Seamus Hammond
Incense is an ancient tradition that has been used for centuries to connect with spirituality and evoke relaxation. It is composed of aromatic plant materials that burn to release a gentle smoke and distinct fragrance. Patchouli is a popular scent that has been used since the 1860s and rose in popularity with the hippie movement in the US in the 1960s. To make patchouli incense, you can use a variety of bases such as sandalwood, cedar, and pine, and add complementary aromatics like frankincense or patchouli essential oil. The basic formula for natural incense is simple: create a properly mixed batch of incense dough, which can then be formed into any shape, with the most common forms being sticks and cones.
How to Make Patchouli Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Sandalwood, cedar, pine, red sandalwood (not actual sandalwood), alder, charcoal |
| Aromatics | Frankincense, patchouli essential oil, benzoin, borneol camphor, calamus, cassia, cedar-red, clove, iris root, labdanum, lavender, musk seeds, mugwort, myrrh, nutmeg, opoponax, pine needles, rhubarb, rose, spikenard, tolu balsam, valerian root, vetiver, neroli, bergamot, geranium |
| Binder | Gum binders, wood binders (joss powder/jiggit, tabu no ki/makko) |
| Liquid scents | Essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, extracts |
| Form | Sticks, cones, or any shape you wish |
| Drying time | About a week |
| Fermentation | Patchouli leaves are generally fermented, which creates the typical "patchouli" scent |
| Oil extraction | Cellular walls must be compromised, which is what fermentation accomplishes |
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Choosing a base
When making patchouli incense, choosing the right base is essential to ensure the desired scent and burning properties. The base material in incense acts as a binder and a heat source, replacing charcoal or other external heat sources used in non-combusting forms. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a base for your patchouli incense:
- Aromatic Properties: The base should complement the overall aroma of the incense. Sandalwood is a popular choice for a base when using aromatics like patchouli and frankincense. Cedar and pine are also strong-scented options that can enhance the fragrance of your incense blend. These woods are available with "oil-extracted" types, which offer a more intense scent, or lower-quality varieties with a milder fragrance.
- Low-Scent Options: If you want the patchouli scent to shine through without too much interference, consider using base materials with very little scent. Red sandalwood (which is not actual sandalwood), alder, and charcoal contribute less to the overall fragrance. These options can be ideal if you're looking for a more subtle base that won't overpower the patchouli aroma.
- Ease of Use: Some base materials are easier to work with, especially for beginners. Wood binders, such as joss powder (also known as jiggit) or "tabu no ki" (sometimes mislabelled as "makko"), serve a dual purpose. They act as both binders and base materials, making them convenient choices.
- Binder Type: There are two main types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, as the name suggests, are made from gums, while wood binders are derived from wood sources. Wood binders tend to be easier to work with and often double as base materials.
- Water Activation: Regardless of the type of binder you choose, remember that you'll need to add water to your blend to "activate" the binder. This step is necessary to ensure your incense mixture holds together properly.
Remember, the base you choose will influence the overall scent and burning characteristics of your patchouli incense, so consider experimenting with different options to find the perfect combination that suits your preferences.
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Selecting aromatics
When selecting aromatics for your patchouli incense, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand the unique scent and properties of patchouli. Patchouli has a deep, rich, intense, sweet, herbaceous, spicy, and woody balsamic aroma. It is known for its powerful effect on hormone levels, enhancing the release of serotonin and dopamine, which can promote positive emotions.
The next step is to choose complementary aromatics that will enhance the overall fragrance of your incense. Sandalwood is a popular choice as a base for incense with aromatics like patchouli and frankincense. Other potential bases include cedar and pine, which also have strong scents. If you're new to incense making, you may prefer to start with low-scent base materials like red sandalwood, alder, or charcoal, as they contribute less to the overall scent, giving you more room to experiment with other aromatics.
When mixing and matching aromatics, it's important to consider their individual scents and how they will blend together. Patchouli has a strong scent and can easily overpower other aromatics, so it should be used in the right proportion. For example, when mixing patchouli with frankincense, a ratio of 2:1 (frankincense to patchouli) is recommended to prevent the patchouli from dominating.
