Anisha Riggs
Incense has been a key feature of many medicinal and spiritual traditions worldwide. Incense sticks using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances are a great natural option. Making your own incense sticks allows you to customise the scent and choose your ingredients. The process is simple, but the biggest challenge is formulating an essential oil blend that will appeal to customers. You can make incense sticks from scratch, but a quicker method is to use blank or unscented incense sticks. You can then add essential oils like Sandalwood, Palo Santo, and Patchouli, and let them dry overnight before burning them.
How to make incense oil
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Essential oils, blank or unscented incense sticks, dipropylene glycol |
| Tools | Olive dish or a long, narrow dish, aluminium foil, graduated cylinder, spoon or glass stirring rod, mug |
| Method | Drop essential oils into the dish, stir with a spoon or glass stirring rod, place blank sticks into the dish and press gently, leave to dry overnight |
| Tips | Use dipropylene glycol to help the incense burn slower and reduce black smoke, use an olive dish or create a temporary dish with aluminium foil |
| Recipes | Fir Needle Incense: 0.5 oz Fir Needle Essential Oil, 1.5 oz Lemon Essential Oil, 4 oz Dipropylene Glycol; Earthen Incense: 1 oz Earthen Blend, 2 oz Dipropylene Glycol |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing essential oils
There are many different types of essential oils available, each with its unique aroma and potential benefits. For example, earthy base notes from essential oils such as Sandalwood, Palo Santo, and Patchouli make excellent starting points for a warm and spicy aroma. You can also consider a bright and cheerful citrus scent with floral notes or a deep, woody aroma associated with relaxation.
When choosing essential oils, it is important to consider the quality and purity of the oils. Some essential oils may be diluted with other ingredients or contain synthetic fragrances, which may affect the overall quality of your incense. It is always a good idea to choose pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils from reputable sources to ensure the best results.
Additionally, you can choose to use a single essential oil or create your own unique blends. Some people enjoy experimenting with different combinations of essential oils to find their perfect scent. However, it is important to note that using too many different oils may result in a lack of drops to distribute over the length of the incense stick.
Finally, it is recommended to test your chosen essential oil or blend on a single stick before scenting a large batch. This will allow you to adjust the combination as needed and ensure that you are happy with the scent before committing to a larger quantity.
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Using blank sticks
Making incense oil using blank sticks is a simple process. To start, you will need to prepare your workspace. Lay down a towel or newspaper to protect your workspace from any spills or drips. You will also need a long, narrow dish, such as an olive dish or tray, to hold your incense sticks. If you don't have a long, narrow dish, you can take a piece of aluminum foil and fold it into a "V" shape, ensuring that the ends are folded up to prevent oil from spilling out.
Once you have your dish ready, you can begin preparing your incense sticks. Place a single blank stick in your dish and add your chosen essential oil or blend of oils. Each stick will take about 20 drops of oil, and if you are using multiple oils, be sure to mix them before applying to ensure even distribution. You can use a graduated cylinder to measure out your oils, or you can do it drop by drop. If you are making a larger batch, you can mix your oils directly in the dish and gently stir them with a spoon or glass stir rod.
After your oil is prepared, gently press the blank stick into the oil, ensuring that it absorbs all the oil that falls into the dish. If you are making multiple sticks, you can place them all in the dish at once and press gently so they absorb the oil. You can also soak the sticks in the oil mixture for a more thorough coating.
Once your sticks are coated, place them in a mug and allow them to dry overnight (10-15 hours) before burning. You can also let your sticks soak for a full day before drying for an even stronger scent. During the drying process, the sticks will strongly scent the room they are in, so you don't have to burn them right away. After they are dry, you can burn your homemade incense and enjoy the aroma.
Note: Most blank incense sticks have a combustible powder coating and may be made with woods and glues that are toxic. It is recommended to use unscented punk sticks made with joss/makko powder to avoid any potential health risks.
