Heidi Norton
Incense is a traditional practice that can be found all over the world, used for ceremonies, healing, and cleansing. Making your own incense is a great way to connect with the plants around you and ensure that your incense botanicals are harvested sustainably. The process is forgiving and does not require any specialized ingredients or equipment. You can use commonly found botanicals in temperate regions and experiment with local blends. The key materials required are a base and binder, such as Makko powder, which is made from the bark of the Tabunoki tree, and aromatic plants, resins, or woods. Additional tools such as a mortar and pestle, bowls, scales, and sieves can be used to grind and mix the ingredients. The incense powder is then shaped into cones or sticks and burned with charcoal briquettes, releasing the desired fragrance.
How to Make Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Used in ceremonies, for healing, and for cleansing an area |
| Ingredients | Aromatic plants, resins, woods, essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, extracts, marshmallow root powder, sandalwood, frankincense, patchouli, gum binder, water |
| Tools | Mortar and pestle, scale, spoon, bowl, knife, brush, dog claw scissors, blender, food processor, fine mesh sieve, charcoal briquette, incense dish |
| Techniques | Grinding ingredients into a fine powder, mixing with water, drying, burning |
| Tips | Experiment with different blends, use a base that complements other aromatic components, ensure sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your aromatics
When choosing your aromatics, you can opt for dried and powdered botanicals, or you can use liquid scents such as essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, and other extracts. If you want to use dried plants, you will need to grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, blender, or food processor. This powder can then be combined with a binder such as marshmallow root powder or Makko powder, which will help the incense hold its shape.
Makko is a popular choice for incense makers as it is a blend that functions as both a base and a binder. It is made from the bark of the tabunoki tree (Machilus thunbergii) and sometimes includes other ingredients like clove or sandalwood. When using Makko, ensure that you are getting the real thing and not just plain tabunoki, as some sellers may try to pass this off as Makko.
When choosing your aromatics, you can either start by picking a base and then selecting complementary aromatics or choosing your aromatics first and finding a base that will not interfere with their scent. Sandalwood is a commonly used base that pairs well with aromatics like frankincense or patchouli. You can also add liquid scents to enhance the fragrance of your incense, creating unique and meaningful blends.
Remember, as long as you know the plants you are using are safe, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and scents to create incense that is local and special to you.
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Tools and equipment
Making your own incense is an easy and rewarding process. The tools and equipment you will need will depend on the type of incense you wish to make. For loose incense or kneaded incense, you will need a mortar and pestle, a scale, a spoon, a bowl, a knife, and a brush. A sturdy brush is useful for cleaning out your equipment, and dog claw scissors can be handy for cutting dried grasses and other hard materials. If you want to make self-combustible incense sticks, cones, or other shapes, you will need a way to grind your ingredients into a fine powder. A cheap electric coffee blender or food processor can be used for this, along with a fine mesh sieve, a bowl, a teaspoon, and your hands. A fondant extruder or a syringe can be helpful for extruding coreless sticks.
For all types of incense, it is important to have a reliable way to grind your ingredients into a fine powder. This will ensure that your incense burns evenly and that the fragrance is well-distributed. A heavy stone mill, a mortar and pestle, or a quality blender can be used for this purpose. If you are using a mortar and pestle, be careful to avoid wrist strain.
In addition to the above tools, you may also want to consider using a respirator, gloves, and glasses to protect yourself from any potential hazards of handling fine powders. A mixing stick and multiple mixing bowls are also useful for combining your ingredients with water and forming your incense into the desired shape.
Finally, if you are making loose incense, you will need an incense dish and charcoal briquettes to burn your incense. Sand can be placed in the incense dish to hold the briquette, and the incense powder or balls are placed on top.
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The role of binders
There are two types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders are much stronger than wood binders, so a typical incense recipe will use just 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material. If you add too much gum binder to a recipe, it can bind so strongly that the incense won't burn. Gum binders include guar gum, xanthan gum, and tragacanth gum. They add no scent of their own to the blend, so you don’t have to worry about their impact on the fragrance.
Wood binders, on the other hand, often act as a base material in addition to being a binder. Common wood binders include joss powder (sometimes called jiggit) and “tabu no ki” (sometimes, incorrectly, called “makko”). Makko is a special blend that often includes tabu no ki and may contain other ingredients like clove and sandalwood. It is a popular choice for incense makers because it binds well, has a very mild scent, and does not add much heat to the normal burning temperature of the materials.
To activate either type of binder, you must add water or any liquid that contains mostly water. This can include tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, and other liquids. However, it is important to note that essential oils do not contain water, so they cannot be used as a substitute for water.
