Seamus Hammond
Incense is used all over the world for its aromatic qualities, as well as for healing and cleansing. Cinnamon incense, in particular, is believed to attract prosperity and love, promote health and strength, and invoke protection. Making your own cinnamon incense is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to tailor your aromatherapy needs to your preferences. The process is simple, requiring only a few commonly found ingredients such as cinnamon, water, and, optionally, clove powder and essential oils. The mixture is kneaded into a dough, shaped into cones, and dried before burning.
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What You'll Learn
Cinnamon and clove powder are the main ingredients
To start, mix cinnamon and clove powder together in a bowl. Add water slowly until the mixture forms a dough. You're looking for a fairly dry dough—just wet enough to hold together without being crumbly or runny. If the mixture is too dry, it won't hold its shape, but if it's too wet, it won't burn well.
Once you have a dough, form it into cones or sticks. For cones, pull off a small pinch of dough and roll it into a cone shape. Taller, skinnier cones tend to burn better. If you want to make sticks, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 2mm thick. Then, cut the sheet into strips and gently roll each strip into a stick shape.
Place your cones or sticks on a flat surface and let them dry for about 5 to 7 days. The drying time can vary depending on your climate; arid climates may require a longer drying period. After they've dried, you can burn your cinnamon incense! Light the tip with a flame and allow it to burn until the tip turns red and it begins to smoke. Place your burning incense on a fire-safe surface and enjoy the aromatic fragrance.
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Water is added slowly to form a dough
To make cinnamon incense, you will only need cinnamon and water. However, the water must be added in small increments until the mixture reaches a kneadable consistency. The amount of water needed depends on the humidity of the environment. In a humid environment, less water is required. The mixture will initially appear crumbly, but as you continue to add water slowly and mix, it will eventually form a dough.
The dough should be fairly dry and not runny. It should be moist enough to hold its shape without falling apart. Once the desired consistency is achieved, pull off a small piece of dough and roll it into a cone shape. Taller, skinnier cones tend to burn better. Place the cones on a flat surface and leave them to dry for about five to seven days. If the cones are still fresh and not burning well, allow them to dry for a few more days.
To burn your cinnamon incense cone, light the tip with a flame and hold it until the tip turns red and begins to emit smoke. Ensure you place the burning cone on a fire-resistant surface.
It is important to note that the quality of your incense cones can be affected by the sun and wind. Ensure that the cones are dried in an environment with the right balance of sun and wind to prevent warping and achieve a beautiful shape. Additionally, dehumidifying the cones after they have dried naturally will help remove moisture and reduce the potential for mould growth.
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Form cones and allow them to dry for 5-7 days
Once you have your cinnamon incense mixture, it's time to form the cones. Pull off a small pinch of the mixture and form it into a cone shape. Taller, skinnier cones tend to burn the best. Place your cones on a flat surface and leave them to dry for 5-7 days. The drying time can vary depending on the humidity of your location. For example, if you live in a humid environment, you may need to use less water and allow for a longer drying time.
During the drying process, the sun and wind should be considered. Ensure that the cones are exposed to sufficient sunlight and wind to help them dry properly and maintain their shape. Too much sun or wind can cause warping, so it's important to find a balance.
After the cones have dried, it's recommended to dehumidify them to remove any remaining moisture and prevent mould from forming. Place the cones in a dehumidifying room to ensure they are thoroughly dried.
Finally, check the quality of your cinnamon incense cones. Standard incense cones should be straight, not crooked, and free from mould. Package your cones in a dry place, ready for use or storage.
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Dehumidify the product to prevent mould
Homemade cinnamon incense is a fun and beautiful craft. The process is simple, requiring only two ingredients: cinnamon and water. However, the humidity in the air can affect your cinnamon incense, so dehumidifying the product is crucial to prevent mould. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process of dehumidifying your cinnamon incense:
Understanding Humidity and Mould:
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour present in the air. Too much moisture in the air can promote mould growth, especially in warm, damp environments. Mould thrives in humid conditions, feeding on organic matter and causing damage to surfaces and potential health issues.
Dehumidifying Techniques:
- Air Circulation: Ensure proper ventilation in the area where you're making and storing your cinnamon incense. Open windows or use fans to create a cross breeze, helping to reduce the humidity in the room.
- Desiccants: Consider using desiccants, such as silica gel packets, to absorb excess moisture from the air. Place them near your cinnamon incense during the drying process to help wick away any excess moisture.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a cool and dry environment. Mould thrives in warm, humid conditions, so keeping the temperature cooler can help inhibit mould growth.
- Drying Time: Allow your cinnamon incense to dry thoroughly before use or storage. Extend the drying time if necessary, especially if you live in a particularly humid climate.
- Storage: Store your cinnamon incense in airtight containers with desiccant packets. This will help keep the incense dry and prevent mould growth over time.
Using Cinnamon to Prevent Mould:
Interestingly, cinnamon has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an effective natural mould inhibitor. You can use cinnamon essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle to prevent mould growth on surfaces. Apply this solution to your cinnamon incense sticks or cones to help inhibit mould from growing on them.
By following these dehumidifying techniques and utilising the natural mould-fighting properties of cinnamon, you can effectively prevent mould from growing on your homemade cinnamon incense. Enjoy your beautiful, mould-free creation!
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Store in a dry place
Storing your cinnamon incense in a dry place is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its quality. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that cinnamon incense is sensitive to moisture. Therefore, choose a storage location that is not only dry but also well-ventilated. This will help prevent the buildup of humidity, which can cause the incense to deteriorate over time.
Opt for airtight containers to store your cinnamon incense. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or sealed ceramic containers are ideal. These materials are less susceptible to moisture absorption, ensuring that your incense stays dry. Additionally, consider using desiccant packets or silica gel. Placing these moisture-absorbing agents in the storage container will help maintain a dry environment, especially if you live in a humid climate.
Keep your cinnamon incense away from direct sunlight. While a dry and sunny environment might seem ideal, sunlight can cause the incense to fade and lose its potency over time. Instead, opt for a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, to store your incense.
Regularly inspect your cinnamon incense for any signs of moisture or mould. If you notice any discolouration or unusual odours, it may indicate that the incense has been exposed to excessive moisture. In such cases, you can attempt to salvage the incense by placing it in a dehumidifying room or area with good airflow to facilitate drying.
Lastly, ensure that your cinnamon incense is completely dry before storing it. The drying process can take several days, depending on your climate. Be patient and allow sufficient time for the incense to dry thoroughly before placing it into storage. This will help prevent the growth of mould and ensure your incense burns properly when you're ready to use it.
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Frequently asked questions
Cinnamon powder and water are the only two ingredients required to make cinnamon incense. However, you can also add other ingredients such as clove powder, lavender essential oil, or marshmallow root powder.
First, mix the cinnamon powder with water until a dough forms. The dough should be fairly dry and just wet enough to hold together. Form the dough into cones and let them dry for about 5-7 days. Finally, light the tip of the cone and place it on a fire-safe surface.
Make sure the incense is fully dry and straight, not crooked, before burning. The amount of sun and wind the incense is exposed to during drying can affect its shape and burning properties. It is also important to dehumidify the incense to remove any mold and reduce the amount of steam.
