Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is any plant matter that is burned for its aromatic and/or spiritual properties. The base is the heart of the incense as it provides the heat to burn the incense completely. Wood powder is the most common base material, with sandalwood being the most traditional. However, other types of fragrant wood can be used, such as cedar, pine, apple, fir, alder, red sandalwood, and many more. The key to choosing the right incense is selecting the appropriate base material.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Wood powder is the most common base material, but non-wood bases and fixatives come from a variety of different plants. Sandalwood is perhaps the most traditional base, but cedar, pine, apple, fir, and many other types of fragrant wood can be used. |
| Binder | The binder is a form of glue that holds the incense in the desired shape. There are two types of binders: gum and wood binders. Gum binders are much more powerful than wood binders. Common wood binders include joss powder (sometimes called jiggit) and “tabu no ki” (sometimes, incorrectly, called “makko”). |
| Aromatics | All manner of herbs, resins, and woods have wonderful aromatic properties. Aromatics are what you actually want to smell. |
| Liquid | Water or any liquid that contains mostly water (tea, coffee, juice) will be needed to activate your binder. |
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What You'll Learn
Wood powder is the most common base material for incense
Most types of wood powder can be used as base materials, although some woods are easier to work with than others. For example, oak is very tricky to work with and is not recommended for beginners. Sandalwood is perhaps the most traditional base, but cedar, pine, apple, fir, and many other types of fragrant wood can be used. When using a fragrant base material, you have to consider its impact on the burning properties of the incense as well as its scent. Woods like alder and red sandalwood have very little scent when burning but can provide much-needed heat.
In addition to wood powder, other plant materials can also be used as bases. Some incense makers like to use tree foliage in addition to wood. Pine needles are a great example of this. When completely dried and powdered, foliage can improve the burning characteristics of incense, but it is important not to overuse it as it can negatively impact the scent and create smoke that can irritate the eyes and throats of those nearby.
The base is just one component of incense, which also includes a binder, aromatics, and water. The binder holds the incense in the desired shape, and there are two types: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are more powerful than wood binders but must be used sparingly as they can bind so strongly that the incense cannot burn. Wood binders, on the other hand, are easier to work with and can also act as base materials. Common wood binders include joss powder and tabu no ki (sometimes called makko). The aromatics are what give the incense its scent, and can include herbs, resins, and woods with aromatic properties. Finally, water or any liquid that contains mostly water is needed to activate the binder.
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Sandalwood is a popular traditional base
The base of an incense is its "engine", providing the heat to burn it completely. Wood powder is the most common base material, and most types of wood powder can be used. However, sandalwood is perhaps the most traditional base.
Sandalwood is often used as a base in combination with aromatic ingredients like frankincense. Aromatics are the ingredients that you actually want to smell in an incense blend. Other aromatic ingredients include herbs, resins, and woods. Some incense makers also include liquid scents such as essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, and other extracts.
The binder is another important component of incense. It is a form of glue that holds the incense in the desired shape. There are two types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are much more powerful than wood binders. However, gum binders add no scent of their own to the blend. Wood binders, on the other hand, can act as both a base and a binder. Common wood binders include joss powder (also called jiggit) and tabu no ki (incorrectly called makko).
Finally, water or any liquid that contains mostly water is needed to activate the binder. Liquids such as tea, coffee, juice, herbal teas, and wine can be used for this purpose. However, it is important to note that essential oils do not contain water.
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Other fragrant wood bases include pine, cedar, and fir
Wood powder is the most common base material for incense, and there are many types of wood that can be used. The base is the "engine" of the incense, providing the heat to burn it completely. The type of wood used as the base will determine the burning properties of the incense and can even enhance the scent.
Pine, cedar, and fir are all fragrant wood bases that can add a strong scent to your incense blend. However, it is important to note that some types of these woods may be "oil-extracted" or of lower quality, resulting in a very faint scent. When using fragrant base materials, they should be considered not only as a base for burning but also as an aromatic ingredient in the blend.
