Seamus Hammond
Incense is a substance that has been used for centuries, often in religious practices, to neutralize foul odours, and for comfort. The incense stick, or joss stick, is one of the most common forms of incense, and is made by coating a thin bamboo stick with a combustible paste, such as charcoal, and a binding agent. The coated stick is then rolled in ground-up plant-based fragrant materials, such as resins, barks, seeds, flowers, roots, leaves and spices, or infused in extracted essential oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Core | Bamboo stick |
| Base material | Charcoal, wood powder, resins, shells, bark, seeds, roots, flowers, leaves, spices, herbs, etc. |
| Binding material | Adhesive/binder made from the bark of litsea glutinosa and other trees, charcoal dust, fibres of bamboo, clay powder, etc. |
| Scent | Frankincense, myrrh, floral, citrus, etc. |
| Shape | Stick, coil, cone, rope, paper, powder |
| Burning time | 50-90 minutes |
| Health effects | Mixed reviews; possible antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects, increased risk of high blood pressure, respiratory system dysfunction, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Bamboo core vs no bamboo core
Incense is made up of an aromatic material that produces a scent and a combustible binding material that holds it together in a particular shape. The aromatic materials used for making incense are typically plant-based and can include a variety of resins, barks, seeds, roots, and flowers. The combustible binding material found in incense is what ignites, allowing the incense to burn and produce smoke.
There are two main types of stick incense on the market today: the type with a bamboo core and the type without. The bamboo method originated in India and is distinct from the Nepali, Tibetan, and Japanese methods of stick-making without bamboo cores. The basic ingredients for bamboo core incense sticks are the bamboo stick, the paste (generally made of charcoal dust and joss/jiggit/gum/tabu powder – an adhesive made from the bark of litsea glutinosa and other trees), and the perfume ingredients. The bamboo stick is coated with a thick layer of incense material that burns away with the core. Bamboo is hollow, which is a rare characteristic for a tree, and this is where its spiritual symbolism comes from. Bamboo is also a 100% natural and renewable resource, which makes it a popular choice for incense sticks.
On the other hand, dhoop incense, which does not have a bamboo core, is the most commonly produced form of incense in Japan and Tibet. It is easily broken for portion control. This type of incense is made by powdering frankincense or fir resin, mixing it with essential oils, and then rolling it out into a slab that is cut into small cubes. The incense mixture is then coated with clay powder to prevent adhesion and allowed to fully harden and dry.
The choice between bamboo core and no bamboo core incense sticks depends on personal preference and the specific ingredients and production methods used. Both types of incense sticks have their own unique characteristics and benefits.
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Natural vs synthetic ingredients
Incense sticks, also known as agarbatti in Hindi, have been used for centuries in various cultures and religions. They are made from different ingredients, which can be broadly categorized into natural and synthetic ingredients.
Natural Ingredients
Natural incense sticks are typically made from plant-based materials such as resins, barks, seeds, flowers, roots, leaves, spices, and essential oils. Frankincense and myrrh, resins mentioned in the Bible, are among the most well-known incense materials in the West. The incense mixture can be rolled out and cut into small cubes, coated with a powder to prevent adhesion, and allowed to dry. This type of incense is common in the Eastern Orthodox Christian monastic tradition.
In India, the basic ingredients for incense sticks include a bamboo stick, a paste made from charcoal dust and adhesive powder, and perfume ingredients such as masala (a spice mix) or a perfume liquid. The bamboo method is distinct to India, while Nepali, Tibetan, and Japanese methods use stick-making without bamboo cores. Higher-quality incense variations have fragrant sandalwood cores and are commonly produced in India and China.
Natural incense sticks from China and Japan are made from natural ingredients like wood, herbs, flowers, and resins. These incense sticks are hand-made and have a long history, with records dating back more than 500 years.
Synthetic Ingredients
While natural ingredients form the basis of incense sticks, synthetic ingredients are also used to enhance the fragrance and burning properties. Synthetic perfume liquids are sometimes used to dip the sticks, and perfume may be sprayed on coated sticks. Additionally, incense sticks may contain various additives to modify their burning speed and duration.
Health Effects of Natural and Synthetic Ingredients
The health effects of incense burning are mixed, with some studies indicating possible antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects, while others associate incense burning with negative health impacts such as cancer and increased risk of high blood pressure. The smoke produced by incense contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, which can cause respiratory system dysfunction when inhaled.
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Direct-burning vs indirect-burning
Incense sticks are made of aromatic biotic material, which is a combustible material coated in aromatic essential oils. The incense mixture is usually made up of plant-based materials, such as resins, barks, seeds, flowers, roots, leaves, spices, and essential oils. The combustible binding material found in incense is what ignites, allowing the incense to burn and produce smoke. The materials used vary, but can include things like charcoal or wood powders.
There are two main types of incense sticks: those with a bamboo centre (or core) and those without. The bamboo method, which involves coating a thin bamboo stick with combustible paste, originated in India and is distinct from the Nepali, Tibetan, and Japanese methods of stick-making without bamboo cores.
Direct-burning incense is made from a mouldable substrate of fragrant finely ground (or liquid) incense materials and odourless binders. This type of incense can take nearly any form, whether for expediency or whimsy. Examples of direct-burning incense include:
- Coil: Extruded and shaped into a coil without a core, coil incense can burn for an extended period, from hours to days, and is commonly produced and used in Chinese cultures.
