Lance Carson
Incense has been used across cultures for scenting, cleansing, and religious practices. Making incense at home is a simple process and can be therapeutic and rewarding. You can use fresh flowers, herbs, and leaves to make incense bundles, cones, pellets, or sticks. The basic formula for natural incense is simple: gather your ingredients, crush them into a powder, add a binding agent, and mould your incense into the desired shape. You can use charcoal or a combustible material like makko as a base and binder. To burn your incense, light it and let it burn for 30 seconds before placing it on an incense dish.
How to make incense from leaves
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Flowers, herbs, leaves, twine, scissors, a heat-proof plate, a hanger, matches or a lighter |
| Preparation | Cut flowers and herbs, add lots of leaves, secure with twine, hang to dry |
| Burning | Place on a heat-proof plate, light with matches or a lighter |
| Ingredients | Makko powder, distilled water, charcoal, resins, dried and ground herbs, essential oils, gum binders, wood binders, saltpeter |
| Tools | Mortar and pestle, conical mold, ceramic plate, parchment paper, incense dish, charcoal briquette |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a base and binder
The base and binder you choose for your incense will depend on the type of incense you want to make, the burning properties you desire, and the fragrance you wish to create.
Bases
The base of your incense will determine its burning properties. The most common base material is wood powder, which usually makes up the bulk of the base. Most types of wood powder can be used, including cedar, pine, apple, fir, and sandalwood. When choosing a fragrant base, consider that it will impact both the burning and the scent of your incense. Woods like alder and red sandalwood produce little scent when burning but can provide heat.
Binders
The binder you choose will depend on whether you are making incense pellets, cones, or sticks, and whether your incense will be burned or warmed. Makko powder, also known as tabu no ki, is a popular choice as it acts as both a binder and a combustion agent. It is made from the bark of the Tabu-no-ki tree, which grows in parts of Asia, or the Thunberi tree. It is a natural combustible material that is also water-soluble. When mixed with a small amount of distilled water or hydrosol, makko allows for the forming of incense cones or sticks. The exact amount of makko to add to your mixture depends on the humidity of your environment and the amount of resins and woods in your mixture.
Other options for binders include gum arabic or tragacanth, which can be mixed with charcoal or saltpeter to gain combustion. However, it is recommended to avoid the use of saltpeter as it is a toxic substance. Labdanum is often used in Japanese recipes to form pellets, and dried fruit can also be used.
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Preparing the leaves
Once you have selected your leaves, you will need to dry them. Gather the leaves and tie them into a bundle using cotton twine. Leave about 3 inches of twine on one side and a 2-inch short tail on the other. Start wrapping the long end of the twine tightly around the bundle, working upwards. When you reach the top, wrap the bundle downwards in the opposite direction. Finally, tie off the ends of the twine securely.
Hang the bundle in a cool, dry spot with good circulation and leave it to air-dry for at least two weeks. The drying process can take longer, depending on the humidity of your climate. It is important to ensure that the bundle is completely dry before burning it.
Once the leaves are dry, you will need to crush them into a fine powder. This can be done using a mortar and pestle. It is important to be patient during this step, as some plants will take longer to crush than others. The powder will be used in the next step of the incense-making process.
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Mixing the incense
Mixing incense is an art, and there are many ways to do it. The basic formula for natural incense is simple, but the ratios and combinations of ingredients are what make it unique. Here is a step-by-step guide to mixing incense:
Preparing the Ingredients:
Firstly, gather your dried herbs and flowers. Popular choices include cedar, lavender, sage, sweetgrass, sagebrush, mugwort, yarrow leaves, juniper berries, wormwood, white sage, rosemary, thyme, rose petals, fir needles, and cinnamon. You can use a single herb or create your own mix of herbs and flowers. It is important to ensure that your ingredients are dried properly to prevent mould. Fresh herbs are easier to wrap than refrigerated herbs, so buying fresh herbs is recommended.
Crushing the Ingredients:
Once you have selected your ingredients, use a mortar and pestle to crush them into a fine powder. This step may take some time, as different plants have different textures and require varying levels of pulverization. Be patient and thorough in this process, as a consistent powder consistency is ideal for creating a smooth incense mixture.
Adding the Binder:
The next step is to add a binder to your powdered ingredients. The binder acts as a glue that holds the incense together and allows you to shape it. Common binders include makko, gum arabic, tragacanth, and ""tabu no ki" (sometimes labelled as "makko"). Makko, derived from the bark of the Tabu-no-ki tree, is a popular choice as it is a natural combustible material that burns slowly and generates high heat. It also serves as a base material, simplifying the incense-making process. When adding makko, use a 1:3 ratio, such as one teaspoon of makko powder for every three teaspoons of pulverized herbs.
Introducing Liquids:
To activate the binder, you must introduce a liquid. Distilled water is a common choice, but you can also explore using essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, or other extracts to enhance the scent and introduce additional aromatic properties. Add the liquid slowly, a few drops at a time, until a dough forms. The amount of liquid required will depend on the humidity of your environment and the specific ingredients used.
