Katrina Rosales
Incense burning has been a common practice for over 6000 years, with the earliest use cases linked to ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations. Today, incense is often used to fill a room with a pleasant aroma or to create a sense of relaxation and serenity. Making your own incense burning oil is a simple process that allows you to customise the scent to your preferences and avoid synthetic fragrances. This involves using essential oils, fragrance oils, or a combination of both, along with a solvent like dipropylene glycol (DPG) to help the oil absorb into the incense sticks or cones.
How to Make Incense Burning Oil
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dipropylene glycol, blank/unscented incense sticks, cones, or blanks |
| Equipment | Tray or dish, aluminium foil, drying rack, paper towels, spatula or strainer, beaker, special plastic bags, kraft tubes, boxes, incense burners |
| Process | Line a tray with aluminium foil, place unscented incense sticks on the tray, add essential oils to the sticks, burn |
| Tips | Avoid dipping or dripping oils onto the sticks as this will only coat the shallowest layer; the oil will burn off quickly and the stick will smell like burning makko powder; use a solvent like dipropylene glycol to help the oil absorb into the stick and reduce black smoke; avoid DPG as it is not safe to burn and can make people sick |
| Alternative Process | Soak blank incense cones in a mixture of 1/3 essential oils and 2/3 alcohol for 24 hours, place on a drying rack for another 24 hours |
| Scents | Cinnamon, lavender, fir needle, lemon, bergamot, frankincense, myrrh, orange, clove leaf, ginger root, cocoa, vanilla, violet, marshmallow, dragon's blood |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing essential oils
When it comes to choosing essential oils for your incense burning oil, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select oils that have a pleasant aroma and complement each other well. You can either use a single essential oil or create your own unique blend by combining different oils. The number of essential oils you use is entirely up to you, and some sources suggest using up to 12 different oils to create a complex blend.
It's also important to consider the properties and benefits of the essential oils you choose. Incense is often used as a form of aromatherapy, so selecting oils with desirable physical and mental benefits can be advantageous. For example, if you're looking to promote relaxation and serenity, classic aromas like lavender oil are a good choice. Cinnamon oil is another popular option, as it has been linked to stress relief and better sleep. If you want to encourage happiness, a sweet tart citrus aroma might be the right choice. Alternatively, a bold green citrus aroma is often used to enhance focus and concentration.
The type of essential oil you choose will also depend on the type of incense you want to create. If you're making incense sticks, you'll want to select essential oils that will infuse well into the wood. On the other hand, if you're creating incense cones, you'll need to choose oils that will blend well with the alcohol used in the mixture.
It's worth noting that some sources suggest using fragrance oils designed for candles and bath and body products, as these tend to result in a more potent fragrance. However, if you're looking for natural ingredients, essential oils are the way to go.
Finally, it's important to be mindful of safety considerations when choosing essential oils. While dipropylene glycol (DPG) is commonly used as a solvent for essential and fragrance oils, it is not meant to be burned and can be dangerous. Always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) when working with any chemicals, and ensure you have the proper equipment and ventilation if working with synthetic fragrance oils and chemicals.
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Blending oils with a base
If you choose to use DPG as your base, it is important to follow safety precautions as it is not meant to be burned and can be dangerous. DPG is a common additive in perfumes and skincare products, but it should not be burned as it can release hazardous decomposition products such as oxides of carbon and irritating aldehydes. Always wear protective gear, such as a respirator and dedicated clothing, when handling chemicals and creating incense.
To blend your chosen essential oils with DPG, you can experiment with different ratios, typically using a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of essential oil to DPG. Combine your desired essential oils first, and then add the DPG, stirring gently to mix. You can use a single essential oil or create complex blends with multiple oils. The key is to maintain the correct percentage of essential oils to DPG.
For a more natural approach, you can use makko powder, a type of wood powder base, as your base. This allows the fragrance oils to absorb into the incense sticks instead of just coating the surface, resulting in a slower burn and better fragrance release. To use this method, you can drip or spray the essential oil blend onto the makko powder-coated sticks, ensuring the oil soaks through the powder base.
Alternatively, you can use alcohol as your base. This method is commonly used for making incense cones. Combine your chosen essential oils with denatured alcohol or any unscented alcohol above 40%. Then, soak blank incense cones in the mixture for 24 hours. Remove the cones from the mixture and place them on a drying rack for another 24 hours, keeping them away from heat sources and open flames.
