Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is a substance that is burned to produce a fragrant scent. It has been used for centuries in various forms and for different purposes, including religious rituals and meditation. Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils and other ingredients that serve as bases, binders, or fixatives. The base materials, such as wood powder, provide heat and help the incense burn smoothly and evenly. Charcoal is another common base that acts as a fuel for combustion. Binders, such as gum arabic or gum tragacanth, hold the mixture together, while fixatives, borrowed from the perfume industry, enhance the scent. The specific ingredients used in incense can vary by region and manufacturer, and the forms of incense differ based on cultural preferences, traditions, and personal taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base material | Wood powder, charcoal, tree foliage, bark, gum binders, resins, dried fruit, honey, soft resin, guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, makko, xiangnan pi, laha, dar, frankincense, myrrh, etc. |
| Burning type | Direct-burning (combustible), Indirect-burning (non-combustible) |
| Form | Sticks, cones, coils, holders, balls, pastilles, dough, paste, powder, granules |
| Burning properties | Burns well, burns evenly, stable, sustained burning, slow burn, fast burn |
| Scent | Aromatic, fragrant, scented |
| Health concerns | Exposure to harmful chemicals, respiratory problems, eye irritation, nausea, increased risk of lung cancer, triggering asthma attacks, skin irritation |
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Wood powder
When making incense, it is important to consider the type of wood powder and other ingredients being used, as well as the desired burning properties and scent. For example, while foliage from trees can improve the burning characteristics of incense, too much can negatively impact the scent and create smoke that is irritating to the eyes and throat. Similarly, while cinnamon or cassia bark can be used as incense base materials, overuse can create smoke that is physically painful.
In terms of the form of the final incense product, incense can generally be categorized into two main types: "direct-burning" and "indirect-burning." Direct-burning incense, also known as combustible incense, is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and releases a fragrance. Indirect-burning incense, on the other hand, is not capable of burning on its own and requires a separate heat source, such as charcoal or glowing embers. The form of incense also depends on cultural, traditional, and personal preferences.
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Charcoal
When using charcoal as the base for incense, it is important to choose a high-quality product that burns evenly and has minimal scent. Some commercial charcoal products can contain potassium nitrate, high-tar coal, or other undesirable ingredients that can affect the burning process and produce an unpleasant smell. Natural incense charcoal, on the other hand, is made from handcrafted charcoal and a natural gum binder, resulting in a cleaner burn and a more pleasant incense experience.
To use charcoal for burning loose or powdered incense, it is recommended to follow a specific process. First, place the natural charcoal directly onto an electric stovetop burner and turn it on high until the charcoal is red-hot. Use metal tongs to flip the charcoal and heat the other side. Once both sides are red-hot, use the tongs to place the charcoal onto a non-flammable surface, such as metal, stone, or glass. Turn off the stove and sprinkle small granules of resin or loose incense onto the charcoal.
While burning incense has a long history and is often associated with cultural and spiritual significance, it is important to be aware of potential health risks. Studies have linked the long-term burning of incense to increased risks for respiratory issues and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to use natural and high-quality ingredients, such as natural incense charcoal, to minimize potential harm.
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Natural plant-based binders
One type of natural plant-based binder is gum binders, which include gum arabic, gum tragacanth, guar gum, and xanthan gum. These gums are powerful binding agents, with a small amount being sufficient to bind the incense mixture. Gum binders are odourless and do not interfere with the scent of the incense. They are activated by adding water or a water-based liquid, such as tea, coffee, milk, or fruit juices, to the incense blend.
Another type of natural plant-based binder is wood binders, which can also serve as base materials. Common wood binders include joss powder (also known as jiggit) and "tabu no ki" (sometimes mislabelled as "makko"). Makko is a special blend that often includes tabu no ki, and it is popular for simplifying the incense-making process. Wood binders are generally easier to work with than gum binders, but they may require larger quantities in recipes.
In addition to gum and wood binders, other natural plant-based binders can be used. For example, dried fruit, honey, hydrosols, dates, red wine, salt, and brandy have all been mentioned as potential binders for incense. These binders can add unique properties to the incense and contribute to its overall character.
The choice between gum binders, wood binders, and other natural plant-based binders depends on the incense maker's preference, the desired characteristics of the incense, and the specific aromatic ingredients used. By carefully selecting the binder and base materials, incense makers can create incense with desirable burning properties and enhanced scents.
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Gum binders
Gums are natural plant-based binders used in incense-making to bind the mixture together. They are the "glue" that holds many kinds of incense together. Gums are mixed with fragrant materials and water. The mucilage from the wet binding powder holds the fragrant material together while the cellulose in the powder combusts to form a stable ember when lit. The dry binding powder usually comprises about 10% of the dry weight in the finished incense.
There are several types of gum binders that can be used in incense-making, each with its own unique properties and effects on the burning process and scent of the incense. Some common gum binders include:
- Acacia gum (aka gum arabic): This gum is derived from the acacia tree and is known for its ability to produce a strong, flexible incense. It has a mild scent and can be used as a burner base on its own.
- Tragacanth gum: A natural gum binder derived from the sap of the tragacanth tree. It has a strong binding ability and can alter the aroma of the incense, so it should be used in small quantities and experimented with to achieve the desired effect.
- Guar gum: A plant-based gum that is known for its strong binding properties. It can also alter the aroma of the incense, so it should be used sparingly and tested to achieve the desired scent.
- Xanthan gum: Produced by bacteria, xanthan gum is a common thickener used in food production. It produces a smoother finish than other gum binders while maintaining equal strength. It is suitable for making incense cones, sticks, and other shapes.
- CMC: The industrial equivalent of tragacanth gum, CMC is a strong and powerful binder. It is suggested to use a ratio of 0.5-1.5% CMC in the gum solution for optimal results.
When choosing a gum binder for incense-making, it is important to consider the desired scent, burning properties, and shape of the final product. Experimenting with different gums and quantities can help create unique and personalised incense blends.
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Essential oils
- Woollen or porous clay materials can absorb essential oils.
- Cotton balls are excellent passive diffusers. Add a few drops of essential oil to the cotton ball and place it in a corner or under a bedsheet.
- Toilet paper rolls can be used to scent a bathroom. Add a few drops of essential oil to the toilet paper roll, and it will absorb the oil and retain its scent.
- Clay beads and pendants, especially those made from terracotta clay, are porous and can absorb essential oils.
- Baking soda absorbs essential oils impressively. Mix in a few drops of essential oil into a handful of baking soda and place it in a decorative dish.
- Unfinished wood can absorb essential oils. Add a few drops of essential oil to clothespins and clip them to different locations around the home.
- Lava beads can absorb essential oils and are used in diffuser necklaces or jewellery.
It is important to note that essential oils are concentrated and can irritate the skin. They are usually absorbed by the body through the nose or skin. When essential oils are diffused into the air and inhaled, receptors in the olfactory membrane identify and transmit impulses to other parts of the brain. This process allows individuals to reap the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is made from aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. 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. The base material in your incense replaces the charcoal or other outside heat source used in non-combusting forms of incense.
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.
Burning incense has been associated with an increased risk of developing squamous cell lung cancer, triggering asthma attacks, and causing respiratory problems, eye irritation, and nausea.
