Katrina Rosales
Incense is a popular way to fill your home with fragrance, but the smoke it produces can be off-putting to some. Luckily, there are several ways to burn incense with little to no smoke. These methods typically involve using specific types of charcoal or an electric burner. When using charcoal, it's important to control the heat exposure so that the incense burns slowly, reducing smoke and maximising its aromatic benefits. You can also purchase smokeless incense burners, which are ideal for those who want to enjoy the fragrance of incense without the mess and smoke. Additionally, certain types of incense, such as Kunjudo's Takara line, are known for being smokeless and offering natural-smelling fragrances.
How to use smokeless incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense burner | Use a smokeless incense burner, such as the Candle Censer for Home Prayer by Legacy Icons, which is simple to use and suitable for homes where low smoke and no mess are desirable. |
| Incense type | Use natural incense made from true aromatic plants, such as Kunjudo's Takara line, which is considered more therapeutic than harmful. Avoid incense with synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances, which are toxic when burned and can have negative health effects. |
| Incense placement | Place incense directly on a flat mica plate or on rice ash to create a slow release of aroma without smoke. |
| Heat source | Use a beeswax tea light candle as a heat source. Avoid using regular paraffin candles, as they emit black soot. |
| Clean-up | Allow the incense burner to cool, then gently scrape off any carbonized incense with your fingers or a non-abrasive tool. Alternatively, place a small piece of aluminum foil on the grille for easier clean-up, especially for incense that tends to liquefy, such as Amber. |
| Health considerations | Open windows during or after incense use to reduce exposure to smoke. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a smokeless incense burner
Smokeless incense burners are a great option for those who want to enjoy the fragrance of incense without the smoke. These burners typically use a candle to heat the incense, resulting in a cleaner burn and a pure incense fragrance. Here are some tips for using a smokeless incense burner:
When using a smokeless incense burner, it is important to choose the right type of candle. Beeswax tea light candles are recommended as they burn cleanly and won't produce the same amount of black soot as regular paraffin candles. Place the candle in the designated spot inside the burner and light it before adding your incense.
Most incense burners will have a pan or grate where you place your incense. It is recommended to put a small piece of aluminium foil on the pan or grate before adding your incense. This catches any drips and makes cleanup much easier, especially if you are using incense that tends to liquefy, such as amber or resin incense. However, be aware that resin incense can be flammable under certain circumstances, so always exercise caution when burning it.
When adding incense to your burner, it is important not to overload the pan. One to three pieces of incense are usually enough. Always use tongs or a spoon to handle the incense grains and place them carefully on the foil or pan. If using a loose incense blend, you can shape it into a cone or pyramid for a slower burn.
To increase the heat and smoke production, you can adjust the height of the incense receptacle to bring it closer to the candle flame. This is a great way to control the intensity of the fragrance and the amount of smoke produced. Remember to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and never leave it unattended.
Finally, when it comes to cleaning your smokeless incense burner, it is important to let the burner cool down completely before attempting to remove any leftover incense. You can gently scrape off the carbonized incense with your fingers or a non-abrasive tool, such as a toothbrush. For more stubborn residue, you can try freezing the grate and then gently flexing it to make the leftover pieces more brittle and easier to remove.
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Burn botanical incense
Burning botanical incense is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you do it safely. Firstly, make sure you are burning your incense in a well-ventilated area. Place your incense burner or bowl on a fireproof surface, away from anything that could be damaged by fire, such as curtains. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and never leave it unattended.
Next, prepare your incense burner. You can use a traditional incense bowl, or a heat-proof dish or container. If using a bowl or dish, place a layer of sand, salt, uncooked rice, or ash at the bottom to absorb the heat. You can also add a charcoal disc or tablet to keep the incense smoking for longer, but make sure you purchase the right kind of charcoal for incense burning, as the wrong kind can produce dangerous fumes.
Now you can add your incense. You can burn loose incense, or use sticks, cones, or coils. Botanical incense can refer to the plant Plectranthus madagascariensis, also known as false incense, frankincense plant, or plectranto, which you can rub to release its aroma. Alternatively, you can burn dried plants or resins such as cedar, sage, sweetgrass, myrrh, rose, lavender, juniper, rosemary, mint, garden sage, parsley, or catnip. You can also burn dried flower petals, such as rose or lavender, or purple varieties of basil and tulsi. Avoid burning unknown plants, as some produce toxic smoke.
