Lance Carson
Incense is made of fragrant materials like cinnamon, frankincense, and sandalwood, and has been used for various purposes for centuries. While burning incense can be appealing, buying it from the store can be expensive. Making your own incense at home allows you to customize your ingredients and cut costs. To make your incense cones last longer, it's important to start with the right ingredients and follow the proper steps for mixing, shaping, drying, and storing your cones. In this article, we will explore the techniques and tips to make your incense cones burn longer and provide a pleasant aroma.
How to make incense cones last longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Base wood, aromatics, binder, water |
| Base wood | Sandalwood, cedar, pine, red sandalwood, alder, charcoal |
| Aromatics | Cinnamon, frankincense, patchouli, resins, herbs, woods, marshmallow root powder, lemongrass, rosemary |
| Binders | Gum binders (guar gum, xanthan gum), wood binders (joss powder/jiggit, tabu no ki/makko) |
| Other ingredients | Honey, herbs (basil, dill, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, sage) |
| Moulding | Shape using a piping tip, toothpick, or hand |
| Drying | Place on a tray or inside an open container in a sunny spot for 1-2 days |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container, away from pets and children |
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What You'll Learn
- Use potent herbs and resins with strong aromatic properties
- Choose a base with little scent or one that complements your aromatics
- Use a gum binder to hold the shape—it's stronger than wood binders
- Dry cones completely before storing in an airtight container
- Store away from heat and sunlight to preserve aroma
Use potent herbs and resins with strong aromatic properties
When making incense, the base and binder are there to heat the aromatics and release their scents. Therefore, choosing potent aromatics with strong aromatic properties is key to making your incense cones last longer.
Herbs such as basil, dill, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, and sage are great choices for incense as they are commonly known to have strong aromas. You can also experiment with other herbs, as long as they are potent and safe for burning.
Resins like copal, frankincense, and myrrh are also popular choices for incense-making due to their strong aromatic properties. They can add a sophisticated and unique scent to your incense blend.
Additionally, certain types of woods, such as sandalwood, cedar, and pine, can serve as both the base and the aromatic in your incense cones. These woods have very strong scents that can either complement or overpower your blend, so use them sparingly and choose a type of wood that will complement the other aromatics in your blend.
Remember to always choose fresh and potent herbs, resins, and woods, as their potency can diminish over time, impacting the aroma of your incense cones.
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Choose a base with little scent or one that complements your aromatics
When making incense, the base material is important as it replaces the charcoal or other outside heat sources used in non-combusting forms of incense. Good base materials burn well and burn evenly. However, some base materials, such as sandalwood, have very prominent scents of their own.
You have two options when it comes to choosing a base: you can either use a base with a very subtle scent or choose one with a scent that complements the rest of your blend. If you want to ensure that your aromatic ingredients are the main event, opt for a base with little to no scent. Red sandalwood (which is not actually sandalwood), alder, and charcoal are all examples of base materials with very low scents. This way, the scent of your aromatics will take centre stage without being overpowered by the base.
On the other hand, you can choose a base that complements your aromatics. Sandalwood, cedar, and pine are excellent bases that can add a strong scent to your incense blend. For example, using sandalwood as a base for incense with aromatics like frankincense or patchouli can provide amazing results. By choosing a complementary base, you can enhance the overall fragrance of your incense and create a more complex and layered aroma.
When selecting your base, it's important to keep in mind that some bases may be easier to work with than others, especially if you're a new incense maker. Wood binders, for example, can act as both a base material and a binder, making them a versatile option. Common wood binders like joss powder (also known as jiggit) and tabu no ki (sometimes incorrectly called makko) are forgiving and suitable for beginners. However, they may not be as strong as other binders, so consider your priorities when making your choice.
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Use a gum binder to hold the shape—it's stronger than wood binders
When making incense, a binder is required to hold the shape of the cone. While there are two types of binders—gum binders and wood binders—gum binders are superior for creating long-lasting incense cones.
Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are much stronger than wood binders. They are a type of glue that holds the incense mixture together in the desired shape. Wood binders, such as joss powder or "tabu no ki", often make up a large proportion of the incense mixture, sometimes as much as 75%. This can be a drawback as it leaves less room for the aromatic ingredients that give your incense its scent. Gum binders, on the other hand, are very potent, with a typical incense recipe calling for just 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material.
However, it is important to be cautious when adding a gum binder to your incense mixture. Because of their strength, adding too much can cause the incense to bind too strongly, preventing it from burning properly. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully measure and add the correct amount of gum binder to your recipe.
Additionally, gum binders have a neutral scent, so you don't have to worry about them altering the fragrance of your incense. This is advantageous as it allows the aromatic ingredients you've chosen to shine through without any interference from the binder.
When creating your own incense cones, it's important to experiment and find the right balance of ingredients to achieve the desired shape, scent, and burn quality. Remember to always allow your cones to dry completely before use, as this will impact their performance.
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Dry cones completely before storing in an airtight container
Homemade incense cones will not burn well until they are completely dry. The drying process can take one to two days. Place the cones on a tray or inside an open container in a sunny spot and leave them to dry. If you are unsure if your cones are dry, test one before storing.
It is important to use an airtight container to store your incense cones. If you have used honey in your mixture, it can attract moisture, so an airtight container is essential to ensure your incense burns properly.
To get the most out of your incense, keep it away from pets and children, and always burn it on a non-flammable surface.
When making your own incense, you can choose from a variety of base materials, including red sandalwood, alder, and charcoal, which have low scents and are therefore easier to work with. You can also add aromatic ingredients like herbs, resins, and woods to create your desired scent.
Overall, making your own incense cones can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to customise your ingredients and create unique scents.
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Store away from heat and sunlight to preserve aroma
To make your incense cones last longer, proper storage is key. Incense is sensitive to heat and sunlight, so it's important to choose a storage place that is cool and dry. Avoid storing your cones in direct sunlight or near a heat source, such as a stove or radiator.
The ideal storage spot for incense cones should be dark and well-ventilated. A cupboard or drawer in a cool part of your home could be a good option. If you live in a humid climate, consider placing a small dehumidifier or moisture absorber in the storage area to keep the air dry. This will help prevent the cones from becoming damp, which can affect their aroma and burning properties.
Additionally, make sure to use an airtight container for storage. This will not only keep the cones fresh but also prevent their scent from spreading too much before you're ready to use them. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or sealed plastic containers are ideal for this purpose. If you're using a larger container, consider adding a desiccant packet or two to help absorb any excess moisture.
By storing your incense cones away from heat and sunlight in a cool, dark, and dry place, you'll be able to preserve their aroma and ensure they last longer. Proper storage will also help maintain the cones' burning properties, so you can enjoy your homemade incense for an extended period of time.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your incense cones last longer, you should ensure that they are stored in an airtight container. This is especially important if your incense mixture contains honey, as honey can attract moisture.
Store your incense cones in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Leave your incense cones to dry for one to two days. Place them on a tray or inside an open container in a sunny spot.
You can use herbs with strong aromatic properties, such as basil, dill, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, and sage. These herbs have potent scents that will last longer.
Use a base with very little scent so that it does not overpower the other ingredients. Red sandalwood, alder, and charcoal are good options. For the binder, use a gum binder such as guar gum or xanthan gum, as these are scentless and more powerful than wood binders.
