Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used for centuries to create aromatic spaces, with records of its use dating back over 500 years. Hand-making natural incense sticks is an ancient craft with a long history in China, Japan, and beyond. The process of making incense is meditative and inexpensive, allowing you to tap into your creativity and explore the pleasures of aromatic treasures. While making incense from scratch may seem daunting, the fundamentals are quite simple. The basic formula involves creating an incense dough by mixing powdered ingredients, liquids, and binders, which can then be formed into various shapes, with sticks and cones being the most common. The key to successful incense lies in the ingredients and their preparation, as well as the tools and techniques used for shaping and burning the final product.
How to Make Your Own Liquid Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base Materials | Sandalwood, cedar, pine, alder, charcoal, makko powder, gum arabic, tragacanth, guar gum, xanthan gum, etc. |
| Aromatics | Essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, extracts, herbs, resins, woods, flowers, frankincense, borneol, spices, etc. |
| Binder | Water-based liquid (water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, herbal teas, wine, etc.), wood binder, gum binder, makko powder, etc. |
| Tools | Bowl, teaspoon, sturdy brush, fine sieve, fondant extruder, drying frame, mortar and pestle, scale, spoon, knife, respirator, glasses, gloves, etc. |
| Process | Pulverize ingredients into a fine powder, mix with binder, form into desired shape (sticks, cones, pellets, etc.), allow to dry, burn by lighting one end and fanning out the flame |
| Benefits | Creative, meditative, inexpensive, aromatic, entertaining, purifying, relaxing, stimulating |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a base and binder
Choosing the right base and binder for your liquid incense is essential to achieving the desired scent and burn quality. The base material in your incense replaces the charcoal or other outside heat source used in non-combusting forms of incense. Thus, good base materials burn well and burn evenly.
There are two main types of bases: those with very little scent and those with a strong scent that complements the rest of your blend. Bases with very little scent, such as red sandalwood, alder, and charcoal, are easier to work with as they contribute minimally to the overall scent. On the other hand, bases like sandalwood, cedar, and pine have strong scents and can enhance your incense blend when chosen to complement the other aromatic components. For example, using sandalwood as a base can work well with aromatics like frankincense or patchouli.
When it comes to binders, there are two basic types: gum binders and wood binders. Wood binders, such as joss powder (also known as jiggit) and "tabu no ki" (sometimes mislabelled as "makko"), are easy to work with and often act as both a base and a binder. However, they may require a larger quantity in your recipe, and they are not as strong as gum binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are more potent, with a typical incense recipe using just 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material. It is important to note that adding too much gum binder can prevent burning, so caution must be exercised. Additionally, gum binders are scentless, ensuring they do not interfere with the desired fragrance of your incense.
Makko, a blend that often includes tabu no ki, is a popular choice for incense makers as it serves as both a base and a binder. It is forgiving, especially for beginners, and it has a minimal impact on the scent of your incense. Makko powder is also excellent for burning and is commonly used for self-combustible incense sticks and cones.
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Selecting aromatic ingredients
Selecting the right aromatic ingredients is a critical step in making liquid incense. The base and binder are meant to heat the aromatics and release their scent, so choosing the right ingredients and understanding their properties is key.
Aromatics can be derived from all manner of herbs, resins, and woods, each with their own unique aromatic properties. For example, sandalwood, cedar, and pine are all excellent bases that can add a very strong scent to your incense blend. However, some bases like sandalwood have such a prominent scent that it can be tricky to blend with other aromatics. In this case, you may want to opt for 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 instance, using sandalwood as a base for an incense with aromatics like frankincense or patchouli can provide amazing results.
When creating your own recipes, consider the effect you want to achieve. Are you looking to create an invigorating aroma to greet the morning or a calming fragrance to unwind after a long day? Perhaps you want to entertain guests with exotic fragrances or purify indoor spaces. Understanding the desired effect will help guide your selection of aromatic ingredients.
In addition to dried aromatics, liquid scents such as essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, and other extracts can be used to enhance your incense blend. Keep in mind that essential oils do not contain water, so while they can supplement the amount of water used, they cannot be used as a replacement.
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Mixing and forming the incense
Mixing and forming your own liquid incense is a meditative and enjoyable way to exercise your creativity. It's a simple process that allows you to create aromatic spaces both indoors and outdoors. Here are the steps you can follow to mix and form your own liquid incense:
Mixing the Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients, which can include natural powders, essential oils, dried aromatics, and liquid scents. Measure out the desired amounts of each ingredient, considering the length and number of incense sticks you want to make. Place all the ingredients into a bowl and mix them thoroughly. Ensure that the natural powders and essential oils are well-combined. You can use a stick or a spoon for mixing, and it's important to have a separate bowl for mixing powder with water or other liquids.
