Antonio Mcgowan
Incense has been used by virtually every civilization since before the Stone Age, playing a role in religious ceremonies and medicine. The process of making incense is a creative, meditative, and enjoyable activity. One can use natural ingredients such as resins, woods, and herbs to create unique fragrances. Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in incense-making. It is a safe, non-alcoholic alternative for extracting and preserving herbal constituents and creating botanical flavors. When making incense with vegetable glycerin, one can follow a basic process: start by mixing powdered sandalwood with vegetable glycerin, creating a soft compound, then add essential oils and dried herbs. The mixture should be allowed to settle before being burned on hot coals. This simple process allows individuals to create personalized fragrances and connect with the ancient tradition of incense-making.
How to Make Incense with Vegetable Glycerin
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Sandalwood, cedar, pine, red sandalwood, alder, charcoal, or hawthorn wood |
| Binder | Gum binders (guar gum or xanthan gum) or wood binders (joss powder or "tabu no ki") |
| Aromatics | Essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, extracts, resins, herbs, or woods |
| Vegetable Glycerin Quantity | 2 tablespoons or 1 ounce |
| Essential Oil Quantity | 5 drops of vetiver or iris essential oil, 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, or 10 drops of rose essential oil |
| Other Ingredients | 1 teaspoon dry crushed almonds, 2 teaspoons frankincense tears, 1 teaspoon dry meadowsweet, 3 drops of rosemary essential oil, or a pinch of frankincense |
| Mixing Tools | Medium-sized bowl, metal whisk, or fork |
| Settling Time | At least 1 day |
| Activation Method | Sprinkle on hot coals, light one end and fan out the flame, or place in a campfire |
| Storage | Store vegetable glycerin in a sealed glass bottle in the refrigerator for at least 3–4 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a base
When choosing a base for your incense, it's important to consider the scent and function of the final product. The base material in your incense replaces the charcoal or other outside heat source, so it should be something that burns well and complements or enhances the other aromatic components.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a classic choice for a base and is known for its strong, distinctive scent. It pairs well with aromatics like frankincense, patchouli, rose, and meadowsweet. Sandalwood can be used in its powdered form, or you can use essential oil for a more concentrated fragrance.
Cedar and Pine
Cedar and pine are other wood bases that can add a strong, natural scent to your incense blend. These woods are often "oil-extracted," meaning they have a more concentrated fragrance. However, lower-quality varieties may have very little scent, so be sure to choose a type that suits your desired fragrance profile.
Red Sandalwood, Alder, and Charcoal
These materials are considered low-scent base options, making them ideal for beginners or those who want the aromatic ingredients to shine through. They are easier to work with because they contribute less to the overall scent profile.
Joss Powder and "Tabu no Ki"
Joss powder, also known as "jiggit," and "tabu no ki" (sometimes incorrectly called "makko") are common wood binders that double as base materials. They are easy to work with and can act as a neutral base for your incense blend.
When choosing a base, it's important to consider the overall fragrance profile you want to achieve. The base should complement or enhance the aromatic ingredients without overpowering them. Experimenting with different bases and combinations will help you create unique and pleasing incense blends.
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Selecting aromatic ingredients
Selecting the right aromatic ingredients is a critical step in making incense with vegetable glycerin. The aromatic ingredients are what you want to smell when you burn the incense, so choosing the right combination of herbs, resins, and woods can make all the difference.
When choosing your aromatic ingredients, consider the scent you want to create. Do you want a strong scent or something more subtle? Sandalwood, cedar, and pine are excellent bases that will add a very strong scent to your incense blend. On the other hand, red sandalwood (which is not actual sandalwood), alder, and charcoal are very low-scent base materials that will not interfere with your chosen aromatics. If you're a new incense maker, these low-scent options might be easier to work with.
You can also choose to use essential oils as your liquid scent. Common choices include rose, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and Scotch pine. These oils can be added to your incense mixture to enhance the aroma.
Another important consideration is whether you want your incense to have a specific effect. Incense has been used for various purposes since antiquity, including creating aromatic spaces and religious ceremonies. Certain aromatics are associated with specific energies and effects. For example, the element of water is associated with intuition, dreams, visions, peace, and spirituality. So, if you want to invoke the energies of water, you might choose aromatics such as sandalwood, frankincense, or rose.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique blends. Incense-making is a creative process, and you can spend a lifetime mastering it. By choosing different aromatic ingredients and combining them in various ratios, you can design incense that suits your specific needs and preferences.
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Preparing the vegetable glycerin
Ingredients and Tools
To prepare vegetable glycerin, you will need the following ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Water
- Salt
- Lye (sodium hydroxide)
Additionally, you will need the following tools:
- A saucepan
- A thermometer
- A glass bottle
- Safety gear, including goggles, rubber gloves, a face mask, and long clothing
The Process
- Mix equal parts coconut oil and olive oil in the saucepan. The standard ratio is 1 cup (200g) of coconut oil to 1 cup (240 ml) of olive oil.
