Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is a traditional practice that can be found all over the world, with uses ranging from ceremonies to healing and cleansing. Making your own natural incense is a rewarding and therapeutic process that allows you to create unique blends that can evoke strong associations with a particular time and place. The fundamentals of incense making are simple: choose your base, add aromatics, and form your incense into the desired shape. However, mastering the finer aspects of incense making can be a lifelong pursuit.
How to Make All-Natural Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Sandalwood, cedar, pine, red sandalwood, alder, charcoal |
| Binder | Gum binders, wood binders (joss powder/tabu no ki/makko), gum arabic, tragacanth, marshmallow root powder |
| Combustible material | Makko, charcoal |
| Shape | Sticks, cones, pellets, balls |
| Burning method | Fan out the flame, charcoal briquette, mica plate |
| Ingredients | Herbs (rosemary, thyme, juniper berries, rose petals, lavender), resins, woods, essential oils, liquid scents (essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, extracts) |
| Ratios | 1:3 (makko powder:herbs), 1:3.5 (powder:distilled water) |
| Drying time | Minimum 12 hours, up to several days or weeks |
| Storage | Store in a safe place |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing a base
There are two main types of incense: combustible and non-combustible. Combustible incense is made by forming mixtures into cones or sticks by adding a binding material and a combustible material directly to the incense mixture. One end is lit, the flame is fanned out, and the incense burns continuously. This type of incense is more difficult to make but easier to burn. Non-combustible incense, also known as ""loose incense" or "incense pellets," is heated using charcoal, makko, or mica atop charcoal.
When choosing a base for combustible incense, you can use gum arabic or tragacanth as a binder, mixed with charcoal or saltpeter for combustion. However, it is recommended to avoid saltpeter or charcoals that contain saltpeter as it is a toxic substance. Another option for combustible incense is to use makko, which is a natural combustible material derived from the Tabu-no-Ki tree. Makko is a powdered material that burns slowly but with high heat. To form incense cones or sticks, makko is mixed with loose incense mixtures and a small amount of distilled water or hydrosol. The amount of makko added to the mixture will depend on the humidity of your environment and the amount of resins and woods in your blend.
For non-combustible incense, common base materials include charcoal, makko, or mica. Charcoal briquettes are lit and allowed to burn on their own until they are evenly hot, and then the incense is placed on top. Makko can also be used as a heating method by creating an indentation in the ash, filling it with makko powder, and compacting it slightly. Mica can be used in combination with the charcoal method by placing a small mica plate on top of the charcoal or burying it in a cone-shaped mound of ash.
In addition to the combustible and non-combustible bases, there are also various aromatic bases that can be used to enhance the scent of your incense. These include sandalwood, red sandalwood, alder, cedar, pine, and other aromatic woods. When choosing an aromatic base, consider using one that complements the other aromatic components in your blend. For example, using sandalwood as a base can work well with aromatics like frankincense or patchouli.
Burning Loose Powder Incense: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Selecting aromatics
Aromatics can be selected from a variety of herbs, resins, and woods, each offering unique aromatic properties. For example, commonly used herbs include rosemary, thyme, lavender, and sage, while resins like frankincense or copal are also popular. Woods such as sandalwood, cedar, and pine are often chosen for their strong scents and ability to act as a base.
When selecting aromatics, it is essential to consider the desired fragrance profile and any specific effects or associations intended. For instance, certain scents like lavender or rosemary may promote relaxation and calm, while others like lemongrass or juniper may energize and uplift.
Additionally, aromatics can be chosen based on their availability and seasonality. Using locally sourced and commonly found botanicals ensures accessibility and allows for experimentation with local blends. Foraging for ingredients is also an option, adding a wildcrafted element to the incense.
The quality of the aromatics is another important consideration. Selecting high-quality, natural ingredients will improve the fragrance and increase burning time. This can be achieved by choosing reputable suppliers or, for the more ambitious, hand-selecting and blending raw ingredients.
In summary, selecting aromatics for natural incense involves choosing from a variety of herbs, resins, and woods, considering their scents and effects, as well as their availability and quality. This step is fundamental in creating incense with the desired fragrance and intended associations.
Incense and Cigarettes: A Smoky Odor Solution?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding liquid scents
When making natural incense, you can add liquid scents such as essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, and other extracts to complement the other aromatic components.
To add liquid scents to your incense, you can follow these steps:
- Choose your liquid scent: Select a fragrance oil or essential oil that you would like to use as the scent for your incense. Popular choices include sandalwood, cedar, pine, frankincense, patchouli, and more.