Pine resin, for example, is a good option for incense as it burns slowly and has a strong scent. Petrol Pine is a variety that is said to be particularly suitable for incense. Additionally, pine needles can be used as incense base material. When dried and powdered, they can improve the burning characteristics of incense, but overuse may negatively impact the scent and create smoke that can irritate the eyes and throat.
Cedar is another popular choice for incense. There is even a genus of cedar called "incense cedar" that is native to California. Cedarwood is commonly used in incense products, such as cones, sticks, and wands, and is known for its pleasant smell.
Fir is also mentioned as a fragrant wood option for incense, along with other needle-bearing trees like spruce. Burning the needles or wood chips of these trees can release a pleasant aroma.
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Aromatic ingredients are what you want to smell in your incense
Woods like alder and red sandalwood have very little scent when burning but can provide much-needed heat. Aside from wood, foliage can also be used as a base. Pine needles are a great example. When completely dried and powdered, foliage can improve the burning characteristics of incense. However, be aware that many times foliage from evergreens is very acrid. If you use too much, you can negatively impact the scent and create smoke that will burn the eyes and throats of anyone nearby.
Aromatics can come in the form of herbs, resins, and woods with aromatic properties. Frankincense, for example, is a traditional aromatic ingredient. Aromatic ingredients can be added in their dried and powdered form, or as liquid scents such as essential oils, decoctions, hydrosols, and other extracts.
Fixatives are another type of ingredient that can be added to incense blends. They are borrowed from the perfume industry and are intended to preserve the most delicate aspects of the scent of incense. Calamus, benzoin, and frankincense are examples of fixatives that can be used in incense. Many fixatives have strong scents of their own, so you need to incorporate them when creating a new blend.
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Binders are used to hold the incense in the desired shape
Binders are an essential component of incense-making, acting as a form of glue that holds the incense together in the desired shape. There are two main types of binders: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are more potent than wood binders and require only a small amount, such as 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material. However, they can bind so strongly that the incense fails to burn. Wood binders, on the other hand, are easier to work with and often double as base materials. Common examples include joss powder (also known as jiggit) and "tabu no ki" (sometimes mislabelled as "makko"). Makko is actually a blend that includes tabu no ki, but it is more than just that single ingredient. Tabu-No-Ki is recommended for making masala sticks, while joss powder is commonly used for joss sticks.
When choosing a binder, it's important to consider the strength and ease of use. Wood binders are more forgiving and suitable for beginners, but they may require larger quantities in recipes, sometimes up to 75%. Gum binders, while stronger, can be tricky as too much can prevent the incense from burning properly. Additionally, gum binders do not contribute any scent to the blend, which is an important consideration when creating incense with specific aromatic profiles.
To activate the binder, water or any liquid that contains mostly water, such as tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices, herbal teas, or wine, must be added to the blend. However, it's important to note that essential oils do not contain water and cannot be used as a substitute for water-based liquids. The choice of liquid can also impact the scent of the incense, allowing for creative combinations of ingredients.
In summary, binders play a crucial role in shaping incense and determining its burn characteristics. Both gum and wood binders have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on the specific requirements of the incense maker. By understanding the properties of each type of binder and the necessary activation process, incense makers can create incense with the desired shape, aroma, and burning properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Wood powder is the most common base material for incense. While most types of wood powder can be used, some good options include cedar, pine, sandalwood, alder, red sandalwood, and apple.
Other plant materials can also be used as bases, such as lavender, tree foliage, and tree bark.
Fragrant wood bases not only help with burning but can also act as aromatics, enhancing the scent of your incense blend.
Woods such as alder and red sandalwood provide heat without significantly impacting the scent of your incense.
Aromatic woods that contain resins or essential oils include pine, hickory, cedar, and sassafras. These woods can be burned as incense to release their aromatic properties.
