Heidi Norton
Backflow incense cones, also known as waterfall incense, are designed to produce a reverse smoke flow, creating a serene waterfall-like effect. The smoke flows downward instead of upward, resulting in a mesmerizing and meditative atmosphere. Making these incense cones can be time-consuming and expensive, but with the right ingredients and tools, it's possible to create your own at home. This involves crafting a mixture of natural ingredients like woods, resins, herbs, and spices, and shaping them into cones with a smooth taper and a point at the top for lighting. The process requires attention to detail to ensure the cones are compact and free from cracks, which can affect the burning process. Using a mold can help create uniform cones, but hand-shaping allows for unique, artisanal designs. Once the cones are prepared, they are left to dry, which can take up to a week due to their shape and weight. The final step is to burn the incense cone on a backflow burner, igniting the tip and gently blowing out the flame to encourage a steady burn and the desired reverse smoke flow.
How to Make a Reverse Smoke Incense Cone
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Various wood, resin, herb or floral incense powders (e.g. sandalwood, rose, agarwood, frankincense, myrrh, vanilla, cinnamon, sage, cedar, thyme) |
| Tools | Cone mold, lighter or matches |
| Shape | Smooth taper to a point at the top (where the incense is lit) |
| Texture | Compact, without cracks or loose areas |
| Burn Time | Approximately 25 minutes |
| Scent | Aromatic, soothing |
| Visual Effect | Mesmerizing, waterfall-like |
| Cost | Expensive and time-consuming to make |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ingredients
Natural Ingredients
It is recommended to use natural ingredients to create a fine aromatic incense mixture. Start with your favourite woods and spices, such as sandalwood, rose, agarwood, and nanmu. You can also experiment with various herbs, resins, or florals. Traditional herbal incense ingredients include vanilla, cinnamon, sage, cedar, and thyme.
Base Ingredients
Ensure that your mixture includes at least one resin or wood base. Bases are crucial as they provide structure and stability to your incense cone. Examples of commonly used bases include frankincense and myrrh, which should be used sparingly.
Ingredient Quality
When choosing your ingredients, opt for high-quality options. This is essential for creating a superior incense experience. Visit local herb shops, incense stores, or nurseries to discover unique aromatic ingredients.
Ingredient Combinations
As you become more familiar with the incense-making process, you can start to experiment with different ingredient combinations. Try blending various woods, resins, herbs, and florals to create unique and captivating scents. Remember, incense recipes are forgiving, so feel free to experiment as long as you know the ingredients are safe.
Additional Ingredients
To enhance your incense cones further, consider incorporating ingredients such as wine, honey, dried fruits, or fragrant hydrosols. These additions can provide unexpected and delightful aromatic notes to your creations.
Remember, the key to choosing the right ingredients is to trust your senses and instincts. Select ingredients that appeal to your taste and create combinations that you find pleasing. With time and practice, you'll be able to craft exquisite reverse smoke incense cones that engage both your visual and olfactory senses.
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Preparing the incense burner
To prepare your incense burner, you should first select an appropriate burner. Backflow incense burners, also known as incense waterfalls, waterfall incense burners, or incense fountains, are designed with a hole at the base where the cone sits, allowing the smoke to flow downward and create the desired waterfall effect. You can choose a handmade incense burner or even try making one yourself to add a unique, personal touch to your incense experience.
Once you have selected or created your incense burner, it is important to position the backflow incense cone upright on the burner, ensuring that it covers the hole. This alignment is crucial for the smoke to flow in the correct direction. Make sure your burner is in a well-ventilated room, but avoid placing it in direct drafts or breezes as air movement will disrupt the cascading smoke effect.
After positioning the cone, you can proceed to light the tip of the incense cone with a lighter or matches. Immerse the pointy end of the cone in the flame until it ignites, forming a small flame. This step may vary depending on the type of incense cone you are using. For some incense cones, you may need to wait a few seconds before blowing out the flame to ensure it properly lights up.
Once the flame is extinguished, observe the incense cone's tip. If you notice a small glowing ember and smoke emanating from the bottom, your cone is correctly lit and ready to produce the reverse smoke flow. However, if you do not see a glowing ember or smoke from the bottom, it means the cone has been accidentally extinguished, and you will need to repeat the lighting process.
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Lighting the incense cone
It is important to note that the backflow burner should be in a well-ventilated room, but away from drafts or breezes. Air movement will interfere with the cascading smoke effect. Allow the cone to burn for a few seconds to ensure it is properly lit and ready to produce smoke.
