Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used for centuries in religious practices and for adding a subtle aroma to homes. It comes in various forms, including powder, stick, coil, and cone. Coil incense, also known as spiral incense, is formed into a spiral shape and usually burns slower than stick incense. To use spiral incense, place the coil into an appropriate burner with a wide, flat bowl bigger than the coil to prevent accidental fires. Light the outside end of the coil with a lighter or match and gently blow out the flame, leaving a smoldering ember. The coil will burn towards the center, leaving ash behind.
How to use spiral incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement | Place the coil into an appropriate burner with a wide, flat bowl bigger than the coil to prevent accidental fires. |
| Holder | Some holders have clips that attach to the center of the coil and hold it above the bowl, allowing more oxygen to reach the coil. |
| Lighting | Light the outside end of the coil with a lighter or match. |
| Burning | Gently blow out the flame, leaving a smoldering ember. The coil will burn towards the center, leaving ash behind. |
| Burn duration | Coil incense can burn much longer than stick incense, depending on the size of the coil. It may burn for multiple hours. |
| Cleaning | There is no need to clean up the remaining ash in the burner as long as it is kept clean. Keeping some amount of ash (70%-80% full) in the burner helps with burning as the incense has enough oxygen to keep burning. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right burner for spiral incense
When choosing the right burner for spiral incense, also known as coil incense, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use a burner with a wide, flat bowl that is bigger than the coil. This is to prevent accidental fires as the coil burns from the outside towards the centre, leaving ash behind. Some burners will have clips that attach to the centre of the coil, holding it above the bowl and allowing more oxygen to reach the coil, which is important for effective burning.
The burner should also be heatproof as coil incense can burn for multiple hours, depending on its size, and produce a significant amount of heat. Charcoal discs, for example, can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, so a heat-proof container, such as a thurible, is necessary. The container should also be placed on a heatproof surface, or you can use sand or salt to dissipate the heat.
When selecting a burner, it is also important to consider the type of incense you will be using. Coil incense, for example, burns best in a ring-shaped, deep burner with a wide top. Stick incense, on the other hand, fits better in a horizontally long, shallow burner where it can be placed horizontally. Powder incense and cone incense also work better in a deep burner with a wide top.
Finally, it is worth considering the material of the burner. Natural materials, such as those made from plants or wood, are generally considered better than those made with chemicals, which can be harmful to your health. Cleaning your burner regularly is also important, and this can be done by soaking it in hot water and wiping it clean.
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Lighting the spiral incense
Lighting a spiral incense is similar to lighting a stick incense. First, place the incense coil in a heat-resistant burner. If you're using a stick, place it in a specific holder for incense sticks. If it's a solid wood stick, you can light either side. If it's a core stick, place the bamboo side inside the incense holder and light the other side.
Next, light the tip of the incense coil with a match or lighter. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites with a small flame. If you're using a stick, you want to make sure that it's not on fire. You want the incense to smolder, not burn like a candle. If the flame doesn't go out by itself, blow it out gently or fan it until you see a small, glowing ember.
Once the flame is extinguished, place the burning incense in an incense stand on top of a ceramic plate to catch the ashes. Leave the lid off to let the incense burn. If you're using a backflow incense burner, make sure the hole at the bottom of the incense cone aligns with the hole on the seat of the burner.
Finally, place the incense in the centre or corner of the room and enjoy the wafting fragrant smoke from afar.
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How to hold spiral incense
To use spiral incense, you must first shape it into a spiral form. Then, light the tip of the incense and blow out the flame. Place the burning incense on an incense stand on top of a ceramic plate to catch the ashes. Leave the lid off to let the incense burn. If you are using stick incense, stand it upright in the ash. For coil incense, place it directly on top of the ash.
It is best to place the incense in the centre or corner of a room, avoiding placing it directly next to you. The best way to experience incense is to enjoy the wafting smoke from a distance. As the smoke rises, you will begin to smell the pleasant fragrance spreading throughout the room. You will also be able to smell the lingering fragrance long after the incense has stopped burning.
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Cleaning your burner
Firstly, allow your burner to cool down before cleaning it. This is a good safety practice and will help you avoid burning yourself. If your burner is still warm, you can remove any leftover ash with a paper towel. Avoid using a sponge or water to wipe away the ash, as this will make it more difficult to clean later on.
Next, fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a mild dishwashing liquid. Use a soft cloth to clean the outside of your burner. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone when cleaning, as these may damage the finish over time. If you do use soap, make sure it is mild enough not to leave behind any residue in cracks, as this could catch on fire the next time you burn incense.
To clean the inside of your burner, start by scrubbing it with baking soda and water. You can also use toothpaste that contains baking soda. Soaking the burner in hot water and washing it can also be effective. If you are cleaning a backflow incense burner, it is important to do so once every 2-3 uses to prevent oil and resin build-up, which can stop the smoke from drifting downwards.
Finally, dry your burner thoroughly and wipe it clean.
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Making your own spiral incense
Prepare your ingredients and workspace:
First, gather your ingredients, including a base of ash, incense powder or blanks, essential oils, and a bowl. You can purchase unscented incense blanks or make your own powder blend by grinding dry aromatic ingredients. If you are using a powder, ensure it is fine enough for your desired thickness of incense. You will also need a workspace where you can easily spread out your materials and allow your incense to dry.
Create your incense blend:
In a bowl, mix your dry aromatic ingredients to create a custom fragrance. If you are using essential oils, soak the incense blanks or powder in the oils for 12-24 hours. Remove the incense from the oil and allow it to dry completely before handling. This step is crucial for creating a strong and long-lasting fragrance.
Shape your incense:
To create a spiral shape, use a bowl or mould filled halfway with ash. Tamp down the ash to create a smooth surface. You can then use a pen or chopstick to draw your desired shape into the ash. Fill the trench with your scented incense powder or place your incense blank along the path. If using a mould, fill it with your incense dough and remove the excess. Allow your incense to dry for a few days before burning.
Burn your incense:
Place your incense spiral in a burner, ensuring it is designed for spiral incense. Light the end of the spiral and enjoy the fragrance. Spiral incense typically has a long burn time and can fill your space with a delicate fragrance. Always use caution when burning incense and ensure proper ventilation.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the spiral incense into an appropriate burner. Use a wide, flat bowl bigger than the coil to prevent accidental fires. Light the outside end of the coil with a lighter or match. Gently blow out the flame, leaving a smouldering ember.
A ring-shaped, deep burner with a wide top is best for spiral incense.
You can leave the ash in the burner as it helps the incense burn by providing oxygen. If you would like to remove the ash, soak the burner in hot water, wash it, and wipe it clean.
Spiral incense can burn for much longer than stick incense, depending on its size.
