Anisha Riggs
Herbal incense is a term used to describe synthetic marijuana, which has gained media attention as an alternative or legal high. These products are often marketed as natural and safe, but they are neither. They are made by spraying psychoactive chemicals onto plant material that does not contain marijuana or other psychoactive plants. The chemicals used are engineered and not naturally occurring, and their effects on the brain and body are unpredictable and potentially fatal. However, some people also use the term herbal incense to refer to non-psychoactive incense products with strong herbal scents, such as sage, lavender, pepper, cedar, and citrus. These products are not intended to be smoked and do not contain mind-altering substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Herbal incense alternatives | Stick incense, loose incense, sage sticks, Japanese incense (Kousaido White Sage), HEM The Moon, Forest |
| Herbal incense dangers | Marketed as natural and safe, but contains unknown chemicals, manufactured mind-altering chemicals, rat poison, and synthetic cannabinoids; can cause unpredictable and fatal effects, life-threatening bleeding, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose |
| Herbal incense brands | K2, Spice, Genie, Yucatan Fire, Cloud 9, Mojo |
| Herbal incense common ingredients | Baybean, Lion's Tail, Indian Warrior, Maconha Brava, Marshmallow, Siberian Motherwort, vanilla, honey, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, vitamin E, caffeine, menthol, chromium |
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What You'll Learn
Herbal incense health risks
While herbal incense is marketed as a natural and safe alternative, it is far from being so. Also known as synthetic marijuana, these drugs are typically sold as liquids or shredded plant material with mind-altering chemicals sprayed on them. The only similarity between real marijuana and synthetic marijuana is the presence of cannabinoids. However, synthetic cannabinoids have a more profound impact on the brain.
Synthetic cannabinoids were initially created for use with animals and cells, not humans, and have not been extensively tested. There is only preliminary information about the extent of damage they can cause to the brain. These chemicals are often unknown and can lead to unpredictable and even fatal effects. They are used in incense in combinations of up to 10 at a time, and there is no information on the chemicals used or their dosages.
The synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense activate the same receptors in the brain as natural cannabinoids like THC, but to a much higher degree. This has led to adverse health effects, including tachycardia (elevated heart rate), elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, and tingling. Between 2011 and 2014, approximately 20 deaths were attributed to the use of synthetic marijuana, while none were reported from marijuana use. In 2018, over 100 people were treated for overdoses of synthetic marijuana in Washington, DC-area hospitals.
Synthetic marijuana is currently legal, as there are so many variations that it is hard to legislate. However, some of the known additives have been made illegal in the manufacture and sale of herbal drugs, including JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, CP-47,497, and cannabicyclohexanol.
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The best herbal incense for yoga and meditation
When choosing the best herbal incense for yoga and meditation, it's important to understand the connection between aromatherapy and the brain. The right scent can significantly enhance your experience, helping you align with your specific goals and intentions. Whether you seek relaxation, improved focus, a spiritual connection, or an uplifted mood, the right incense can create a supportive atmosphere.
Incense is believed to have energetic properties that clear negative energy, creating a positive and harmonious space. This energy clearing helps cultivate an environment conducive to meditation and yoga. The scent of incense can serve as an excellent focal point during meditation, aiding concentration and mindfulness. It can also deepen the holistic connection between your mind, body, and spirit during yoga.
There are various forms of incense to choose from, each with its own unique qualities. The three most common types are sticks, cones, and resins. Sticks, also known as agarbatti, are the most common and convenient type. Cones burn faster than sticks but release a more intense fragrance, making them ideal for shorter practices or intense yoga sessions. Resins, made from raw natural materials, offer the purest aroma but require charcoal to burn, making them suitable for longer and deeper meditation sessions or special occasions.
When selecting an incense fragrance, it's important to clarify the intention behind your practice. Different scents evoke different responses in our minds and bodies. For example, if you aim to release tension, calm the mind and body, and reduce stress levels, you may want to choose aromas that promote relaxation and peace.
While this guide provides general recommendations, the best incense for yoga and meditation is ultimately the one that resonates with your goals and preferences. Trust your instincts and explore different options to find the scents that elevate your practice.
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Popular herbal incense brands
While researching the best herbal incense to smoke, I came across many results discussing the dangers of herbal incense, which is also referred to as synthetic marijuana. This product is dangerous and can have adverse health effects, including tachycardia (elevated heart rate), elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, and tingling. There have also been reported cases of life-threatening bleeding caused by herbal incense containing rat poison.
However, I did find some popular herbal incense brands mentioned in online forums. Here is a list of some of the brands and their notable features:
- HEM The Moon and Forest: These incense sticks are described as having a strong "herbaceous" smell. The Moon variety has notes of lavender and citrus, while Forest has similar notes but with added pepper and cedar, giving it a more "masculine" scent.
- Kousaido White Sage: This Japanese brand is recommended for those seeking a pure sage scent, as it blends sage with other notes to create a more elegant fragrance.
