Seamus Hammond
Incense burning is a traditional and common practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, for various purposes since ancient times. Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. While incense burning is valued for its psychological or spiritual healing properties, it is important to rely on scientifically-researched practices such as hand washing and proper cleaning to prevent the spread of viruses. Although some incense types are believed to have antiviral properties, there is no evidence that burning incense kills the coronavirus.
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What You'll Learn
Burning incense has psychological and spiritual healing properties
Burning incense has been a traditional and common practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, for various purposes since ancient times. It has been used in religious ceremonies by various cultures, such as the Egyptians for offerings to deities and the Hebrews in their rituals. The Greeks and Romans also believed that incense had medicinal properties and used it to fumigate and purify the air.
Today, incense is still burned in temples, monasteries, mosques, and households for divine worshipping and ancestor veneration. It is also used for other purposes such as deodorizing, aromatherapy, and meditation. The practice of burning incense is deeply rooted in spirituality and is believed to have healing properties for the mind, body, and spirit.
The aroma released from burning incense can create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere, promoting mental clarity and boosting creative energy. It can also help individuals transition into a spiritual mindset, creating a dedicated space for spiritual practices. The smoke of incense can symbolize the ephemeral nature of life and the human desire to transcend the material world.
While incense burning has these psychological and spiritual benefits, it is important to note that it should be used alongside scientifically researched practices such as hand washing and proper cleaning to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the use of synthetic incense should be avoided as it releases harmful chemicals and contributes to indoor air pollution.
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Burning sage can kill 94% of airborne bacteria
Burning incense is a popular activity worldwide, with a global consumption exceeding 200 million tons per year. It is especially common in religious and spiritual rituals, as well as for aromatherapy, deodorizing, and meditation.
While incense burning has psychological and spiritual benefits for those who practice it, it does not have antiviral properties and therefore cannot kill the coronavirus. However, some studies have shown that burning sage can be antiviral, but the amount and duration of burning required may not be practical.
That being said, research from 2019 has shown that burning sage can kill 94% of airborne bacteria. This ancient practice, also known as smudging, involves burning sage in a room for an hour, which can reduce airborne bacteria by 94% and keep the room almost entirely bacteria-free for 24 hours. Some strains of harmful bacteria could not be detected for up to 30 days.
It's important to note that the benefits of burning sage are controversial, as breathing in smoke has known harms, and the antibacterial benefits are uncertain. While sage may help eliminate some bacteria, it should not be relied upon as a sole method of disinfection.
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Incense smoke may cause indoor air pollution
Incense burning is a traditional and common practice in many parts of the world, especially in the Eastern regions. It is used for various purposes, including divine worshipping, ancestor veneration, aromatherapy, and meditation. However, incense smoke may cause indoor air pollution and have negative effects on human health.
The global consumption of incense is estimated to exceed 200 million tons per year, with Asia being the largest market. Incense burning contributes to both outdoor and indoor air pollution. A study of twelve incense products used in homes, temples, spas, and yoga centres found that they emitted dangerous gaseous pollutants, including benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, and furan. These compounds are known or suspected to cause severe chronic health effects, such as cancer, mutations, and reproductive toxicity. The study also indicated that incense cone types are more likely to be more polluting than incense stick types.
The toxicities of incense smoke come from its harmful constituents and deposition capacity in the body. It can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and cancer. Long-term exposure to incense smoke has also been linked to adverse cognitive and brain health effects, including accelerated cognitive ageing, intellectual decline, and an increased risk for Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia.
To reduce exposure to incense smoke, it is recommended to increase ventilation by opening windows during and after burning incense. Limiting the use of incense and exploring alternative options can also help lower the risk of potential health issues associated with incense smoke. While burning incense may have spiritual and psychological benefits for some, it is important to prioritise scientifically researched practices, such as handwashing and proper cleaning, to ensure overall health and well-being.
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Incense smoke contains harmful constituents that can be deposited in the body
Incense burning has been a traditional and common practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, for various purposes since ancient times. It is an indispensable ritualistic practice in some religions, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. In recent years, however, there have been growing concerns about the negative health impact of incense smoke.
The smoke released from burning incense contains particulate matter (PM), gas products, and many organic compounds. On average, incense burning produces more particulates per gram burned compared to cigarettes. The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and others. Incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds are considered harmful constituents that can be deposited in the body.
Several studies have reported the negative effects of incense smoke on human health, with a growing body of evidence indicating the association between exposure to incense smoke and an increased risk of numerous health issues. These include respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. The toxicities of incense smoke come directly from these harmful constituents and their deposition capacity in the body.
In addition, incense smoke can cause respiratory system dysfunction and has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis. It is considered comparable to or even more harmful than passive smoking. Furthermore, a 2020 study found that long-term exposure to incense smoke may cause issues with brain health in older adults over 65 years of age, including delays in cognitive performance and decreased brain connectivity.
While incense burning has cultural and spiritual significance, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with the inhalation of incense smoke and its constituents that can be deposited in the body.
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Incense can be used as an insect repellent
Incense burning is a traditional practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, and is used for various purposes, including aromatherapy and meditation. However, it is important to note that incense does not have antiviral properties and therefore will not kill the coronavirus.
While incense may not protect you from viruses, it can be effective as an insect repellent. Many commercially available mosquito repellent incense sticks are made from natural plant-based ingredients and essential oils, such as citronella, peppermint, rosemary, and lemongrass. These incense sticks are designed to be burned outdoors and can provide up to 2.5 hours of protection from mosquitoes and other insects.
The use of incense for insect repellent purposes is also supported by a patent from China, which describes an incense blend that includes ingredients such as Chinese atractylodes rhizome, dried duckweed, and dahurian angelica root. This incense is claimed to be effective in repelling mosquitoes and flies, as well as preventing influenza and other viruses.
In addition to its insect repellent properties, incense has been traditionally used for religious and spiritual purposes in Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. However, it is important to be cautious when burning incense, as it can produce harmful smoke, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
No, incense does not have any antiviral properties. However, burning sage has been shown to kill 94% of airborne bacteria.
Frankincense has been shown to potentially lower anxiety and general stress due to incensole acetate. However, a growing body of evidence has reported the negative effects of incense use on human well-being, with some studies linking heavy incense use to cancer.
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils.
Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonial reasons. It may also be used as a simple deodorant or insect repellent.
Incense burning is a traditional and common practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East. It is used in religious and public places, with nearly 80% of Chinese burning incense at home daily and over 90% having practiced incense burning for more than 20 years.
