Katrina Rosales
Incense is made from a variety of materials, including resins, woods, and herbs, each with its own unique aromatic properties. Incense cones can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients and tools. The process involves mixing and grinding the chosen materials, shaping them into cones, and allowing them to dry before burning. The base material, binder, aromatics, and water are the key components of an incense cone, with the base and binder working together to heat the aromatics and release their scents. This introduction will explore the steps and considerations for creating incense cones with resin, highlighting the importance of experimentation and safety when crafting this traditional product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Base wood, aromatics, binder, and water |
| Base wood options | Sandalwood, cedar, pine, red sandalwood, alder, charcoal |
| Aromatics options | Frankincense, patchouli, copal, myrrh, sage, mugwort, lavender |
| Binder options | Gum binders (guar gum, xanthan gum), wood binders (joss powder/jiggit, tabu no ki/makko) |
| Additional ingredients | Honey, oils |
| Tools | Mixing bowl, mortar and pestle, piping tip, toothpick |
| Process | Mix and grind ingredients, shape into cones, dry for 1-2 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your base material
There are a few things to consider when choosing your base material. Firstly, think about the scent of the base material. Some base materials, like sandalwood, cedar, and pine, have very prominent scents of their own, which can be a positive or negative depending on your desired outcome. If you want the scent of your base material to be subtle, you can choose a base with very little scent, such as red sandalwood (which is not actually sandalwood), alder, or charcoal. Alternatively, you can choose a base with a scent that complements the rest of your blend. For example, using sandalwood as a base for an incense with aromatics like frankincense or patchouli can provide amazing results.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of binder you will be using with your base material. The binder is like a glue that holds the incense together in the shape you choose. There are two basic types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are much more powerful than wood binders and add no scent of their own to the blend. However, adding too much gum binder to a recipe can cause it to bind too strongly and affect its ability to burn. Wood binders, on the other hand, are easy to work with and often act as both a base material and a binder. Common wood binders include joss powder (also called jiggit) and tabu no ki (sometimes incorrectly called makko). While wood binders are forgiving and a good choice for beginners, they usually make up a large percentage of the recipe, and they are not as strong as gum binders.
Finally, consider the availability and sustainability of your base material. Using aromatic plants that you have a direct relationship with can be an empowering way to enjoy the gifts of plants and ensure that your incense botanicals are harvested sustainably. Keep in mind that some popular incense botanicals, like copal, frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood, may be endangered due to mass marketing. There are likely many common plants rich in aromatics that grow near you, which are perfect for incense and allow you to participate in each step of the process.
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Selecting aromatic ingredients
Selecting the right aromatic ingredients is a critical step in making incense cones. The aromatic ingredients are what you actually want to smell in your incense cones, so it's important to choose wisely. Here are some things to consider when selecting your aromatic ingredients:
Types of Aromatic Ingredients
The most common types of aromatic ingredients used in incense cones are herbs, resins, and woods. Herbs such as lavender, mugwort, and sage are popular choices for their aromatic properties and are easily available. Resins like copal, frankincense, and myrrh are also commonly used and offer a rich, sophisticated scent. Additionally, woods such as sandalwood, cedar, and pine can add a strong, natural aroma to your incense cones.
Scent Combination
When selecting aromatic ingredients, consider how the scents will combine to create a harmonious fragrance. Choose ingredients with complementary scents or ones that belong to the same family of aromas. For example, using sandalwood as a base can work well with aromatic ingredients like frankincense or patchouli. Experimenting with different combinations will help you discover your favourite blends.
Quality and Freshness
The quality and freshness of your aromatic ingredients will impact the overall scent of your incense cones. Look for potent, fresh herbs and resins to ensure the best aromatic experience. Over time, herbs can lose their potency, so it's important to use ingredients that are still fresh and have not been stored for too long.
Personal Preference and Availability
Ultimately, the selection of aromatic ingredients comes down to personal preference. Choose ingredients that you enjoy and that are meaningful to you. You can also explore commonly found botanicals in your region, as chances are there are many local plants rich in aromatics that are perfect for incense. This approach ensures sustainability and a direct connection to the plants you're using.