- Yamadamatsu: This brand is recommended for its top-notch TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) incense. Some blends to look out for include Suifu, Seifu Karaku, Suifu Gokuhin, and Hyofu.
- Shoyeido Shirakawa: This incense is said to have notes of wood, cinnamon, and vanilla.
It is important to note that the effects of synthetic cannabinoids, which are present in herbal incense, are not yet fully understood and can be dangerous. The discussion of these products should not be interpreted as an endorsement.
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How to make your own herbal incense
Herbal incense, or synthetic marijuana, is often marketed as a natural and safe alternative to marijuana. However, it is important to note that it contains cannabinoids that have a more profound impact on the brain and can cause unpredictable and even fatal effects. If you are interested in trying incense, it is recommended to opt for natural incense made from herbs, resins, and woods with wonderful aromatic properties.
To make your own natural herbal incense at home, follow these simple steps:
- Gather your dried herbs: A variety of herbs can be used, such as cedar, lavender, sage, sweetgrass, sagebrush, mugwort, yarrow leaves, juniper berries, wormwood, white sage, rosemary, thyme, rose petals, fir needles, or cinnamon. You can use home-grown or store-bought herbs.
- Crush the herbs into a powder: Use a mortar and pestle to pulverize the herbs until they have a fine, powdery consistency. This step may take some time, as different plants have varying hardness levels.
- Mix in a binder: Add a binder such as makko powder (derived from the bark of the Thunberi tree) or gum binders like guar gum or xanthan gum. Binders help the incense stick together and burn slowly and evenly. Use a small amount, such as a 1:3 ratio of binder to herbs.
- Add a liquid: To activate the binder, add a water-based liquid such as water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, or herbal teas. Essential oils can also be added for extra scent, but they do not contain water, so they should be supplemented with another liquid.
- Mold your incense: Form the incense mixture into any shape you wish, such as sticks or cones. You can use molds or shape them by hand.
- Let them dry: Place your incense on parchment or wax paper and allow them to dry for at least 12 hours, turning them over halfway through to ensure even drying.
- Burn your incense: Place your incense in a heat-resistant bowl with salt or sand and light the tip. Blow out the flame after a few seconds, and the incense should continue to smoke for about an hour. Always take precautions when burning incense, such as keeping it away from children and pets, flammable objects, and drafty areas. Ensure that all incense is completely extinguished and cool before discarding it.
By making your own herbal incense, you can create unique scent combinations and control the ingredients used, ensuring a natural and safe experience. Enjoy exploring the art of incense-making and discovering the power of scent to evoke strong associations and memories.
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The difference between herbal incense and synthetic marijuana
While herbal incense and synthetic marijuana are both marketed as "natural herbs", ""herbal incense", or "herbal smoking blends", they are quite different.
Herbal incense is typically made from aromatic plant materials such as sage, lavender, cedar, cinnamon, and vanilla. These incenses can be in the form of sticks or loose incense, heated using tealight or electrical incense heaters.
Synthetic marijuana, on the other hand, is a drug designed to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. It is made by spraying synthetic cannabinoids onto plant material, which is then smoked. Synthetic cannabinoids were first created in the 1960s, following the isolation of THC, and were initially used in research laboratories. However, they soon found their way into recreational use, being marketed as "herbal incense" or "herbal smoking blends".
The effects of synthetic marijuana are more unpredictable and dangerous compared to natural marijuana. According to Lewis Nelson, a medical toxicologist, "relative to marijuana, products containing synthetic cannabinoids are really quite different, and the effects are much more unpredictable. It's dangerous". The chemicals used in synthetic marijuana are often unknown and can cause unpredictable and even fatal effects. There have been reported cases of life-threatening bleeding caused by synthetic marijuana contaminated with rat poison.
Synthetic marijuana is often sold under brand names such as K2 and Spice, and is easily accessible in "head shops" and online. While the use of herbal incense and synthetic marijuana might seem similar, with both being smoked, the effects and the chemicals involved are vastly different, making it important to understand the risks associated with synthetic marijuana.
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Frequently asked questions
Herbal incense is a term used to describe plant material that has been scented with natural or synthetic fragrances. It is often used for yoga and home relaxation. However, the term "herbal incense" is also used to describe synthetic marijuana, which is a dangerous and often deadly trend.
Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, Spice, Genie, Yucatan Fire, and other names, is plant material that has been sprayed with chemicals that target the same receptors as marijuana/THC to produce a similar euphoric high. These chemicals are engineered and not naturally occurring, and their effects can be unpredictable and even fatal.
Synthetic marijuana has been linked to life-threatening bleeding, increased heart rate, impaired motor skills, agitation, unconsciousness, altered mood, and perception. There have been numerous reported cases of overdoses and even deaths attributed to the use of synthetic marijuana.
If you're looking for natural herbal incense, you can try pure sage sticks, such as Kousaido White Sage, or explore Japanese incense brands with herbal TCM notes. Some popular natural herbal fragrances include frankincense, patchouli, myrrh, and bamboo. You can also find herbal incense blends from brands like Nippon Kodo, Morning Star, and Ka-fuh.
