Katrina Rosales
Burning incense is a common practice, but the smoke it produces can be undesirable. Luckily, there are smokeless incense options available, such as those made with calming herbal notes of lavender and sage, or incense that can be used with an electric heater or burner. To reduce smoke, one can also use the charcoal ash method, the rice ash method, or an electric burner. When using charcoal, it is important to let it burn down for 5-15 minutes before placing the incense on top to slow its burning and reduce smoke. Smokeless incense burners are also available for purchase, which can be ideal for those who desire low smoke and no mess.
How to use smokeless incense:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense type | Smokeless incense is available as sticks, cones, or loose incense. |
| Incense holder | Use a suitable incense holder, such as a small cup or bowl, or a dedicated smokeless incense burner. |
| Incense burner fuel | Charcoal or a candle can be used as a heat source. Beeswax tea light candles are recommended to avoid soot. |
| Incense placement | Place incense directly on a bed of rice ash or on a mica plate on top of the ash. |
| Incense type | Use natural incense made from aromatic plants, such as lavender, sage, or sandalwood, to avoid toxic chemicals. |
| Ventilation | Open windows during or after use to reduce exposure to smoke. |
| Cleanup | Allow the incense burner to cool, then scrape off any residue with a non-abrasive tool or use aluminum foil for easy cleanup. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a smokeless incense burner
Using a smokeless incense burner is a great way to enjoy the fragrance of your favourite incense without worrying about excessive smoke or mess. Here are some tips and instructions for using a smokeless incense burner:
Choosing a Smokeless Incense Burner
First, you'll need to choose a smokeless incense burner that suits your needs and preferences. There are various types available on the market, including candle incense burners, charcoal incense burners, and electric incense burners. Candle incense burners, such as the ones offered by Legacy Icons, are known for their compact and simple design, combining the fragrance of incense with the glow of candlelight. Charcoal incense burners use hot charcoal to burn incense and are often used in traditional incense ceremonies. Electric incense burners, meanwhile, offer a modern and convenient option that doesn't require an open flame.
Preparing the Incense Burner
Before using your smokeless incense burner, there are a few preparation steps to follow. If you're using a candle incense burner, place a beeswax tea light candle inside the burner. Regular paraffin candles should be avoided as they emit black soot that can coat the bottom of the incense pan. If you're using a charcoal incense burner, prepare a small cup or bowl filled halfway with rice ash. Place a fully ignited hot charcoal piece in the centre, and then bury it with more rice ash to create a layer about a quarter to half an inch thick.
Adding the Incense
Once your incense burner is prepared, it's time to add your favourite incense. For candle incense burners, simply place the incense on the pan or grill provided. If you're using a charcoal incense burner, place loose incense, herbs, wood chips, or incense resins directly on top of the rice ash platform. You can also use a mica plate on top of the rice ash as a heat buffer and platform for burning loose incense and wood chips. However, mica plates are not suitable for incense resins as they will melt and harden onto the plate.
Safety and Maintenance
When using any type of incense burner, it's important to prioritise safety and proper maintenance. Always use tongs or a spoon to handle incense grains to avoid direct contact with the hot surfaces. Additionally, be mindful that all metal parts of the burner will become very hot during use. To clean your incense burner, allow it to cool completely before gently scraping off any carbonised incense with a non-abrasive tool or your fingers. For effortless cleanup, you can place a small piece of aluminium foil on the grille before adding the incense.
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Try a wax melt or oil burner
If you're looking for a smokeless way to enjoy incense, you can try a wax melt or oil burner. This method is ideal if you have incense that includes resins, which can melt and stop the burning process.
To use a wax melt or oil burner, start by adding a small amount of vegetable oil to the burner. Vegetable oil is almost odourless, so it won't interfere with the scent of your incense. Then, add a small amount of your chosen incense to the burner. This method will prevent the incense from crystallising and bubbling up, and will fill your home with a smokeless fragrance.
You can also try using a wax melt or oil burner with other aromatic materials, such as loose incense, herbs, wood chips, or resins. Simply place your chosen material on top of a small mound of rice ash in the burner, and light a piece of charcoal to place on top. This will slowly release the aroma without producing smoke.
If you're using a wax melt or oil burner, be sure to follow the necessary safety precautions. Always use a flame-safe container, and never leave the burner unattended while it's lit. Keep the burner away from flammable materials, and be careful not to overload it with too much incense or aromatic material.
In addition to wax melt and oil burners, there are other types of smokeless incense burners available. These include candle censers, which use a candle to heat the incense and release its fragrance. When using a candle censer, it's recommended to use beeswax tea light candles, as regular paraffin candles can emit black soot that will coat the bottom of the incense pan. To avoid a mess, you can place a small piece of aluminium foil on the grille to catch any residue, which can be easily disposed of once it has cooled.
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Burn natural, botanical incense
Burning natural, botanical incense is a great way to connect with nature and harness the healing powers of plants. It is a completely different experience from burning incense sticks, cones, or coils, which often contain harsh, scented smoke and unnatural essences. Natural incense, on the other hand, offers wild, fresh, and soothing fragrances that are true to the plant they come from.