Shaping the Incense:
Once you have a consistent dough, it's time to shape your incense. The most common forms are sticks and cones, but you can also create incense pellets or balls. For cones, use a small conical mould and fill it with approximately half a teaspoon of the dough. For sticks, you can roll out the dough and cut it into thin strips. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different shapes, such as stars or moons.
Remember, the art of mixing incense allows for creativity and experimentation. You can adjust the ratios, add different ingredients, or explore various shaping techniques to create unique and personalised incense blends. Enjoy the therapeutic process of crafting your own incense and the wonderful aromas that fill your space.
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Shaping the incense
Shaping incense is a creative process that allows you to design your incense in any form you desire. The most common shapes are incense sticks and cones, but you can also make incense pellets or bundles. Here is a detailed guide to help you shape your incense:
Incense Cones
To make incense cones, you will need a dough-like mixture of your chosen herbs, resins, and binders. The dough should be moist enough to hold its shape but not too wet. Place approximately half a teaspoon of the dough into a small conical mold. You can use a variety of molds, such as ice cube trays or silicone molds, to create different-sized cones. Gently press the dough into the mold and ensure it is compact. Carefully remove the cone from the mold and set it aside to dry. The drying process can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the humidity in your environment.
Incense Sticks
Incense sticks are another popular option and can be made using similar ingredients to cones. Makko, a natural combustible material derived from the Tabu-no-ki tree, is a common choice for binding incense sticks. When mixing your incense dough, add a small amount of distilled water or hydrosol to makko powder until it reaches a pliable consistency. You can then roll out the dough and cut it into thin strips to form the sticks. Alternatively, you can use gum arabic or tragacanth as binders, mixing them with charcoal or saltpeter for combustion. However, be cautious as saltpeter is considered toxic. Shape the dough strips into thin sticks, about the width of a pencil, and set them aside to dry.
Incense Pellets
Incense pellets offer a simple way to add fragrance to your mixture. Labdanum, a pliable resin, is commonly used in Japanese recipes to form pellets. Combine all your dry ingredients first, and then add them to the labdanum, kneading the mixture well. You can also use dried fruit, such as organic raisins or dried apricots, as a natural binder. Shape the mixture into small pellets and place them in a ceramic jar with a lid to dry for about two to three weeks.
Incense Bundles
Creating incense bundles involves bundling together herbs, flowers, and leaves. Gather your desired ingredients, ensuring that the flowers are not fully bloomed to prevent molding during the drying process. Use scissors to cut your herbs and flowers to a similar length. Add extra leaves to your bundle, as they will shrink during drying. Wrap the bundle tightly with twine, starting from the bottom and working upwards, then wrap it in the opposite direction to secure it. Leave about 3 inches of twine at the top to hang the bundle for drying. Hang the bundle upside down in a cool, dry spot for two to three weeks until completely dry before burning.
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Burning the incense
Once you've made your incense, you can move on to the burning process. This is a critical step, as it will determine the strength and quality of the fragrance. Here's a step-by-step guide to burning incense made from leaves:
Preparing the Incense for Burning
Before you begin burning, ensure your incense is completely dry. Burning incense that is not fully dry can negatively impact the fragrance and produce excessive smoke. The drying process can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on the humidity in your environment. It's important to be patient during this stage.
Choosing a Burning Method
There are several methods for burning incense, and the right choice depends on the type of incense you've made. Here are some common techniques:
- The Mica Plate Method: This method, originating from Japan, produces minimal smoke while still filling the room with a rich fragrance. You'll need a small mica plate, which is placed on top of burning charcoal or within a cone-shaped mound of ash. Sprinkle your incense on top of the mica plate and allow it to heat up and release the fragrances.
- The Makko Method: Makko is a natural combustible material derived from the Tabu-no-ki tree, which grows in parts of Asia. It serves as both a base and a binder for your incense. To use this method, create an indentation in the ash and fill it with Makko powder. You can then add your incense mixture on top and light it.
- The Charcoal Briquette Method: This method is suitable for incense balls or pellets. Place some sand into your incense dish and put a charcoal briquette on top. Light the briquette and let it burn for about 30 seconds until it's evenly hot. Then, place your incense ball on top and enjoy the fragrance.
Lighting the Incense
When lighting your incense, always use a match or a lighter. Ensure that the incense is secured and tied properly, especially if you're burning incense bundles. Hold the incense over a heat-proof dish or plate to catch any falling ash. Light the end of the incense or the incense bundle twine and allow it to burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame. The incense should continue to smoulder and release its fragrance.
Enhancing the Experience
Burning incense is not just about the fragrance; it can also be a ritual for relaxation or a way to create a specific atmosphere. Consider playing soothing music in the background or dimming the lights to enhance the ambiance. You can also incorporate incense burning into your meditation or prayer practices to create strong scent associations with those activities.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need scissors, a heat-proof plate, a hanger, matches or a lighter, and twine.
You can use a variety of home-grown or store-bought herbs such as cedar, lavender, sage, and sweetgrass.
Gather your dried herbs and crush them into a powder form using a mortar and pestle.
You can mix the powdered leaves with makko powder, which serves as a binding agent. You can also add distilled water to the mixture to form a dough.
Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a ceramic plate to dry. Once dried, place a charcoal briquette on an incense dish and light it. Place the incense ball on top of the lit charcoal and enjoy!