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Soaking incense sticks
To begin, you will need blank or unscented incense sticks, which can be purchased ready-made. Line a tray or dish with aluminium foil and place your incense sticks on it. If you are using dipropylene glycol (DPG), which helps your incense burn slower and reduces black smoke, use a glass container that is small enough to allow the sticks to lay flat. Measure out your chosen fragrance or essential oil and DPG at a ratio of 1:2, respectively. Stir the mixture well.
Completely cover the incense sticks with the liquid, adding extra DPG if needed. Cover the container and let the sticks soak for 24 hours in a safe spot away from direct sunlight, heat, or cold. After soaking, place the incense sticks on a rack to dry for another 24 hours. Keep them away from heat sources and open flames during this period.
Once your incense sticks are dry, they are ready to be burned or packaged as gifts. Store them in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes to maintain their fragrance. You can also sell your homemade incense at local craft fairs. Experiment with different oils and create unique blends to delight your friends, family, or customers.
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Drying the incense
Drying your incense is a crucial step in the incense-making process. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:
Hanging or Standing the Incense:
After removing your incense sticks from the mixture, you have the option to hang them or stand them up in bundles. This step is essential to allow the excess liquid to drip off and ensure even drying. If you choose to hang them, use a secure string or thread to hang the bundles upside down. If you prefer to stand them up, place them in a container that can catch any excess liquid.
Drying Time and Environment:
The drying process for incense typically takes around 24 hours. It is important to ensure that your incense is completely dry before proceeding to the next step. Create a suitable drying environment by choosing a well-ventilated area that is free from drafts and has a consistent temperature. Avoid placing your incense near heat sources or open flames, as this can affect the quality and safety of the product.
Using a Drying Rack:
If you are making incense cones, a drying rack can be very useful. Line a drying rack with paper towels and place your cones on the rack in a single layer. Make sure there is enough space between each cone to allow for adequate air circulation. This method helps catch any excess liquid and ensures that the cones dry evenly and completely.
Storing Your Incense:
Once your incense is completely dry, it's essential to store them properly. Incense is sensitive to moisture, so choose airtight containers such as special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their fragrance and quality over time.
Safety Considerations:
When making incense, it's important to prioritize safety. Some incense recipes use dipropylene glycol (DPG) as a solvent for essential and fragrance oils. However, it is important to note that DPG should not be burned as it can be dangerous when inhaled. Always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for DPG to understand the potential hazards and take the necessary precautions.
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Packaging and storing
Once your incense is dry, you can package them in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes. It is important to store your incense in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent the incense from deteriorating or becoming mouldy.
When storing incense, it is important to keep it away from heat sources and open flames. This is especially important if you are using essential oils, as some of them are highly flammable. It is also a good idea to store incense in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing moisture or other odours.
If you are storing incense cones, you will need to be extra careful. Cones are more delicate than sticks and can easily break if not stored properly. It is recommended to store them in a container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a jar or tube.
Incense storage should be kept out of reach of children and pets. This is because incense can be a choking hazard for children and pets, and the smoke can be irritating to their eyes and respiratory systems.
Proper storage and packaging of incense are important not only for maintaining its quality but also for ensuring safety. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your homemade incense while maintaining a safe and pleasant environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is primarily composed of aromatic plant materials that burn to release a gentle smoke and distinct fragrance. Essential oils are often added to increase the scent and provide additional physical and mental benefits.
You can use any kind of essential oil to make incense, but some popular choices include lavender, cinnamon, and sweet mint oil. You can also create blends using multiple essential oils.
There are several methods you can use to make incense sticks, but a simple one involves using blank or unscented incense sticks and dipping or spraying them with a mixture of essential oils and dipropylene glycol.
The basic recipe for making incense sticks is 66% dipropylene glycol and 33% essential oils. However, you may need to experiment with different ratios to find the ideal balance for your specific oils.
Once your incense is dry, you can store it in special plastic bags, kraft tubes, or boxes. To burn your incense, use an incense burner with an ash catcher or a standing burner if you are using incense cones. Always exercise caution when burning incense and ensure proper ventilation in the room.
