Lance Carson
Incense has been used for centuries in spiritual and religious practices, and its use continues to be prevalent today. If you're interested in learning how to make your own incense, there are several books that can help you get started. For example, The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham is a comprehensive guide that provides formulas, proportions, and methods for creating various scented tools. Alternatively, Wylundt's Book of Incense by Steven R. Smith is another highly recommended option that covers different types of incense, offers instructions for making, drying, and storing incense, and provides recipes for herbal, magical, and planetary incense. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, these books can help you master the art of incense-making and explore the world of aromatics.
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What You'll Learn
History of incense
The use of incense dates back to biblical times and is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was used in religious ceremonies. Incense was made from aromatic trees imported from Arabia and Somalia, and it played a significant role in Egyptian antiquity. Resin balls and fragrant resins, such as frankincense and myrrh, have been found in prehistoric Egyptian tombs, indicating the prominence of incense in ancient Egypt. The Temple of Deir-el-Bahari in Egypt contains carvings depicting an expedition for incense, further emphasising its importance.
From Egypt, the use of incense spread to other ancient civilisations, including Babylon, Greece, Rome, and the Indus Valley Civilisation. The Babylonians incorporated incense into their prayers to divine oracles, and it held similar spiritual significance in Greece, where it was also used to ward off demons. The oldest textual source on incense is found in the Vedas, specifically the Atharvaveda and the Rigveda.
In China, the use of incense dates back to around 2000 BC, where it was employed for worship and prayer. Incense was made from blends of herbs and plants, including cinnamon and sandalwood, fragrances that remain popular today. Buddhism played a significant role in spreading the use of incense, with the Buddhist priest Ganjin introducing incense from Tang Dynasty China to Japan in 754 AD.
In the 4th century AD, the early Christian church adopted the use of incense in eucharistic ceremonies, symbolising the ascent of prayers and the merits of saints. Incense continues to hold significance in Catholic Christendom, both Eastern and Western, during divine worship and processions.
Today, incense is used in various forms and for diverse purposes. It is commonly associated with religious and spiritual practices, including Catholicism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Incense is also used in yoga studios, wellness spaces, and homes for ambiance, therapy, and meditation.
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Choosing ingredients
Purpose and Intention
Determine the purpose of your incense. Do you want it to bring luck, enhance relaxation, or promote spiritual practices? For example, The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham suggests a blend of 2 parts vetivert, 2 parts allspice, 1 part nutmeg, and 1 part calamus for attracting luck. Understanding your intention will guide you in selecting the right ingredients.
Aromatic Plants and Botanicals
Common plants and botanicals rich in aromatics can be perfect for incense. Look for locally grown and sustainably sourced options to ensure ethical harvesting practices. For example, rosemary, lemongrass, and sage are popular choices. Using plants you have a direct relationship with allows you to participate in each step of the process and ensures the botanicals are harvested with good intentions.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used to enhance the fragrance of your incense. However, it is important to have sound knowledge about the properties and safety considerations of different essential oils before incorporating them into your blend.
Base or Binder
A base or binder is necessary to hold your incense blend together. One option is to use marshmallow root powder (Althaea officinalis), which acts as a natural binder and has a subtle scent that won't overpower your other ingredients.
Resins and Woods
Resins such as copal and frankincense, as well as various types of wood, can add depth and complexity to your incense. These ingredients are often associated with traditional incense and can provide a sense of ritual and spirituality.
When choosing ingredients, it is important to consider any potential allergies or sensitivities you or those around you may have. Always research the safety profile of each ingredient before use. Additionally, some books, like Wylundt's Book of Incense by Steven R. Smith, can offer guidance on specific blends and substitutions, empowering you to craft unique incense blends tailored to your preferences.
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Tools and equipment
When making incense, the tools and equipment you will need will depend on the type of incense you wish to make. However, there are some standard tools that you will require.
Firstly, you will need a burner. The type of burner you use will depend on the type of incense you wish to burn. Any ceramic or metal cup or bowl will work, as will large sea shells or rocks with natural bowl forms. If using a ceramic or metal incense burner, opt for one with legs or feet, as this will lift the hot bottom of the burner off the surface and allow for airflow. You can also use a burner with no filler and just a lit charcoal placed in the middle, with the incense sprinkled on top. Most incense burners work best and are safest when filled halfway to three-quarters full with ash, sand, crushed rock, or sea salt, as these fireproof base materials reduce the heat the burner will give off.
