Lance Carson
Incense is a traditional practice found in countless cultures around the world, used for ceremonies, healing, and cleansing. Incense is also used to create strong associations with particular times and places, as our sense of smell is a powerful tool for linking memories and emotions. Making your own incense is easy and doesn't require any specialized ingredients. You can use dried and ground herbs, resins, and natural binders like makko powder, marshmallow root powder, or gum binders. The process involves grinding and mixing your chosen ingredients, adding a small amount of liquid like distilled water or honey, forming the mixture into cones or balls, and allowing them to dry before burning. It's important to follow safety precautions when burning incense, such as using heat-resistant surfaces and proper ventilation.
Characteristics and Values of Incense-Making
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Sandalwood, cedar, pine, red sandalwood, alder, charcoal, makko powder |
| Binder | Gum binders (guar gum, xanthan gum), wood binders (joss powder, tabu no ki/makko) |
| Aromatics | Dried and powdered herbs (sagebrush, lavender, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme), essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, extracts |
| Liquids | Water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, herbal teas, wine |
| Tools | Mortar, food processor, scale, respirator, glasses, gloves, mixing bowls, sieve, extruder, incense mold |
| Form | Cones, joss sticks, coils, masala sticks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a base
Type of Base:
The type of base you choose will depend on the scent you want to create and the other ingredients you plan to use. Common types of bases include woods such as sandalwood, cedar, and pine, which can add a strong scent to your incense blend. If you're looking for a more subtle base, red sandalwood (which is not actual sandalwood), alder, or charcoal are low-scent options that won't overpower your other ingredients.
Form of Incense:
The form of incense you want to make will also influence your choice of base. For example, if you plan to make cones, a wood base might be a good option as it can be easily shaped and moulded. For incense sticks, you might want to consider a powder base, such as sandalwood powder, which is traditional in Chinese incense-making.
Availability and Ease of Use:
Consider the availability and ease of use of the base you choose. Some bases, like sandalwood, may be more readily available and easier to work with than others. If you're a beginner, you might want to opt for a more forgiving base like Makko, which is known for its low scent profile and versatility as both a base and a binder.
Scent Combination:
Think about how the base you choose will combine with the other aromatic ingredients in your incense. The base should complement and enhance the overall fragrance, not overpower it. Consider testing different combinations of base and aromatic ingredients to find the perfect balance.
Binder Compatibility:
Keep in mind that the base you choose should be compatible with the type of binder you plan to use. For example, if you choose a wood base, a wood binder might be a good option as it can double as both a base and binder. If you prefer a gum binder, ensure it doesn't conflict with the scent of your chosen base.
Experimenting with different bases and combinations is part of the fun of making your own incense. Don't be afraid to try out different options and adjust your recipe until you find the perfect base for your unique incense creation.
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Selecting a binder
The binder is a form of glue that holds the incense together in the shape you choose. There are two basic types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Wood binders are easy to work with and, in most cases, act as a base material in addition to being a binder. Common wood binders include joss powder (sometimes called jiggit) and “tabu no ki” (sometimes, incorrectly, called “makko”). Makko powder is a very forgiving base and binder and is excellent for beginners. It is usually made from the bark of a tree in Asia named tabunoki (Machilus thunbergii). It has a really low scent profile so it won't ruin the fragrance you are aiming for.
Most wood binders aren’t as strong as gum binders, which is both a positive and a negative. Gum binders (such as guar gum or xanthan gum) are much more powerful than wood binders. A typical incense recipe will use just 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material. Because of their strength, adding too much gum binder to a recipe can cause it to bind so strongly that it can’t burn. Gum binders add no scent of their own to the blend, so you don’t have to worry about their impact on the fragrance. They can also make the dough "silky" and easier to avoid cracks/breaks in the dough.
Whether you choose a wood or gum binder, you must add water to your blend to “activate” the binder. While you do need to use a water-based liquid, it doesn’t need to be plain water. Any liquid that is mostly water will work to activate your binder. That means that water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, and other liquids can be used to activate your binder. Herbal teas and wine are commonly used liquids. Keep in mind, however, that essential oils do not contain water. You can supplement the amount of water you use with some oils, but you cannot use oils in place of water.
When making incense, you want a stiff dough-like mixture—it should be crumbly on its own but stick together when you squeeze it. If your incense powder is fine enough, the material will pack together nicely. The smaller your particles, the more material you can pack into a smaller space. Increasing the density of the material can increase burn times and make it easier to shape or roll the dough in your fingers.
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Adding aromatics
When adding aromatics to your incense, you can use dried and powdered aromatics, such as herbs, wood, resin, or floral incense powders. Sandalwood, cedar, and pine are examples of wood powders that can add a strong scent to your incense blend. If you're a beginner, a simple blend of sandalwood and 2-3 other types of powders is a good place to start. You can also add liquid scents such as essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, and other extracts to enhance the fragrance of your incense.