Finally, light your incense with a lighter or match. If using loose incense, light one side of the charcoal tablet, then work the flame towards the middle and the opposite side. If using sticks, cones, or coils, light the tip and gently blow out the flame, leaving a smouldering ember.
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Use a wax melt or oil burner
Using a wax melt or oil burner is an effective way to enjoy incense without smoke. This method is ideal for incense that includes resins, which can be challenging to burn directly.
To use this method, you will need a wax melt or oil burner, a small amount of vegetable oil, and your chosen incense. Begin by adding a small amount of vegetable oil to the burner; this will prevent the incense from crystallising and bubbling up as it melts. The vegetable oil is also helpful as it is almost odourless and will not interfere with the fragrance of the incense.
Next, add your chosen incense to the burner. You can break the incense into smaller pieces to control the amount of smoke produced. One to three pieces of incense are typically enough for most uses. If you are using a particularly fragrant type of incense, you may need less.
Finally, light a tea light candle beneath the burner and enjoy the fragrance as the incense melts. Beeswax tea lights are recommended, as regular paraffin candles can emit black soot that will coat the bottom of the burner. Always remember to use tongs or a spoon to handle the incense grains and to open a window during or after burning to reduce exposure to any potential irritants.
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Burn on a mica plate
Burning incense on a mica plate is a traditional method that originated in Japan. It is a natural and heat-resistant mineral that can be used to heat incense instead of burning it, resulting in a more pure and pleasurable experience.
Mica plates are ideal for those who prefer a ritualistic experience and don't mind the extra setup time. They are commonly used as a heat buffer and for aesthetic purposes. The plates are made from large flakes of the mineral mica, encased in a thin metal wire border. They are typically used for loose incense and wood chips, as incense resins will melt and harden onto the plate.
To use a mica plate, place it on top of smouldering charcoal before adding incense. This will lower the burn temperature, allowing the charcoal to heat the incense instead of burning it. As a result, the incense will release its fragrance more slowly and delicately, producing less smoke and a more expansive aroma. You can also apply a small piece of wood, resin, or bakhoor directly to the surface of the mica plate, and as it heats up, it will release its fragrance.
Mica plates can be reused, and any residue can be scraped off with a fingernail or knife once the plate has cooled. However, it is important to note that mica is a delicate mineral and can snap if not handled carefully.
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Open windows during and after use
While incense has been used for thousands of years and is considered to have several benefits, studies suggest that it can also pose health dangers. To reduce exposure to the smoke, it is recommended to open windows during and after use.
When burning incense, it is important to ensure that the area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of smoke and particulate matter, which can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. Incense smoke has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. By keeping the windows open, you can maintain proper airflow and reduce the concentration of smoke and potential irritants in the room.
The use of smokeless incense burners or candles can also help to minimize smoke exposure. These burners are designed to reduce the amount of smoke produced while still enjoying the fragrance of the incense. Additionally, you can explore natural incense options made entirely from true aromatic plants, which are considered more therapeutic than incense containing synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances.
To further enhance ventilation and reduce smoke exposure, consider using electric fans to circulate air and promote the escape of smoke through open windows. It is also important to clean your incense burners and accessories regularly to prevent the buildup of soot and residue, which can impact air quality.
By following these guidelines and maintaining proper ventilation during and after incense use, you can create a safer and more enjoyable aromatic experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Smokeless incense is ideal for those who live in spaces with sensitive smoke detectors. It is also a good option for those who are concerned about the potential health risks of burning incense, such as respiratory issues and inflammation.
Smokeless incense burners are ideal for those who want to burn incense without the smoke. For best results, use beeswax tea light candles as regular paraffin candles emit black soot. Place a small piece of aluminium foil on the grille and put the incense on top for an effortless cleanup.
Kunjudo's Takara line is a popular option for smokeless incense. Their scents are considered to be much nicer and more natural-smelling than other incense products. Their Takara Gold is a beautiful tuberose scent. Alternatively, you can try a traditional Japanese smokeless incense with calming herbal notes of lavender and sage.
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