- Cone: Incense in this form burns relatively quickly. Incense cones were invented in Japan in the 1800s.
- Cored stick: A supporting core of bamboo is coated with a thick layer of incense material that burns away with the core.
Indirect-burning incense, on the other hand, is made by forming a damp powder around a cored stick by compression. This form is becoming more common due to the higher labour cost of producing powder-coated or paste-rolled sticks. Examples of indirect-burning incense include:
- Dhoop or solid stick: With no bamboo core, dhoop incense is easily broken for portion control. This is the most commonly produced form of incense in Japan and Tibet.
- Powder: The loose incense powder used for making indirect-burning incense is sometimes burned without further processing.
- Paper: Paper infused with resin or oils extracted from fragrant material, folded accordion-style, is lit and blown out.
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Handmade vs machine-made
The process of making incense sticks has been largely replaced by machines in modern incense production. However, handmade incense sticks have a long history in China, with records dating back more than 500 years. The art of making these sticks by hand later spread to Japan and other East Asian regions such as Vietnam and Korea.
Handmade incense sticks are typically made from natural ingredients like wood, resins, herbs, flowers, and essential oils. The process of making these sticks can be meditative, providing a sense of calm to the maker. The basic steps involve choosing high-quality natural ingredients, pulverizing them into a fine powder, and combining them with charcoal powder and a binding agent. The mixture is then rolled out, cut into small pieces, and allowed to dry. This traditional paste-rolling or powder-coating technique can be challenging, especially if the mixture is too moist, as it may stick to the hands or surface.
On the other hand, machine-made incense sticks are produced using stick machines that coat the bamboo stick with a paste and perfume. This method is more commonly used in India, where the bamboo method originated. The basic ingredients for machine-made incense sticks include the bamboo stick, the paste (made from charcoal dust and binding agents), and the perfume ingredients, which can be in the form of a spice mix powder or a liquid fragrance. While machines have largely replaced the hand-rolling process, it is still common for the bulk of production to be done by hand rolling at home.
One advantage of handmade incense sticks is the ability to experiment with different ingredients and fragrances. Handmade sticks can be made with various woods, resins, herbs, and spices, allowing for creativity and customization. Additionally, handmade sticks may have a stronger scent and burn more slowly due to the use of natural ingredients. However, the drying process for handmade sticks can take a significant amount of time, ranging from overnight to several weeks, depending on the environment.
In contrast, machine-made incense sticks offer the advantage of faster production and consistent quality. The use of machines ensures that the sticks are evenly coated with the paste and perfume, resulting in a standardized product. However, machine-made sticks may lack the unique characteristics and meditative qualities of their handmade counterparts.
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Incense shapes
Incense is typically made from an aromatic material that produces a scent and a combustible binding material that holds it together in a particular shape. The aromatic materials used for making incense are typically plant-based and can include resins, barks, seeds, roots, and flowers. The combustible binding material found in incense is what ignites, allowing the incense to burn and produce smoke. The specific ingredients used in incense vary by region and manufacturer.
Incense Sticks
The incense stick is the most common form of incense. It consists of a thin bamboo stick coated in scent-infused combustible paste. The bamboo method originated in India and is distinct from the Nepali, Tibetan, and Japanese methods of stick-making without bamboo cores. The basic ingredients are the bamboo stick, the paste (generally made of charcoal dust and joss/jiggit/gum/tabu powder – an adhesive made from the bark of litsea glutinosa and other trees), and the perfume ingredients. The perfume can be a masala (spice mix) powder or a perfume liquid, sometimes consisting of synthetic ingredients. The coated sticks may also be sprayed with perfume.
Coils
Incense coils are extruded and shaped into a coil without a core. They can burn for an extended period, from hours to days, and are commonly produced and used in Chinese cultures.
Cones
Incense cones were invented in Japan in the 1800s. They burn relatively quickly and do not have a supporting centre. Instead, the fragrant material is pressed into a small cone shape so that it can sit upright. The dense area of fragrant material is good for producing a strong scent, although it doesn’t last as long as a stick.
Cored Sticks
Cored sticks have a supporting core of bamboo coated with a thick layer of incense material that burns away with the core.
Dhoop or Solid Stick
Dhoop incense has no bamboo core and is easily broken for portion control. It is the most commonly produced form of incense in Japan and Tibet.
Powder
Loose incense powder is sometimes burned without further processing. It is typically packed into long trails on top of wood ash using a stencil and burned in special censers or incense clocks.
Paper
Paper infused with resin or oils extracted from fragrant material is folded accordion-style, lit, and blown out.
Rope
The incense powder is rolled into paper sheets, which are then rolled into ropes, twisted tightly, then doubled over and twisted again, yielding a two-strand rope.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense sticks are typically made from a core of bamboo, coated in combustible paste made from coal, fibres of bamboo, and binding agents. The coated stick is then rolled in ground-up scent material or infused with extracted essential oils. The scent material can include resins, barks, seeds, flowers, roots, leaves, and spices.
The two main types of incense sticks are those with a bamboo core and those without. Incense sticks with a bamboo core are also known as agarbatti (in Hindi) or joss sticks. Sticks without a bamboo core are known as dhoop and are more common in Japan and Tibet.
Incense sticks are made by coating a thin bamboo stick with a combustible paste. The coated stick is then rolled in ground-up scent material or infused with extracted essential oils. To burn an incense stick, light the tip with a lighter or match, then gently blow out the flame.
