Katrina Rosales
Incense is any material made from plants that are burned for a fragrance, and there are many different ways to make it. The basic formula for natural incense is very simple: a base, a bonding agent, and a liquid. The base is a substance that will burn steadily and slowly over time, such as sandalwood, cedar, pine, or charcoal. The bonding agent, such as gum arabic or tragacanth, will bind everything together and keep the sticks intact. The liquid, such as water or herbal tea, is added to 'activate the bonding agent. Once you have a properly mixed batch of incense dough, you can form it into any shape you wish. However, it is important to take certain precautions when burning incense, such as keeping it away from flammable objects and well-ventilated areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Creating a relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the ambiance, aromatherapy, healing, cleansing an area, ceremonial use |
| Ingredients | Aromatic plants, herbs, resins, flowers, essential oils, gum binders, wood binders, water, charcoal, makko powder, marshmallow root powder, dried and powdered aromatics, liquid scents |
| Equipment | Blender, bowls, measuring cups, spoon, wooden cutting board, pestle and mortar, heat-proof plate, scissors, lighter/matches, hanger, parchment/wax paper, small heat-resistant bowl |
| Process | Gather and dry ingredients, crush/pulverize into a fine powder, mix with a binding agent and water, form into desired shape (sticks/cones), let dry, light |
| Precautions | Keep unlit and burning incense away from children and pets, do not consume, ensure proper ventilation, keep away from flammable objects, do not leave lit incense unattended, ensure all incense is extinguished before discarding |
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Choose your herbs
When making herbal incense at home, the first step is to choose your herbs. The herbs you select will depend on the scent you want to achieve and the herbal ingredients required to achieve it. The essential oils contained in certain herbs all have diverse, beneficial effects once they are released into the air. For example, some incense sticks are said to boost creativity, heighten sexual desire and increase confidence.
There are several types of herbs that can be used to make herbal incense. You can use dried and ground herbs, such as sagebrush, mugwort, yarrow leaves, juniper berries, wormwood, white sage, rosemary, thyme, rose petals, lavender, yarrow flowers, fir needles, and cinnamon. You can also use fresh flowers and herbs such as lemongrass, rosemary, and elderflower. If you are using dried herbs, you will need to crush them into a fine powder using a blender, pestle and mortar, or a similar tool. The amount of herb powder used is contingent upon the desired volume of sticks you wish to make. A general ratio to follow is 2 parts herbs to 1 part base.
You can also add other ingredients to your herb mixture to enhance the scent or add aromatic complexity. These include resins, which are preferably used in powdered form, and marshmallow root powder, which can be used as a substance to hold the incense together.
It is important to note that you should only use plants that are safe and not endangered. Additionally, it is recommended to use flowers and herbs that were not grown with chemicals or pesticides to avoid spreading them into the air when burning the incense.
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Prepare your herbs
Preparing your herbs is the first step in making herbal incense at home. The process is quite simple and allows for a lot of creativity and experimentation.
Firstly, decide on the scent you want to create and choose your herbs accordingly. You can use dried and ground herbs, or fresh flowers and herbs, depending on your preference. If you're using dried herbs, you can easily find them in stores or grow them yourself. Common choices include cedar, lavender, sage, sweetgrass, rosemary, thyme, rose petals, fir needles, and cinnamon. If you opt for fresh flowers and herbs, make sure they are in season and free from chemicals or pesticides. Some good options are lemongrass, roses, and lavender.
Once you've gathered your herbs, use a blender, mortar and pestle, or scissors to reduce them to a fine powder. This step may take some time, as different plants have varying levels of hardness. The powder will be used in your incense mixture, so ensure it is fine and consistent in texture.
The next step is to mix your herbal powder with a base. The base is a substance that burns slowly, ensuring your incense sticks stay lit. Common bases include sandalwood, willow, charcoal, cedar, and pine. You can create your own base by turning the chosen wood into sawdust using a blender or processor. Add your herbal powder to the base in a ratio of 2 parts herbs to 1 part base. This ratio can be adjusted depending on the volume of incense sticks you want to make.
Additionally, you can include liquid scents such as water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, herbal teas, or wine to enhance the aroma. Essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, and other extracts can also be added for a more complex fragrance. Keep in mind that if you're using a binder like gum arabic or makko powder, you'll need to add water or another water-based liquid to "activate" it.
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Choose a base
Choosing a base is an important step in making herbal incense. The base is the substance that will ensure your incense burns steadily and slowly, so your sticks don't go out or burn up quickly. You can choose a base with a nice aroma that complements your blend, or one with no scent at all.
Most bases are derived from woody plants, such as sandalwood, cedar, pine, alder, red sandalwood (which is not actually sandalwood), and willow. Charcoal is also a common base, which can be used on its own or in combination with other bases. These materials can be easily powdered at home using a blender or food processor to create sawdust.