To burn natural, botanical incense, you will need a few simple tools and ingredients. Firstly, gather a long match or a lighter, a warmer with a bowl-like surface, tinfoil, water, your chosen natural incense, and any essential oils or botanicals you wish to use. Place a small piece of tinfoil onto the bowl of your warmer, ensuring it fits snugly. Then, carefully pour water into the bowl, filling it to about three-quarters full. This step is important as it prevents the essential oils from igniting and causing a fire.
Now, you can add your natural incense. For this, you can use aromatic resins such as frankincense and myrrh, known for their pleasant aromas and spiritual benefits. You can also use essential oils extracted from various plant sources, such as herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. Each essential oil has unique healing benefits, so choose one that aligns with your intentions. Add around 5-12 drops of your chosen essential oil to the water, along with a small pinch of botanicals and resin.
Finally, ignite your natural incense blend with a long match or a lighter, taking care not to burn yourself. Enjoy the soothing, natural fragrance as it fills the air. Remember to always burn natural incense responsibly and follow safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of yourself and those around you.
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Use a small cup or bowl with rice ash and charcoal
Using a small cup or bowl with rice ash and charcoal is a great way to burn incense with minimal smoke. This method is ideal for those who want a ritualistic experience and are willing to put in the extra effort. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Fill a small cup or bowl halfway with rice ash: You can buy rice ash from incense shops or online. Alternatively, you can try sifting ash from your fireplace as a DIY option.
- Place a fully ignited hot charcoal in the centre: Make sure the charcoal is properly ignited and hot before placing it on the rice ash. The type of natural charcoal you use will determine the thickness of the ash layer.
- Bury the charcoal with rice ash: Create a small mound of rice ash around the charcoal, leaving a 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick layer. Pack it down slightly with a butter knife or a small, flat utensil to shape it into a pyramid or cone.
- Flatten the top of the mound: Create a flat platform that is 1/2 - 1 inch wide by gently pressing down the top of the ash mound. This platform will hold your incense.
- Add incense of your choice: Place loose incense, herbs, wood chips, or incense resins directly onto the rice ash platform. This method allows for a slow release of aromatic medicine without producing a significant amount of smoke.
- Optional: Use a mica plate: For an even more ritualistic experience, place a flat mica plate on the rice ash platform before adding your incense. Mica plates are traditionally used in the Koh-do incense ceremony and provide both aesthetic and functional benefits as a heat buffer.
Remember, while incense burning is an ancient practice with many benefits, studies suggest that prolonged exposure to incense smoke may have negative health effects. Always ensure proper ventilation when burning incense, and consider exploring alternative incense types or smokeless incense burners to minimise potential risks.
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Burn incense on a mica plate
Burning incense on a mica plate is a great way to enjoy a smokeless incense experience. Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly heat-resistant, making it perfect for burning incense. The use of mica plates is a traditional practice that originated in Japan, where they are used with resin and wood incense.
Mica plates are made from thin, transparent sheets of the mineral that can be easily split into flexible layers. These layers are then processed into plates, which have high thermal stability, excellent electrical insulation, and resistance to chemicals, moisture, and flames. This makes them an ideal surface for burning incense, as they can withstand the heat without being damaged.
To use a mica plate for burning incense, simply place a small piece of wood, resin, or incense onto the surface of the plate. As the plate heats up, it will release the fragrance of the incense in a slow and consistent manner, providing a truly immersive aromatic experience. The mica plate can be placed on top of smouldering charcoal, which will lower the burn temperature and prevent the incense from burning too quickly. This method is perfect for those who prefer a more ritualistic experience and don't mind the extra setup time.
It is important to note that mica plates are typically used for loose incense and wood chips, as incense resins may melt and harden onto the plate. Additionally, while mica plates are heat-resistant, they are delicate and can snap if not handled carefully. Any residue left on the plate can be easily scraped off with a fingernail or knife once the plate has cooled.
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Frequently asked questions
Smokeless incense is a type of incense that does not produce smoke when burned, thus reducing potential negative health outcomes associated with smoke inhalation.
To use a smokeless incense burner, place a small piece of aluminium foil on the grille and put the incense on top. This makes cleanup easier, especially for incense that tends to liquefy, such as amber.
Beeswax tea light candles are recommended for use with smokeless incense burners. Regular paraffin candles emit black soot that will quickly coat the bottom of the incense pan.
Some smokeless incense products include the Legacy Icons Candle Incense Burner and Kunjudo's Takara line, which includes the Takara Gold, a tuberose scent.
To make your own smokeless incense, fill a small cup or bowl halfway with rice ash and place a fully ignited hot charcoal in the centre on top of the ash layer. Bury the charcoal with more rice ash to create a 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick layer. Flatten the top of the mound to create a platform for the incense to sit on. Place loose incense, herbs, wood chips, or incense resins directly on the platform and enjoy a slow release of aroma without smoke.
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