When blending your aromatics, aim for a fine powder consistency to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed. The smaller the particles, the more material you can pack into a smaller space, increasing burn times and reducing the chances of the incense cracking or breaking apart. This will also make it easier to shape or roll the dough into cones or sticks. You can grind the powder using a mortar and pestle or a food processor until it passes through an 80-mesh screen sieve (0.18mm/0.007") or, ideally, a 100-mesh screen sieve (0.15mm/0.006").
After blending your dry ingredients, slowly add water to activate the binder and bring the mixture to a dough-like consistency. You can use plain water or liquids that are mostly water, such as tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, or herbal teas. Avoid using only oils or extracts instead of water, as this can affect the burnability of your incense. However, you can supplement the water with some oils to enhance the fragrance.
Once you've added enough water, knead the dough like bread dough to ensure it's well mixed and consistent in texture. This is also the stage where any essential oils or liquid aromatics you've added will be thoroughly incorporated into the mixture. The dough should be very fragrant at this stage, giving you a good idea of how your final incense will smell. You can adjust the fragrance by adding more dried or liquid aromatics if needed.
After kneading, let the incense dough rest for a few hours or overnight. This allows the fragrances to mature and blend even further. However, be cautious when leaving the dough in a humid environment for too long, as it can cause mold to form.
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Shaping the incense
Shaping incense is a creative process that allows you to design your incense cones, pellets, or sticks. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the shaping process:
Choosing a Shape
The most common shapes for incense are cones, pellets, and sticks. Cones are easy to form and do not always require a mold. You can shape them by hand, using your fingers to create a tall, skinny cone, which burns well. Pellets are another option, often formed with the help of honey or a similar binding agent to create small, pea-sized balls. Sticks, on the other hand, require more equipment and can be made using a fondant extruder or a syringe to form coreless sticks.
Using a Mold
If you choose to use a mold for your incense, you can purchase or create a small conical mold for cones. For sticks, a fondant extruder or a syringe can be used to force the mixture through and create a uniform shape.
Binding and Drying
To shape your incense mixture effectively, you may need to add a binder like honey, gum, or marshmallow root powder. These substances help the mixture hold together without cracking or breaking. Once you've formed your incense into the desired shape, place the pieces on a flat, dry surface, and let them air-dry for several days or up to a week. The drying time will depend on the humidity of your environment, so adjust accordingly.
Burning Your Incense
After your incense has dried, it's ready for burning. Light the tip of your incense cone or stick with a flame, and let it burn until the tip turns red and emits smoke. Always burn incense on a fire-safe surface and in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that flammable objects are kept away, and never leave burning incense unattended.
Shaping incense is a fun and customizable process. Whether you choose to create cones, pellets, or sticks, the right tools and techniques will help you achieve your desired shape. Experiment with different methods and enjoy the aromatic results!
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Drying the incense
Preparing the Incense for Drying:
Before you begin drying, it's important to have your incense mixture ready. This typically involves combining aromatic botanical powders, dried herbs, and a binder like marshmallow root powder or makko powder. You can also add other ingredients like dried fruit, honey, or essential oils. Make sure your mixture is well-blended and has a stiff dough-like consistency. If you're using a mould, form the incense into cones or other desired shapes. If not, simply roll the mixture into small balls or cones with your hands.
Choosing a Drying Surface:
Select a suitable surface for drying your incense. You can use a flat surface, such as a ceramic plate, or parchment paper. If you're using a mould, make sure the incense is placed on a flat, even surface. If you're making loose incense or balls, parchment paper or a similar material will work well.
Drying Time and Humidity:
The drying time for incense can vary depending on the climate and humidity levels in your area. In arid climates, it may take around 5-7 days for the incense to dry completely. However, if you live in a more humid environment, it could take up to several weeks. It's important to be patient during this process, as sufficient drying time ensures that your incense burns properly.
Turning the Incense:
To ensure even drying, it's recommended to turn your incense every day or every other day. This helps prevent cracks or uneven drying, which can affect the burning process. Gently flip or rotate your incense cones or balls so that all sides are exposed to the air during the drying process.
Storing Dried Incense:
Once your incense is completely dry, you can store it in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use it. You can keep it in airtight containers or jars, ensuring that it stays fresh and retains its fragrance. Proper storage will also help prevent accidental ignition or moisture damage to your carefully crafted incense.
Remember, the drying process is an important step to ensure your incense burns effectively and safely. Taking the time to properly dry your incense will enhance your overall incense-making experience and the enjoyment of your handcrafted fragrances.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a variety of home-grown or store-bought dried herbs, such as cedar, lavender, sage, and sweetgrass. You will also need a binding agent like makko powder, which is derived from the bark of the Thunberi tree, and distilled water.
You will need a mortar and pestle to crush your herbs into a powder, as well as a bowl, a teaspoon, and your hands for mixing. If you want to make incense cones, you will also need a conical mold.
First, gather and dry your chosen herbs. Crush them into a powder using a mortar and pestle. Mix in makko powder, using a ratio of one part makko powder to three parts herb mixture. Slowly add distilled water to the powder mixture until a dough forms. Finally, mold your incense into cones or balls and allow them to dry for several days before burning.
