Katrina Rosales
Incense has been used for centuries for various purposes, including spiritual practices, aromatherapy, and addressing bad odors. Making your own incense at home allows you to customize your ingredients and save costs. Clove, a common base ingredient in incense, is known for its warm and spicy fragrance, often used to create a cozy atmosphere. To make clove incense cones at home, you will need dried aromatic herbs, a mortar and pestle or grinder, a base (such as pine or sandalwood), a binder (like honey or marshmallow root), water, and essential oils of your choice. The process involves mixing and grinding the herbs, adding the base, binder, and liquids, shaping the mixture into cones, and allowing them to dry completely before burning.
How to make clove incense cones
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Dried aromatic herbs (e.g. lavender, cinnamon, clove), essential oils, a burnable base (e.g. pine, sandalwood), a bonding element, liquid (water), a binder (e.g. honey, gum) |
| Tools | A bowl, a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder, a piping cone tip, a toothpick, a tray or container, a heat-proof dish |
| Process | Mix and grind herbs, add water and other liquid ingredients, knead into a smooth dough, form into cones, dry for several days, store in an airtight container |
| Burning instructions | Light the tip and burn for 30 seconds, blow out the flame, place on a heat-proof, non-flammable holder, burn in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts, children, and pets |
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$12.5
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right herbs
Potency and Freshness:
Herbs that are fresh and still potent will yield the best results. Over time, herbs can lose their potency, which will impact the fragrance of your incense cones. When selecting herbs, opt for ones with a strong aroma to ensure a potent and fragrant end product.
Popular Herb Choices:
Some herbs are commonly used for incense due to their pleasant aromas and accessibility. These include basil, dill, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, and sage. You can find these herbs in bulk at specialty stores or online.
Allergies and Sensitivities:
It is important to consider any allergies or sensitivities you or those around you may have to certain herbs. Consult a doctor if you are unsure, as some herbs may trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate existing health conditions.
Wildcrafted or Organic:
When possible, opt for wildcrafted or organic herbs. Herbs gathered from the wild are ideal, as they tend to retain their natural fragrance and potency. If you cannot access wild herbs, purchase high-quality, organic herbs to ensure purity and a more natural fragrance.
Dried Herbs:
Using dried herbs is essential for making incense cones. Fresh herbs may not burn properly and can affect the fragrance. Look for dried herbs such as juniper, hawthorn berries, pine and fir cones, yarrow leaves, rose petals, oregano, thyme, and lavender flowers.
Experimentation:
Creating your own incense cones allows you to experiment with different blends. Try combining various herbs, resins, barks, roots, and woods to find a unique fragrance that appeals to you. Remember, incense recipes are forgiving, so feel free to explore and customise your cones to your liking.
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Mixing and grinding
To make clove incense cones, you will need a burnable base, an aromatic substance, a bonding element, and a liquid to bring it all together.
For the base, you can use clove, pine, or sandalwood. For the aromatic substance, you will need dried aromatic herbs such as cinnamon, lavender, rosemary, or peppermint. You can also add essential oils such as citrus oils (lemon, orange, or bergamot) or spice oils (clove, cinnamon, or ginger). If you are making the incense in winter, you can add cinnamon for a cosy fragrance.
Once you have gathered your ingredients, mix them all into a bowl. If you are using honey, add it after grinding the herbs. You will need about 1 tablespoon of water and around 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of any other liquid ingredients. Grind the mixture with a mortar and pestle or an old coffee grinder. Make sure you grind the herbs to a powder for the best effect. You will need around 1.5 teaspoons of this herb mixture to create each incense cone.
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Shaping the cones
The easiest way to shape the cones is to press the mixture into a piping tip, the same type used for frosting. Choose a piping tip with a wide nozzle as this will make it easier to use. You can use about 1/4 teaspoon of the mixture to form a tall, thin cone using your thumb and index fingers on both hands. Repeat this process until all the dough is used. This recipe should make 6-8 cones.
To help the cones burn better, create a hole in the centre of the cone using a toothpick. First, tap the tip on the table several times to loosen the mixture, then use the toothpick to slide around the edges of the piping cone to help remove the remaining mixture from the piping tip. Set the cones aside on a firm, dry surface.
Your homemade incense cones will not burn well until they are completely dry. Place them on a tray or inside an open container in a sunny spot and leave them to dry for one to two days. You can test one cone to see if they are dry enough before storing them. Store the cones in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting their burning ability.
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Drying the cones
First, place your freshly shaped incense cones on a tray or inside an open container. Choose a sunny spot, either outdoors or near a window, to take advantage of natural sunlight, which will aid in the drying process. Leave the cones undisturbed for at least one to two days. The duration may vary depending on environmental factors, such as humidity, so it's a good idea to check on them periodically.
During the drying process, maintain a consistent temperature in the drying area. Avoid placing the cones in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as sudden changes in temperature or excessive heat can cause cracking. Instead, opt for a well-ventilated area with gentle airflow to assist in the evaporation of moisture.
The drying time for the cones can range from one to several days. A longer, slower drying process is preferable to ensure the cones dry evenly and thoroughly. This gradual approach will help prevent cracks and future burning issues. Aim for a drying period of around five to seven days to achieve the best results.
While drying, protect the cones from dust and other airborne particles that may settle on them. Covering them with a fine mesh or thin cloth can help achieve this without impeding airflow. Additionally, ensure the drying area is free from moisture to prevent the cones from absorbing excess humidity, which can affect their burning properties.
Once the cones are completely dry, they should feel solid and slightly brittle to the touch. Test one by gently tapping it on a hard surface. If it produces a hollow sound, it indicates that it is dry and ready for storage. If there is any softness or springiness, allow the cones more drying time.
Finally, store your dried clove incense cones in an airtight container made of glass or another non-porous material. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Proper storage will help maintain the cones' potency and ensure they burn effectively when used.
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Burning the cones
Once your clove incense cones are ready, you can start burning them. Light the tip of the incense cone and let the flame burn for about 30 seconds. Then, blow out the flame gently. The incense cone should now be producing a glowing red ember and a wisp of smoke, and will continue to burn on its own.
Place the cone on a heatproof, non-flammable holder, such as the lid of the incense tin. Always burn the cone in a well-ventilated room, away from flammable materials. Do not leave the cone unattended while it is burning, and make sure to keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
The burn time of your clove incense cones will depend on their size. For example, the burn time of the Clementine + Clove Incense Cones from Commonwealth Provisions is 20-30 minutes, with the scent lasting for 2-4 hours.
You can tailor the burn time and fragrance of your clove incense cones by adjusting the ingredients and the size of the cone. For example, adding more base materials such as clove, pine, or sandalwood will make the cone burn longer. You can also experiment with different essential oils to create richer and more complex scents. Just be careful not to add too much oil, as this can make the cones difficult to shape or cause them to burn improperly.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need dried aromatic herbs with a nice aroma when burned, such as cinnamon, lavender, or peppermint. You will also need a burnable base like clove, pine, or sandalwood, a binder like honey or marshmallow root, and water to bring it all together.
You will need a bowl, a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder, a piping tip, and a toothpick. You will also need a tray or container for drying the cones and an airtight storage container.
First, mix and grind your herbs in a bowl. Then, add your base, binder, and water, stirring well. Shape the mixture into cones using a piping tip and toothpick. Finally, allow the cones to dry for several days before burning.