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Drying and burning
The next step is to mix your powder with a binder and water to create a dough-like consistency. Makko powder, a blend of tabu no ki and other ingredients, is a popular choice for a binder due to its low scent profile and ability to simplify the incense-making process. Super Makko, a more potent form of Makko, can also be used to create stronger and more elastic incense. If you plan to make masala sticks, Tabu-No-Ki is recommended over Joss powder.
Once you have created your incense dough, you can shape it into cones or sticks by hand or using a mold. If you're making sticks, an extruder will help you achieve a more uniform shape. After shaping your incense, it's important to let it dry thoroughly before burning. Place them in a dry area and turn them every day or two to ensure even drying. The drying process can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the humidity of your climate.
When your incense is dry, you can begin the burning process. Prepare your incense dish by placing sand in it and then placing a charcoal briquette on top. Light the briquette and allow it to burn for about 30 seconds until it's evenly hot. Finally, place your incense on top of the briquette and enjoy the fragrance as it burns. Burning incense can be used for various purposes, such as creating a relaxing atmosphere, enhancing meditation or prayer, or even evoking specific memories and emotions.
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Using incense
Choosing Your Incense:
Before lighting your incense, take some time to choose the right type for your needs. Incense comes in various forms, such as loose incense, kneaded incense, and self-combustible incense (sticks, cones, etc.). Consider the aroma you want to create and whether you prefer a subtle or strong fragrance. You can also choose incense based on its purpose, whether it's for relaxation, meditation, ceremony, or simply enjoying a pleasant scent.
Preparing Your Space:
To get the most out of your incense-burning experience, create a calm and comfortable atmosphere. Ensure proper ventilation in the room by opening a window or door slightly. This will not only prevent the scent from becoming too overwhelming but also help disperse the fragrance evenly. Consider dimming the lights or adding soft lighting to enhance the ambiance and promote relaxation.
Lighting the Incense:
Now, it's time to light your incense. If you're using loose incense, place a small amount of sand in your incense dish or burner. Then, add a charcoal briquette on top and light it. Allow it to burn for about 30 seconds until it's evenly hot. Finally, place your incense on top and enjoy the fragrance as it fills the room. For self-combustible incense, such as sticks or cones, simply light the tip of the incense and let it burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame. The glowing ember will continue to release the fragrance.
Enhancing the Experience:
To enhance your incense-burning experience, consider combining it with other sensory elements. Soft music, soothing sounds of nature, or meditative chants can create a calming atmosphere. You can also incorporate visual elements, such as soft lighting, candles, or natural decorations, to make your space more inviting and relaxing. Additionally, try incorporating incense into your daily rituals or practices, such as meditation, yoga, or self-care routines, to create a sense of ceremony and intention.
Creating Associations:
Incense has a unique ability to evoke powerful memories and emotions. You can use this to your advantage by associating a particular scent with a specific activity or state of mind. For example, if you burn a specific incense scent during meditation or prayer, you'll start to associate that smell with a sense of calm and focus. Each time you burn that incense, it will become easier to return to that mental state. This can be incredibly beneficial for spiritual practices, relaxation techniques, or even enhancing productivity by associating a scent with a particular task.
Remember to always burn incense responsibly and follow safety precautions. Ensure proper ventilation, keep flammable objects away from the open flame, and always extinguish incense before leaving the room or going to sleep. Enjoy the wonderful world of incense and the many benefits it offers!
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Frequently asked questions
You can use all manner of herbs, resins, and woods with aromatic properties. For loose incense, you will need a mortar and pestle, a bowl, a spoon, a knife, a brush, and a scale. If you want to make self-combustible incense sticks, cones, or coils, you will need a way to grind ingredients into a fine powder, a sturdy brush, a fine mesh sieve, a bowl, a teaspoon, and your hands. Common aromatic ingredients include sandalwood, frankincense, patchouli, lemongrass, and rosemary.
First, gather your ingredients and tools. If you are making loose incense, grind your ingredients into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. If you are making self-combustible incense, you will need to use a coffee blender or food processor to grind your ingredients. Next, mix your ingredients in a bowl with a binder such as makko powder and water to form a dough. Form your dough into the desired shape, such as cones or sticks, and let them dry for several days to a couple of weeks. Finally, place some sand in an incense dish, add a charcoal briquette, light it, and place your incense on top.
Making your own incense allows you to participate in each step of the process and ensure that your incense is made with sustainably harvested, locally sourced ingredients. You can also create unique blends that are meaningful and personal to you, and experiment with different ingredients and scents.