- Add water to the oil mixture. The amount of water is not specified, but it should be added in a quantity that allows for a proper mix with the oils.
- Heat the mixture on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of 125° F (52° C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Add salt to the heated mixture. The amount of salt is not specified, but it should be added according to your desired level of salinity.
- Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Continue heating until the mixture's temperature reaches 100° F (38° C). Stir regularly during this process to ensure all the ingredients are well blended.
- Maintain the temperature at 100° F (38° C) and continue stirring for an additional 10-15 minutes. The mixture should thicken, and you should be able to see the outline of the spoon's path for a few seconds after stirring.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool down.
- Once cooled, transfer the liquid vegetable glycerin to a glass bottle. Seal the bottle tightly.
- Store the sealed glass bottle in the refrigerator. The vegetable glycerin should remain fresh for at least 3-4 weeks when refrigerated.
Safety Precautions
It is important to note that lye, or sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic substance. When working with lye, always wear protective safety gear, including goggles, rubber gloves, a face mask, and long pants and sleeves. Ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Handle lye with extreme care, as it can easily burn the skin and cause damage if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.
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Mixing the incense
Mixing incense is a meditative and creative process that can be approached in several ways, depending on the desired outcome and personal preference. Here is a step-by-step guide to mixing incense with vegetable glycerin:
Prepare the Base:
Start by choosing a base that complements your aromatic components. Sandalwood, cedar, and pine are excellent choices for a strong scent, while red sandalwood, alder, and charcoal have low scents and are easier for beginners to work with. Place your chosen powdered base, such as sandalwood, in a medium-sized bowl.
Add Vegetable Glycerin:
Stir in about two tablespoons of vegetable glycerin, adding one tablespoon at a time. Use a metal whisk or a fork to mix until you achieve a soft, fluffy compound. Be careful not to add too much glycerin, as it can make the incense too moist.
Incorporate Essential Oils:
Add your essential oils to the mixture. You can choose various oils like rose, rosemary, or frankincense, depending on your preference. Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil and whisk it into the compound.
Include Dried Herbs:
Enhance the incense by adding dried herbs such as crushed almonds, meadowsweet, or other botanicals. Make sure to mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well-combined.
Settling and Burning:
Allow the compound to settle for at least a day before burning. Once settled, sprinkle the mixture onto hot coals to enjoy your homemade incense.
Alternative Method:
Another way to mix incense with vegetable glycerin is to create a liquid incense oil. Fill a one-ounce bottle halfway with vegetable glycerin. Then, add plain water until the bottle is three-quarters full. Add your essential oils and any other dry ingredients of your choice. Close the lid and shake the bottle vigorously. This liquid incense can be used immediately, either by applying it to hot coals or using an oil warmer.
Remember, incense-making is a creative process, and you can experiment with different bases, essential oils, and dried ingredients to find your unique combinations. Always exercise caution when burning incense, and ensure proper ventilation in the area.
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Burning the incense
Once you've made your incense, it's time to burn it!
If you've made your incense in the shape of cones or sticks, the burning process is straightforward. Light one end of the cone or stick, then fan out the flame and let the incense burn slowly by itself. If you're burning loose incense mixtures or incense pellets, you'll need to use charcoal, makko, or mica placed on top of charcoal to heat your mixtures.
When burning incense outdoors, you can place the individual ingredients, loose mixtures, and incense pellets directly into a campfire when there are only glowing coals remaining and no flame. Alternatively, you can place them on a hot rock on the outer rim of a campfire.
For non-combustible incense, use a cup, bowl, or saucer-shaped vessel filled with ash or sand. This is the easiest method, but it requires a few extra steps and utensils.
If you're using hot coals, wait at least a day for the incense compound to settle before sprinkling it on top.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetable glycerin, or glycerol, is a clear, odourless liquid with a sweet taste. It is a common ingredient in cosmetics and food products. It is also used to make homemade beauty and skincare products.
To make incense with vegetable glycerin, you will need:
- A base: sandalwood, cedar, pine, alder, charcoal, or hawthorn wood.
- A binder: gum binders or wood binders.
- Aromatics: herbs, resins, woods, essential oils, or dried flowers.
- Vegetable glycerin.
- Water.
The process of making incense with vegetable glycerin involves the following steps:
- Place your powdered base in a medium-sized bowl.
- Stir in about two tablespoons of vegetable glycerin, one tablespoon at a time, and mix well.
- Add your essential oils and other dried herbs, then mix thoroughly.
- Wait for at least a day for the compound to settle.
- Form the incense into your desired shape, such as sticks or cones.
Vegetable glycerin is a safe and effective alternative to alcohol-based tinctures for extracting and preserving herbal constituents. It is also a good option for those who do not consume alcohol. Additionally, it can enhance the aroma and burning properties of the incense.
Here are some precautions and tips to consider:
- Always use a water-based liquid to "activate" the binder, but it does not have to be plain water.
- Ensure that the mixture is not too moist, as this can affect the burning of the incense.
- Store your vegetable glycerin in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should last for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