If you're new to making incense, you might find it easier to start with a low-scent base material. That way, you can focus on the scent of your aromatic ingredients without the base overwhelming the overall fragrance. Alder, red sandalwood, and charcoal are good options in this case.
Additionally, you can use a binder to act as a glue that holds your incense together in the shape you choose. Wood binders, like joss powder (jiggit) and tabu no ki (sometimes called makko), can also serve as base materials. Gum binders, such as gum Arabic and tragacanth, are another option, though they typically have a stronger scent.
Remember, incense-making is a creative process, so feel free to experiment with different bases and binders to find the combination that works best for you.
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Choose a binder
Choosing a binder is an important step in making herbal incense. The binder is a form of glue that holds the incense together in the shape you choose. There are two basic types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum arabic, tragacanth, and makko powder (derived from the bark of the Thunberi tree) are examples of gum binders. Natural herbal resins and gums can also be used as binders. Wood binders, such as joss powder (also called jiggit) and "tabu no ki", can act as both a base material and a binder.
When choosing a binder, it's important to consider the ingredients you are using and the desired shape of your incense. If you are using dried herbs and resins, a gum binder like makko powder can be a good choice as it is naturally combustible and ensures a slow, even burn. Wood binders, on the other hand, can be easier to work with and provide a strong scent to your incense blend.
It's worth noting that some incense makers prefer to use a combination of gum and wood binders to improve the burn and enhance the scent of the incense. This combination can be a powerful tool for creating awesome incense, as seen with the introduction of Super Makko, which includes both types of binders.
Experimentation is key when making herbal incense. As long as you know the plant is safe, feel free to experiment with different binders and ingredients to create unique and meaningful blends.
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Form your incense
Forming your incense is a creative process with no solid set of rules, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and methods. The basic formula for natural incense is simple: 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 can also try bundles or baskets.
To form your incense, you will need to select a bonding or binding agent that will bind everything together and keep your sticks or cones intact. Natural herbal resins and gums can be used, such as gum arabic or tragacanth, which can help form finely shaped sticks. Wood binders like joss powder or "tabu no ki" (sometimes called "makko") can also be used and can act as a base material as well. Makko powder, derived from the bark of the Thunberi tree, serves as a binding agent and helps ensure a slow, even burn.
You will also need to select a base, which is a substance that will burn steadily and slowly over time to ensure that your incense doesn't go out or burn up within a few seconds. Bases are typically derived from woody plants, such as sandalwood, red sandalwood, cedar, alder, pine, or willow, and charcoal is often used as well. These powders can be made at home by creating sawdust from the chosen base using a blender or processor. You can also add a liquid to your blend to create additional aromatic complexity. Water can be used, or you can employ herbal oils, decoctions, hydrosols, tinctures, or other extracts. Note that if you use a wood or gum binder, you must add water to your blend to "activate" the binder, but essential oils do not contain water, so you cannot use them as a substitute for water.
Finally, gather your dried herbs and crush them into a powder using a blender, pestle and mortar, or spice grinder. Use this powder together with your base of choice to create a ratio of 2 parts herbs to 1 part base, or a 1:3 ratio of herbs to makko powder. The amount used is contingent upon your desired volume of sticks or cones. You can use a variety of home-grown or store-bought herbs, such as cedar, lavender, sage, sweetgrass, sagebrush, mugwort, yarrow leaves, juniper berries, wormwood, white sage, rosemary, thyme, rose petals, lavender, yarrow flowers, fir needles, or cinnamon. You can also add additional ingredients like marshmallow root powder to hold your incense together.
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Frequently asked questions
Making your own incense means you can be sure it is safe and free of noxious substances. You can also create your own unique scent and use foraged or homegrown ingredients.
You will need a blender, a couple of bowls, measuring cups, a wooden cutting board, and a spoon. You will also need to get a binder such as gum arabic or xanthan gum, and a base like sandalwood, willow, or charcoal.
You can use a variety of dried and ground herbs and resins. Popular herbs include cedar, lavender, sage, and sweetgrass. You can also use aromatic plants that grow near you, such as lemongrass and rosemary.
First, decide on your scent and ingredients. Then, use a blender or pestle and mortar to render the herbs into a fine powder. Next, mix the powder with your base of choice, using a ratio of 2 parts herbs to 1 part base. Finally, select a bonding agent to bind everything together and form your incense into sticks or cones.
Place your incense in a bowl-shaped burner filled with white rice ash, sand, or pulverized lava rock. Light a piece of bamboo charcoal and set it in the center of the bowl. Sprinkle your incense mixture directly on top of the charcoal. Always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from children and pets.