Afterward, gently blow out the flame. Be careful not to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely. If there is no ember, repeat the lighting process. If an ember is present, blow gently to encourage a steady burn, which will help the cone produce the desired smoke. Initially, the smoke will rise from the top, similar to a regular incense cone. However, as the incense continues to burn, the smoke will begin to flow downward, creating the distinctive "waterfall" effect.
The cone may emit an acrid smell toward the end of the burn. This occurs when the base of the cone becomes a very hot ember, causing the remaining incense oils to take on a harsh, burnt odour. To extinguish the cone, carefully place it in a sink, but be prepared to clean the sink afterward as there will likely be residue.
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Maintaining the incense cone
Maintaining your incense cone and burner is essential for safety and optimal fragrance. Here are some tips for keeping your reverse smoke incense cone in good condition:
Burning
When lighting your incense cone, always use a match or lighter, applying the flame to the tip of the cone. Be patient, as it may take a few moments to ignite. Allow the tip to burn briefly before gently blowing out the flame. You want to see a red or orange ember on the tip of the cone. If the flame does not go out after 10 seconds, extinguish the cone and try again.
Ventilation
Incense cones produce a lot of smoke, so it is important to burn them in a well-ventilated area. Ensure there is no flammable material nearby, and avoid areas with drafts or strong air currents, as these can affect the even burning of the incense.
Burner Type and Placement
Use a heat-resistant incense burner designed for cones, placing it on a heat-resistant surface. Avoid painted or wooden burners, as the heat may ruin them. Instead, opt for burners made of metal, stone, or ceramic. The burner should have a lid to contain the smoke and direct it downwards to create the reverse smoke flow or waterfall effect. Place the cone upright, ensuring it does not touch the lid or sides of the burner.
Cleaning
After each use, clean any residue from the burner. Incense cones leave behind ash and a sticky, oily residue that can affect fragrance quality if not removed. Use a vacuum, dustpan, or trash bin to sweep away the ash once it has cooled. Wipe the burner clean and ensure it is empty before storing it away.
Storage
Store your incense cones in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve their scent and burn quality. Place them in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag, and keep them away from flammable materials or heat sources.
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Cleaning the incense cone
Cleaning your incense cone burner is necessary, especially if the incense has been soaked in tobacco essence or fragrance. These can create a lingering, unpleasant odour. To clean your burner, first place it on a clean table. Fill a bowl or bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Lather the liquid and immerse the burner in the water. After a few minutes, the ash will seep into the water. Using a soft-bristled brush, clean the burner thoroughly. Then, use a cotton cleaning cloth or tweezers to remove any remaining residue. If there is oily grime on the burner, use a small amount of nail polish remover, and for any stubborn gunk, eucalyptus oil or a shower jet can be used.
If you are using a backflow incense burner, also known as an incense waterfall or incense fountain, be sure to clean it regularly, especially if you are using it daily. The smoke from the incense flows downward, creating a waterfall-like effect, and the burner can become dirty quickly. You can use the same method as above to clean this type of burner, but be sure to pay extra attention to the small hole at the base of the burner, as this is what allows the smoke to flow downward.
To clean the incense cone itself, be sure to use a soft brush or sponge to wipe down the cone after each use. You can also wash it in the sink to eliminate any stains. To neutralise any odours, add a few drops of essential oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, or vinegar.
It is important to note that incense should always be burned in a well-ventilated room and placed on a holder specifically designed for burning incense, such as a candle or tea light holder. This will ensure that the cone doesn't slip out during use and that you are not breathing in too much smoke.
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Frequently asked questions
Reverse smoke incense cones, also known as backflow or waterfall incense cones, are designed to produce a mesmerising reverse smoke flow. When lit, the smoke cascades downwards, creating a serene waterfall-like effect.
You can use natural ingredients like sandalwood, rose, agarwood, nanmu, cinnamon, sage, cedar, thyme, and other fragrant herbs and spices. It is recommended to use at least one resin or wood as a base.
You will need a cone mould to shape the incense mixture. You will also need a backflow incense burner with a hole at the base to create the reverse smoke flow.
Fill the mould with your chosen incense mixture, ensuring it is tightly packed without gaps. Release the cone from the mould carefully, preserving its shape. Then, light the tip of the cone and place it on the backflow incense burner, making sure it covers the hole. Gently blow out the flame and allow the cone to produce smoke.