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Drying the incense
Hanging or Standing the Incense：
First, decide on the placement of your incense during the drying process. You can choose to hang the incense bundles or stand them up. If you're using the vertical method, as described by Kayla Fioravanti, hanging or standing the bundles ensures that any excess oil drips down and doesn't pool at the bottom. This helps prevent waste and makes it easier to collect leftover oil for future use.
Drying Time and Environment:
The drying time for incense can vary depending on the recipe and the number of incense sticks you've prepared. Generally, it's recommended to let the incense dry overnight or for at least 10 to 15 hours. Choose a room with good ventilation to prevent the scent from becoming too concentrated. However, if you want to fill a room with a particular aroma, you can intentionally dry the incense in that room. For example, you might want to dry your incense in a bathroom to create a pleasant and fragrant space.
Drying Containers and Surfaces:
When drying the incense, it's essential to place the sticks in a suitable container or on a protected surface. Many incense makers use mugs or cups to hold the incense while it dries. This helps catch any oil drippings and keeps the sticks together in one place. If you're using a mug, ensure it's placed on a flat, stable surface where it won't be disturbed.
Drying in Batches:
If you're making a large quantity of incense, consider drying them in batches. This helps ensure even drying and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven drying times. By drying in batches, you can also experiment with different essential oil blends and create a variety of incense fragrances.
Storing Leftover Material:
After removing the incense sticks from the initial soaking container, don't discard the leftover material. Instead, store it in an airtight container and label it clearly. This leftover material can be used to start your next batch of incense, reducing waste and saving you time in the future.
By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively dry your incense and prepare it for packaging and burning. Remember always to burn incense in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions to enjoy your handcrafted fragrances safely.
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The horizontal method
To make incense oil using the horizontal method, start by choosing your desired essential oil or creating a blend of oils. You can use up to 12 different essential oils and create a complex blend. However, it is important to maintain the correct percentages of essential oils to DPG. A basic recipe for incense oil is 66% DPG and 33% essential oils.
Once you have your desired blend of essential oils, mix them with DPG in a glass container. The ratio of oil to DPG should be 1:1. For example, mix 16 fl oz (470 mL) of essential oil with 32 to 48 fl oz (950 to 1,420 mL) of DPG. This mixture will be enough to scent approximately 500 incense sticks.
After combining the essential oils and DPG, soak your incense sticks in the mixture for at least 24 hours. It is important to ensure that all sides of the sticks are coated evenly. You can place the sticks in a larger container or lay them on a sheet of aluminum foil folded into a "V" shape to catch any drips.
Finally, remove the sticks from the mixture and allow them to air-dry for at least 24-48 hours. Keep the drying sticks away from direct sunlight and heat, and make sure they are out of reach of children and pets. Once they are completely dry, your incense sticks are ready to be burned and enjoyed!
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The vertical method
To start, you will need to gather your ingredients and materials. These include essential oils of your choice, dipropylene glycol (DPG), a beaker or tall bottle, and blank or unscented incense sticks.
- Begin by binding the incense sticks together at the top.
- Prepare your incense oil mixture by mixing your chosen essential oils with DPG. The basic recipe for this mixture is 66% DPG and 33% essential oils. You can use a single essential oil or create your own blend of up to 12 different oils.
- Pour the oil mixture into a beaker or tall bottle.
- Soak the bound incense sticks in the mixture for 24 hours. Ensure that all sides of the sticks are coated.
- After soaking, remove the incense sticks from the beaker and hang them or stand them up in bundles for another 24 hours to dry.
- Once dried, your incense sticks are ready to be lit and enjoyed.
It is important to note that you should always wear gloves when working with undiluted essential oils, as they can irritate the skin. Additionally, make sure to store your homemade incense sticks properly, away from heat and light, to preserve their aromatic properties.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use an olive dish, a long, narrow dish, or a V-shaped piece of aluminium foil.
You will need about 20 drops of essential oil for one incense stick.
Let your incense dry for between 10 and 15 hours before burning it.
Measure out your essential oils using a graduated cylinder or do it drop by drop. Place your blank sticks into the dish and press gently so they absorb the oil.
Some good essential oils to use for incense include sandalwood, palo santo, patchouli, mint, spruce, and ginger root.
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