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Using essential oils
To make patchouli incense with essential oils, you will need to purchase blank incense sticks and essential oils. Incense has been used for centuries to connect with spirituality and evoke relaxation.
To make your own patchouli essential oil, the leaves and stems of the plant are harvested and allowed to dry out. They then undergo a distillation process to extract the essential oil. Patchouli oil has a characteristic scent that is woody, sweet, and spicy.
When using essential oils, it is important to always follow proper dilution guidelines. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, most essential oil blends for skin application should contain between 1% and 5% essential oil. These should be diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. It is recommended to conduct a patch test before using patchouli oil on your skin. To do this, mix the patchouli oil with a carrier oil and apply a few drops of the solution to the inside of your forearm.
Once you have your blank incense sticks and diluted patchouli essential oil, you can create your own incense sticks at home. You can also add other essential oils to the mix, such as floral geranium oil, which is similar to rose with delicate scents.
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Incense shape
When it comes to shaping your patchouli incense, the options are endless. The most common shapes are sticks and cones, but you can form your incense dough into any shape you desire. The only limit is your imagination!
To shape your incense, you will need a binder—a form of glue that holds the incense mixture together. There are two main types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are very strong and only require a small amount (about 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material). Wood binders, on the other hand, often make up a large proportion of the incense mixture (up to 75%) and act as both a binder and a base material. Common wood binders include joss powder (also known as jiggit) and "tabu no ki" (sometimes called "makko").
When choosing a binder, consider the strength and ease of use. Wood binders are generally easier to work with, especially for beginners, as they are more forgiving. Gum binders, while stronger, can be tricky to work with as too much can prevent the incense from burning properly.
Once you have chosen your binder and shaped your incense, be sure to store your creations in a cool, dark, dry, and non-inflammable area. When burning your incense, always use a proper incense stand and burn in a well-ventilated room, away from flammable materials and children or pets.
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Drying process
The drying process is a crucial step in making patchouli incense, as it removes any water and moisture from the leaves, preparing them for the extraction of essential oils through steam distillation. Here are the detailed steps for the drying process:
Shade Drying:
The most common method for drying patchouli leaves is shade drying. This traditional method has been used for centuries and is still preferred by many growers due to its low cost and effectiveness. Here's how it's done:
- Single-Layer Drying: Spread the fresh patchouli leaves in a single layer on a screen or a hard surface. Ensure the screen is raised off the ground to allow good airflow under and around the leaves.
- Ventilation and Temperature Control: Conduct the drying process in a shaded, well-ventilated space, such as a car garage. Maintain a warm temperature of around 40-45 degrees Celsius, being careful not to expose the leaves to excessive heat.
- Turning the Leaves: Regularly turn over the leaves during the drying process. This ensures even drying and prevents fermentation while the leaves still retain moisture.
- Drying Time: Depending on the conditions, the leaves should be dry in about two days using this method.
Hanging Bunches:
Another method for drying patchouli leaves involves hanging them in bunches:
- Cutting Branches: Cut off whole branches of patchouli leaves, including the stems.
- Bunching and Hanging: Tie the branches together in bunches by the stems, then hang them in a warm, dry room with good airflow.
- Drying Time: The leaves will take around seven days to dry completely using this method.
By following these drying methods, you can effectively prepare patchouli leaves for the next steps in making incense, ensuring the best yield of essential oils and a pleasant aroma.
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Frequently asked questions
Patchouli oil is known for having a powerful effect on hormone levels, encouraging a greater release of serotonin and dopamine, which can dispel negative emotions.
You will need patchouli essential oil, a base such as sandalwood, and a binder such as joss powder or "tabu no ki". You can also add other aromatics such as lavender, rose, or cedar.
First, mix your ingredients with water to form a batch of incense dough. Then, form the dough into the desired shape, such as sticks or cones. Allow your incense to dry for about a week before burning.
