Anisha Riggs
Smokeless incense is a type of incense that produces very little smoke when burnt. It is made using a combination of natural wood barks, resins, spices, and charcoal or carbon, which gives it its distinctive smokeless quality. Japanese incense, in particular, has a long history dating back to the 14th century, and the method for creating smokeless incense has been recently developed there over the last few decades. The addition of charcoal results in a black colour for the incense sticks and produces a faint vapour rather than smoke when burnt. This type of incense is ideal for small spaces with limited ventilation and is often used for meditation, relaxation, and yoga.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To concentrate more on individual fragrances, for quiet meditation, relaxation, yoga, and small or narrow spaces |
| Ingredients | Natural wood barks, resins, spices, inert woods (cedars), charcoal/carbon, and other natural ingredients |
| Colour | Black, due to the charcoal base |
| Smoke | Very little; often barely visible or faint vapour |
| Fragrance | Softer, more subtle, gentle, and delicate |
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What You'll Learn
Japanese Tradition
The tradition of Japanese incense, or 'kodo', is a mindful practice similar to the tea ceremony. It involves burning a small piece of koboku (fragrant resinous agarwood) on a mica plate over a fire. Participants then take turns smelling the incense and commenting on it, an aspect of the ceremony known as mon-ko, or "listening to incense". The Samurai class adopted this ritual in the 14th century during the Muromachi Period, using it as a meditation on their lives and fate before battle. Today, Japanese incense is still used for quiet meditation, relaxation, and yoga, and is available in a variety of fragrances with different amounts of smoke, from "Less Smoke" to "Little to None".
Japanese incense is traditionally made without a bamboo stick. Instead, ingredients are blended and bound with natural ingredients and water to form a paste, which is then extruded and dried to create a pure incense stick. As a result, Japanese incense sticks are often shorter and thinner than those from other cultures but burn just as strongly and for a similar duration.
Some popular brands of Japanese smokeless incense include Nippon Kodo, Awaji-Baikundo, Baieido, and Minorien. These incense sticks come in a variety of fragrances, such as cherry blossom, sandalwood, and aloeswood. They are often packaged with a decorative tin incense holder, reminiscent of the stone pavements of Edo-period Tokyo.
The practice of burning incense is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, with the country producing some of the finest incense in the world. Incense is viewed as a simple method of enjoyment and a way to improve the scent of homes and clothing. It is accessible to people from all walks of life, with a scent for every occasion.
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Manufacturing Process
Smokeless incense is designed for those who want to focus more on individual fragrances. They are ideal for small spaces with limited ventilation and are commonly used for yoga, meditation, and relaxation.
To make smokeless incense, you can use the traditional Japanese method of the Koh-do incense ceremony, a centuries-old tradition. This involves creating incense that burns slowly and at a low temperature, maximising the medicinal benefits and providing a pure, pleasurable experience without the singed smell.
Firstly, it's important to control the heat exposure to ensure the incense burns slowly. This can be achieved by using the charcoal ash method, the rice ash method, or an electric burner. For the charcoal ash method, ignite the charcoal and allow it to burn for 5-15 minutes until a layer of ash forms. Then, place your incense on top of the charcoal, which will slow down the burning process. If using self-igniting charcoal, ignite it outdoors first and wait until it is grey in colour.
The rice ash method, developed by masters of the Koh-do incense ceremony, involves using a small cup or bowl filled halfway with rice ash. Place a fully ignited charcoal in the centre, burying it with more rice ash to create a 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick layer. This allows for a lower temperature and a longer-lasting incense experience that is generally smoke-free.
Additionally, burning incense at a lower temperature and for a shorter duration can also reduce smoke. When burning single botanicals or loose incense, avoid placing the incense on the charcoal immediately after ignition, as this can produce a stronger smell and increase smoke.
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Use Cases
Smokeless incense is perfect for those who want to focus on the individual fragrances without the distraction or health implications of smoke. They are ideal for small or narrow spaces with limited ventilation, such as apartments, where smoke detectors are sensitive and can be set off by traditional incense.
Smokeless incense is also a great option for those who burn incense regularly and are concerned about the health implications of long-term use. By burning at a lower temperature, the incense releases less smoke and provides a more pure, pleasurable experience without the singed smell that can occur when incense is burnt at too high a temperature.
Smokeless incense is available in a range of fragrances, from soft and subtle to strong and natural, and can be used for various purposes, including meditation, relaxation, yoga, and prayer. For example, Nippon Kodo's smokeless incense sticks offer fragrances such as cherry blossom and sandalwood, while Bodha's smokeless incense provides soothing herbal notes of lavender, Clary sage, and rosewood, ideal for creating a calm atmosphere before sleep.
