Once your dough is mixed, it's time to shape your cones. Take a small amount of dough and place it into a piping tip or a small conical mould. Use a toothpick to create a hole in the centre of the cone, which will help it burn better. Tap the mould on the table several times and then use the toothpick to loosen the cone from the mould. Continue this process until you've used up all your dough.
Finally, place your cones on a dry, firm surface and let them dry completely. The best way to do this is to place them on the dashboard of a car on a sunny day for 1-2 days. After they're dry, store them in an airtight container. Your incense cones are now ready to use or store for later!
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Drying and storing the cones
Drying and storing your DIY incense cones is a crucial step in the process of making them. Incense cones need to be dried properly to burn effectively, and storing them correctly will ensure they remain potent and usable for longer. Here is a detailed guide to help you with these steps:
Drying the Cones
The best way to dry your freshly made incense cones is to place them on the dashboard of your car on a sunny day. The heat and sunlight will help dry the cones evenly and effectively. Leave them in your car for 1-2 days. This method is especially important if your incense cones contain honey, as honey is a humectant and will attract water, making the cones difficult to burn.
Storing the Cones
After the cones have dried for a couple of days, it's time to store them in an airtight container. This will prevent moisture from affecting the cones and ensure they are ready to burn when you need them. Glass jars, such as Mason jars, are ideal for storing your incense cones. Keep the jars away from heat and direct sunlight, and store them in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
Burning the Cones
When you are ready to burn your incense cones, always place them on a heat-resistant, non-flammable surface, such as a small ceramic plate or tile. It is important to burn incense in a well-ventilated area, and to keep them away from flammable objects. Do not leave burning incense unattended, and ensure that they are kept away from children and pets at all times.
Cone Maintenance
Your incense cones should last for up to 6 months if stored properly. Over time, they may become crumbly and fall apart easily. If this happens, it's time to make a new batch. If your cones are not burning properly, you can break them up, add more binder, and reshape them. If the dough is not sticking together when moulding the cones, simply add a few drops of water to help it bind.
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Burning incense safely
Incense burning has been a traditional practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, for various purposes since ancient times. While incense burning is a great way to freshen the scent of indoor areas, recent research reveals there could be some health drawbacks. Here are some tips to burn incense safely:
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Burning incense emits particulate matter that can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. It is important to ensure the area is properly aerated and ventilated when burning incense.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure
Incense smoke contains various irritants and toxic compounds alongside its aromatic compounds. Prolonged exposure to incense smoke may affect heart tissues, deposit harmful substances in the body, and contribute to overall inflammation. It is advisable to limit the burning time and frequency to minimise potential health risks.
Choose Natural Ingredients
When making your own incense cones, opt for natural ingredients such as herbs, essential oils, resins, and woods. Some popular choices include basil, dill, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, and sage. Avoid adding additional materials to enhance the fragrance, burnability, or holdability, as these may contain harmful chemicals.
Burn on a Non-Flammable Surface
Always burn incense on a non-flammable surface, such as a small ceramic plate, to prevent accidental fires. Keep the incense out of reach of children and pets, as their lungs are more sensitive to the particulate matter in the air.
Be Mindful of Surroundings
Do not burn incense near flammable objects or materials. Ensure the incense is placed in a stable location, away from curtains, paper products, or other combustible items. Be cautious when burning incense in small spaces or enclosed areas.
By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of burning incense cones while minimising potential health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a base wood (e.g. sandalwood, cedar, or pine), aromatics (e.g. cinnamon, frankincense, or lavender), a binder (e.g. makko, guar gum, or honey), and water.
You will need a small conical mold, such as a piping tip, a toothpick, a bowl, and a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.
Place the incense mixture inside the piping tip and pack it down. Then, use a toothpick to create a hole in the centre of the cone, which will help it burn better. Tap the piping tip firmly on a table several times to loosen the cone, then use the toothpick to slide around the edges to remove any remaining mixture.
Place the cones on a car dashboard on a sunny day for 1-2 days, then transfer them to an airtight container.