Health Considerations
Some aromatic ingredients may have potential health risks, especially if inhaled. Certain herbs and resins can contain particulate matter that can affect the lungs, so it's important to choose materials known to be healthier. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any incense, especially if you have asthma or other lung disorders.
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Mixing and moulding
To make incense cones with resin, you will need a mixing bowl and a piping tip (the same type used for piping frosting). If you are using dry ingredients like herbs, mix and grind them in a mortar and pestle first, ensuring they are in powder form. You will need around 1.5 teaspoons of this herb mixture for each incense cone. If you are using liquid ingredients like honey, add them separately after grinding the herbs.
For the wet mixture, add about 1 tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of any other liquid ingredients. The mixture should be able to hold its shape. If it is too wet or too dry, it will not be effective. You can add a gum binder such as guar gum or xanthan gum to help the mixture bind, but be careful not to add too much as it may prevent the incense from burning.
To shape the cone, press the mixture into the piping tip, preferably one with a wide nozzle. Tap the tip on a table several times to loosen the mixture, then use a toothpick to slide around the edges to remove any remaining material. Place the cone on a firm, dry surface and repeat the process until you have used up all of the mixture. You can store any extra cones for later use.
Insert a toothpick into the centre of each cone to create a small hole, which will help the cone burn better. Allow the cones to dry completely on a tray or inside an open container in a sunny spot for one to two days.
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Adding binders
When making incense cones, a binder is necessary to hold the incense together in the shape you choose. There are two basic types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are much more powerful than wood binders. They add no scent of their own to the blend, so you don't have to worry about their impact on the fragrance of your incense. However, adding too much gum binder to a recipe can cause it to bind too strongly and prevent it from burning. A typical incense recipe will use just 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material.
Wood binders, on the other hand, are easier to work with and can act as a base material in addition to being a binder. Common wood binders include joss powder (sometimes called jiggit) and Tabu-No-Ki (sometimes, incorrectly, called Makko). These binders are forgiving and a good choice for new incense makers. The main drawback is the amount of wood binder required in recipes—up to 75% in some cases. Most wood binders are not as strong as gum binders, which can be seen as a positive or a negative aspect.
Makko is a type of binder that is commonly used and is probably the easiest to work with. It is recommended to keep your first cones simple by sticking with a base wood and maybe one aromatic. You can use the same ingredient for your base wood and aromatics, such as sandalwood.
Once you have chosen your binder, mix all your ingredients into a bowl and grind them with a mortar and pestle. You will need around 1.5 teaspoons of your herb mixture for each incense cone. Make sure to grind the herbs into a powder for the best effect. If you are using ingredients like honey, add them after grinding the herbs. You'll need about 1 tablespoon of water and around 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of any other liquid ingredients. The mixture should be able to hold its shape fairly well. If it is too wet or too dry, it won't form effective incense cones.
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Drying and storing
Place the freshly shaped cones on a tray or inside an open container. Choose a sunny spot, either outdoors or near a window, and leave them undisturbed for at least one to two full days. This drying process is crucial, as it ensures that your cones will burn effectively. Insufficient drying may result in poorly burning cones, so be patient and allow them to dry completely.
During the drying process, it's important to protect your incense cones from excess moisture or humidity in the air, as this can affect their quality and burning capabilities. Choose a dry location and ensure good air circulation to speed up the drying process.
Once your incense cones are completely dry, you can store them for future use. Store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, to maintain freshness and preserve their scent. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can degrade the quality of the incense over time.
You can create a variety of incense cones with different aromatic herbs, resins, and woods. Experiment with different combinations and store your creations for a range of fragrances to suit different moods or occasions. Remember to label your containers accordingly so you know what scent to expect!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a base wood, aromatics, a binder, and water. Your base wood and aromatics can be the same thing, for example, sandalwood. You can also use other herbs and resins such as sage, copal, frankincense, myrrh, or lavender.
Gum binders (such as guar gum or xanthan gum) are more powerful than wood binders. Wood binders, however, can act as a base material in addition to being a binder. Common wood binders include joss powder and tabu no ki.
A typical incense recipe uses just 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material.
You will need a mixing bowl and a mortar and pestle to grind the ingredients. You can also use a piping tip to shape the cones and a toothpick to create a hole in the centre of the cone to help it burn better.
Your 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 for one to two days.