Forming the Incense
The mixed incense dough can be formed into various shapes, with sticks and cones being the most common. However, you can also explore other shapes to suit your imagination and preferences. When forming the incense, you can use your hands or tools like vinyl gloves, which can be helpful in shaping incense cones. The dough should be moulded into the desired shape, ensuring it is packed tightly together. For sticks, you can roll the dough into thin cylinders, while for cones, you can shape them with your hands or use a mould.
Drying the Incense
Once you have formed your incense sticks or cones, you will need to allow them to dry thoroughly before use. This can be done by placing them on a drying frame, such as a fly screen, or using a mesh on a pan to catch any drips. The drying process ensures that your incense sticks or cones will burn properly and slowly when lit.
Burning Your Incense
After your incense has dried, you can light one end of the stick or cone and gently fan the flame. Allow the incense to burn slowly and release its fragrance. If you are using loose incense mixtures or pellets, you will need to place them in a heat-proof vessel, such as a cup, bowl, or saucer filled with ash or sand. You can also burn loose incense directly on a hot rock or in a small campfire with glowing coals.
Creating your own liquid incense is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps for mixing and forming the incense, you can enjoy the pleasures of aromatic blends and the calming effects of both making and using incense.
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Burning the incense
Burning incense is a simple process, but it's important to follow some basic steps to ensure you do it safely and effectively. Here is a comprehensive guide to burning your own liquid incense:
Firstly, it's important to understand the type of incense you are burning. If you have made self-combustible incense sticks or cones, the process is straightforward. Light one end, fan out the flame, and let it burn slowly. If you are burning loose incense mixtures, pellets, or individual ingredients, you will need to place them on a heat source such as charcoal or makko, which will heat your mixture and release the scent.
When burning loose incense mixtures, you can use a non-combustible incense burner, typically a cup, bowl, or saucer-shaped vessel filled with ash, sand, or even a large sea shell. If burning outdoors, you can place the mixture directly onto a campfire with glowing coals or a hot rock. It is recommended to use bamboo charcoal or makko to burn your incense, as these are natural combustible materials that are less likely to contain toxic substances like saltpeter.
To ensure your incense burns properly, it is important to grind your ingredients into a very fine powder. This will help increase burn times, reduce the chances of cracking or breaking, and make it easier to shape or roll the dough. You can use a cheap electric coffee blender or a mortar and pestle to grind your ingredients. Additionally, using a binder like guar gum or xanthan gum will help your incense burn more effectively.
Burning incense has a long history, especially in China and Japan, and it is often used for creating aromatic spaces, religious ceremonies, and even medicinal purposes. When creating your own incense, you can experiment with different recipes and ingredients to achieve the desired fragrance and effects, such as relaxation, purification, or stimulation. Remember to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions to avoid any potential hazards.
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Safety considerations
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the workspace by opening windows or using fans. Fumes from burning incense can be harmful if inhaled in confined spaces.
- Protective Gear: Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator. This will safeguard you from direct contact with the chemicals and prevent inhalation of harmful particles.
- Flammable Materials: Be cautious when working with flammable materials. Keep the work area clear of any flammable objects or liquids that could accidentally ignite. Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case of fire.
- Skin and Eye Contact: In case of skin or eye contact with liquid incense, immediately flush the affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: If liquid incense is accidentally swallowed, immediately give the affected person water or milk, unless advised otherwise by a medical professional. Call the national Poison Help hotline or seek emergency medical assistance.
- Chemical Handling: Familiarize yourself with the properties of the chemicals you are using. Some incense ingredients, such as essential oils, can be potent and require careful handling. Always use measuring tools and follow recipes precisely to avoid accidental overexposure.
- Storage and Disposal: Store and dispose of your liquid incense safely. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Follow local guidelines for the proper disposal of any leftover chemicals or waste.
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities you may have to specific ingredients. Some incense ingredients, such as certain woods or resins, may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Always test a small amount of the incense on your skin before extended use.
- Heat Sources: When burning your liquid incense, ensure that it is placed on a heat-resistant surface and away from flammable objects. Always supervise burning incense and never leave it unattended.
- Ingredient Interactions: Be cautious when mixing different ingredients. Some combinations may interact negatively, affecting the burning properties or producing undesirable fumes. Always test burn a small amount of your incense to ensure it burns safely and cleanly.
Remember, making your own liquid incense can be enjoyable, but it is crucial to prioritize safety at all times. By following these guidelines, you can minimize risks and have a pleasant and safe experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a gum binder such as guar gum or xanthan gum, a base material like sandalwood, cedar, or pine, and aromatic ingredients such as herbs, resins, woods, or essential oils. You will also need a liquid to activate the binder, which can be water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, or wine.
You will need a bowl for mixing, a stick for stirring, a scale for measuring, and a respirator, glasses, and gloves for safety. If you are making incense sticks or cones, you will also need a mold and a fine sieve.
First, weigh out and prepare your ingredients according to your recipe. Mix the powdered ingredients with water or another liquid to create a dough. You can then form this dough into any shape you like, such as sticks or cones. Allow your incense to dry completely before burning.