You will also need tools for handling the charcoal, such as tweezers or tongs, and a grinder for pulverizing your ingredients into powders, such as a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle. If using a mortar and pestle, you can use a traditional Mexican Molcajete made from porous volcanic rock, or a large solid granite mortar and pestle. For soft resins that may stick to the granite, freeze both the mortar and pestle and the resins before grinding. You can also use a hand-crank coffee mill with steel burrs. If you are making cones or sticks, you will also need bamboo charcoal or makko powder.
For measuring, use a scale that can measure as little as 0.1 gram to allow for small recipes, as well as spoons that measure 1/4 TSP, 1/2 TSP, 1 TSP, and 1 TBSP. You will also need mixing bowls or food-grade plastic bags to hold your pulverized ingredients until final mixing, and distilled water or fragrant hydrosols if making cones or sticks.
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Recipe creation
To begin creating your own recipes, it is important to first understand the basic ingredients used in incense-making. Commonly, incense recipes include a variety of aromatic botanicals, resins, gums, woods, herbs, spices, and essential oils. These ingredients are combined in different ratios and blends to create unique scents and fragrances.
When creating your own recipes, it is essential to keep a few key factors in mind. Firstly, the quality and freshness of your ingredients are crucial. Using fresh, high-quality botanicals and herbs will result in a more potent and fragrant incense. Secondly, it is important to consider the purpose of your incense. Different ingredients have different properties and can be used to create incense for specific purposes, such as relaxation, energy boosting, or spiritual rituals.
Once you have selected your ingredients, it's time to start blending. Start with small batches and experiment with different ratios to find the perfect combination. A good starting point is to use a base of 2 parts of your primary aromatic ingredient, 1 part of a secondary ingredient, and a small amount of essential oil or resin to bind the mixture together. You can adjust these ratios and add additional ingredients to create more complex and layered scents.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Incense-making is a creative process, and you may discover unique blends that work beautifully together. Take notes as you experiment so that you can recreate your favourite blends and continue to refine your recipes over time.
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Safety precautions
Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home, but it's important to follow some safety precautions when making and burning it. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:
Placement and Ventilation
Always place your incense burner or holder on a stable surface, away from flammable objects and out of the flow of traffic. Keep burning incense away from curtains or other flammable materials that could be blown into contact with the flame by a breeze. Be mindful of ventilation and ensure the space is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling too much smoke. Keep a window slightly open to provide a source of fresh air.
Fire Hazards and Extinguishing
Burning incense poses a fire hazard, so it should never be left unattended. Avoid lighting incense and then going to sleep. After use, properly extinguish the incense by dipping the burning end in a bowl of sand or water. Blowing out the incense like a candle is not recommended as it can disperse burning embers. Even after extinguishing, the embers could still be burning, so check that the incense is fully extinguished before disposing of it in the trash.
Health Risks
Recent studies suggest that incense smoke may contain carcinogens and irritants, which could have negative health outcomes. It has been associated with respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies, as well as increased risk of heart disease. The smoke released by incense can also be irritating and harmful to pets, so it is best to avoid burning incense when pets are present in the room.
Child and Pet Safety
Keep lit incense out of the reach of children and pets. They may accidentally knock over a burning stick or touch it out of curiosity, leading to burns or starting a fire.
High-Quality Incense
Use only high-quality incense sticks made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or spices. These produce less harmful smoke when burned. Avoid common mistakes such as holding the incense stick too close to the burner or applying too much pressure when lighting it, as this can cause the stick to catch fire or break.
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Frequently asked questions
"Roll Your Own: Natural Incense Making Basics" is a 28-page booklet that covers the basic aspects of making natural incense. It is a simple guide for new incense makers.
"Sacred Smoke: The Ancient Art of Smudging for Modern Times" by Bedini is a scholarly book that explores the history of incense and its use as a form of timekeeping.
"Wylundt's Book of Incense" by Steven R. Smith covers various types of incense, provides instructions for making, drying, and storing it, and includes recipes for herbal, magical, and planetary incense.
"The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews" by Scott Cunningham covers the different types of magic and how to use incense, oils, and brews to enhance the impact of the magic.