- Prepare your fragrance mixture: Mix your chosen liquid scent with a solvent like dipropylene glycol (DPG). The standard ratio is typically one-third fragrance oil to two-thirds DPG. However, feel free to experiment with different proportions to achieve your desired scent strength. Just be cautious, as too much DPG can result in black smoke when the incense is burned.
- Soak the incense sticks: Take unscented incense sticks and soak them in your prepared fragrance oil blend. For optimal results, let the sticks soak for at least 24 hours. The longer soaking time ensures that the fragrance thoroughly permeates the sticks.
- Dry the incense sticks: After soaking, remove the incense sticks from the liquid and place them on a drying rack or a plastic/metal sheet. Allow them to air-dry for another 24 hours. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the liquid scent is fully absorbed and cured into the incense sticks.
- Store or burn: Once the incense sticks are completely dry, you can store them in a plastic bag for later use, or you can light the end of a stick, fan out the flame, and enjoy your homemade natural incense.
It's important to note that essential oils and fragrance oils have different properties. Essential oils do not contain water, so they cannot be used as a direct substitute for water in your incense mixture. Additionally, some solvents like DPG are not meant to be burned, as they can release hazardous byproducts. Always refer to safety data sheets when working with such materials.
Incense Burning: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Binding and shaping
Once you have a properly mixed batch of incense dough, you can form it into any shape you wish. Sticks and cones are the most common forms, but you are only limited by your imagination. The base material in your incense replaces the charcoal or other outside heat source used in non-combusting forms of incense. Good base materials burn well and burn evenly.
There are two basic types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders (such as guar gum or xanthan gum) are much more powerful than wood binders. Common wood binders include joss powder (sometimes called jiggit) and “tabu no ki” (sometimes, incorrectly, called “makko”). They are forgiving binders and are a good choice for new incense makers. The drawback is the amount of wood binder you need to use. Many recipes are 75% wood binder. Most wood binders aren’t as strong as gum binders, which is both a positive and a negative.
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 scent. The final dry component is arguably the most critical. The aromatic ingredients are what you actually want to smell. The base and binder are there in order to heat the aromatics and release their scents.
Whether you choose a wood or gum binder, you must add water to your blend in order 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.
Incense Usage: How Frequently Should You Burn It?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Burning and safety
Burning Techniques:
When burning cones or sticks, light one end, gently fan out the flame, and let it burn slowly by itself. Avoid holding the incense stick too close to the burner, as it may catch fire or break. Never leave burning incense unattended, and always ensure it is extinguished properly after use. Either snap the stick in half or blow it out gently.
For loose incense mixtures or pellets, use charcoal or makko to heat them. When burning outdoors, you can place the mixture directly onto glowing coals or a hot rock. Use a non-flammable holder, such as a cup or bowl made of heat-resistant material like metal, ceramic, or crystal. Avoid flammable surfaces like wood or fabric, as they pose a fire risk.
Safety Precautions:
Always burn incense in a well-ventilated space. Keep the area clear of flammable objects, and ensure the incense is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Use a holder or stand to keep the incense upright and prevent accidental toppling. Be cautious when handling the holder, as some materials can get very hot and cause burns.
Falling ash can be a fire hazard, so ensure it falls onto a fireproof surface. Avoid placing incense near curtains or fabrics that a breeze could blow into the flame. Keep lit incense away from children and pets, as they may accidentally knock it over or come in contact with the flame.
Health Considerations:
Incense smoke contains particulate matter that can be inhaled, potentially leading to negative health outcomes. It may trigger respiratory issues, allergies, or asthma, and recent studies suggest a link to cancer. Consult a physician before burning incense if you have any medical conditions.
Lighting Incense: A Beginner's Guide to Incense Sticks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use commonly found or locally grown botanicals and aromatic plants. For example, you can use herbs like rosemary, thyme, rose petals, and lavender, resins like frankincense or copal, and woods like sandalwood, cedar, and pine. You will also need a binder such as gum arabic or tabu no ki (also known as makko), and distilled water.
You will need a bowl for mixing your incense, and a spoon or chopsticks to mix with. You will also need a drying screen or straightening board to dry your incense on, and a small conical mould if you are making cones.
First, combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Add water slowly until a dough forms. Knead the dough with your hands to ensure it is bound together and consistent in texture. Shape your incense into your desired form, such as sticks or cones, and leave to dry for at least 12 hours.
If you are burning incense sticks or cones, light one end, fan out the flame, and allow it to burn. If you are burning loose incense, place it in a fireproof dish with sand and a charcoal briquette, and light the briquette.