To burn smokeless incense, it is important to control the heat exposure. This can be achieved by using an electric heater or a traditional incense burner, ensuring the incense is not placed too soon after igniting the charcoal. This slower method releases the aroma at a steadier pace, reducing the amount of smoke produced and maximising the medicinal benefits of the incense.
For those interested in trying smokeless incense, there are various options available, including incense sticks, incense body powders, and sachets made with incense herbs. Kunjudo's Takara line, for instance, offers subtle and soft fragrances, while Low-smoke bikou kobunboku provides a low-smoke option available on Amazon.
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Varieties
Smokeless incense is perfect for those who want to focus on the individual fragrances. They are recommended for quiet meditation, relaxation, and yoga. These types of incense are also ideal for small or narrow spaces with limited ventilation. Nippon Kodo offers a wide variety of less-smoke incense options, ranging from "Less Smoke" to "Little to None".
Nippon Kodo's smokeless incense sticks come in a variety of fragrances, including:
- MAINICHI-KOH Cherry Blossom & Sandalwood
- MAINICHI-KOH Premium Aqua
- MAINICHI-KOH Natural
- Asian Elegance - Cho-Cho-San
- Cafe Time Incense
- Chiyo Uno Collection
- Daigen-Koh
- Daijo-Koh
- Kayuragi
- Kohden
- Kyara Kongo
- Kyara Momoyama
- Kyara Taikan
- Naturense
- New Morning Star
- Oedo-Koh
- Rakuzan
- Riraku
- Seiun
- Scentscape
- Scentsual
- Shin Mainichi-Koh
- Takasago
- Tranquility
- Usuzumi no Sakura
- Yume-no-Yume
- Zuiun
Other varieties of smokeless incense include:
- Essential 8 Resin Incense Sampler Kit: Frankincense, Myrrh, Copal, Benzoin, and Dragons Blood Natural Loose Granular Incense for Charcoal Tabs
- Lavender incense sticks
- Holy Smoke All-Natural Honey Resin Ceremonial Incense
- Nag Champa Incense Bricks Refill Pack by Aromafume: Made with Natural Ingredients, Vegan, Smokeless, and Non-toxic
- Calm Ritual Incense: Soothing herbal notes of Lavender, Clary Sage, and Rosewood
- Purify Ritual Incense: Clean floral notes of geranium and rosewood
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Fragrance
Smokeless incense, also known as less smoke incense, is perfect for those who want to focus on the individual fragrances without the distraction of smoke. These types of incense are ideal for meditation, yoga, and small spaces with limited ventilation.
The fragrances of smokeless incense can vary, with options available for different tastes and preferences. Some common fragrance families include aromatic, citrus, floral, fresh and clean, fruity, herbal, perfumy, spicy, sweet, and woody. For example, Nippon Kodo offers a range of smokeless incense sticks with fragrances like cherry blossom and sandalwood, premium aqua, and natural.
Additionally, some incense varieties are designed for specific purposes, such as relaxation and sleep. For instance, Bodha's Calm ritual incense features herbal notes of lavender and sage, while their Purify ritual incense contains floral notes of geranium and rosewood. Similarly, Nippon Kodo's Mainichi-Koh Cherry Blossom & Sandalwood incense sticks are perfect for quiet meditation, relaxation, and yoga.
The fragrance of smokeless incense can also be influenced by the ingredients used in their creation. Incense sticks are typically made with bamboo splints, charcoal or wood paste, and fragrant materials. The perfumed or "dipped" variety is usually coated with agarbatti oil, while masala incense consists of finely ground plants, woods, resins, and essential oils.
Some people may prefer the fragrance of heated incense over burned incense. Electric incense heaters allow for custom heated mixes, which can include wood chips, resins, essential oils, and absolutes. This method can provide a stronger fragrance without the smoke produced by burning incense sticks.
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Frequently asked questions
Smokeless incense sticks are a type of incense that produces very little smoke when burnt. They are made using a blend of natural wood barks, resins, spices, and inert woods, with the addition of charcoal or carbon to reduce smoke and create a black colour.
Traditional Japanese incense is made from a range of natural wood barks, resins, and spices. These are blended with inert woods, usually cedars, and plant resin, Mako, which acts as a binding agent.
Smokeless incense is perfect for small or narrow spaces with limited ventilation. The soft and subtle fragrances of smokeless incense are also ideal for those who want to focus on individual scents during meditation, relaxation, or yoga.
To use smokeless incense, place it in an incense holder, light the tip, and blow out the flame. This ancient ritual can help set intentions, create space, and bring you back to yourself.
Popular brands of smokeless incense include Nippon Kodo, Bodha, and J-Life International. Nippon Kodo offers a wide variety of fragrances and smoke levels, while Bodha and J-Life International use traditional Japanese methods to create delicate and refined scents.
