Anisha Riggs
Incense ash is the powdery residue that remains after incense materials are burned. It is typically seen as a waste product, but there are several ways to reuse it. For example, it can be used as a base for incense in a bowl container, as is common in Zen temples. It can also be mixed with salt and herbs to make black salt, which is used in protection rituals and spells. Additionally, incense ash can be used to make natural products such as insect repellent, homemade scrubs, and fertiliser for plants. Properly collecting, storing, and disposing of incense ashes is important for both cleanliness and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use as a base for incense in a bowl container | Common in Zen temples |
| Use as a base for charcoal | Manage heat distribution for resin/wood |
| Use as a base for incense sticks | Compress the ash and stick an incense stick in it |
| Use to make black salt | Mix with salt, charcoal, herbs, grave dirt, black pepper, and iron filings |
| Use for gardening | Scatter underneath plants, add to soil as a natural fertilizer |
| Use for cleaning | Sprinkle to mask unpleasant odors |
| Use for self-care | Make a scrub by mixing with water and your favorite oil |
| Use as a natural insect repellent | Mix with water and apply to areas you want to keep bug-free |
| Use for protection | Sprinkle around to center your energy and focus |
| Use for art | Add to paint to make sigils |
| Use for jewelry | Add to resin pendants |
| Use for meditation | Sprinkle around to enhance your meditation |
| Use for protection | Sprinkle outside your porch to get rid of negative energy |
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What You'll Learn
Use incense ash to make black salt
Incense ash has a multitude of uses, from natural insect repellent to homemade body scrubs. However, one of the most popular ways to utilise incense ash is to make black salt.
Black salt is a staple in magical cabinets for witches and can be used to keep unwanted energy away. To make black salt, start by collecting the incense ash in a container or bag. Ensure that the ash has completely cooled down before handling to prevent any accidents.
Next, mix the incense ash with salt. The type of salt used is not specified, so you can opt for regular table salt, sea salt, or any other variety. The ratio of ash to salt can be adjusted according to your preference and the desired colour of the black salt. For a darker shade, add more incense ash, and for a lighter grey hue, use less ash and more salt.
To enhance the protective properties of the black salt, you can add dried herbs of your choice. Some suggestions include adding grave dirt and black pepper for negative purposes. Additionally, iron filings are considered a key ingredient in black salt. You can obtain iron filings by filing some off a fireplace poker or a cast-iron pan.
Once you have mixed the incense ash, salt, herbs, and iron filings, your black salt is ready to be used. You can store it in an airtight container to keep it dry and prolong its potency. Remember to label your container clearly, especially if you plan to use the black salt in your kitchen for culinary purposes.
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Use as a base for incense in a bowl
Incense ash can be used as a base for burning incense sticks, coils, or cones in a bowl. This is a common practice in Zen temples, where the bowl is filled at least halfway with ash. The ash acts as a thermal barrier, preventing the incense from burning out and providing a stable base.
To use incense ash as a base, it is important to collect and store it safely. Always burn incense on a designated burner or fireproof tray to catch the ashes and prevent them from falling onto flammable surfaces. Ceramic, metal, or glass trays are ideal as they resist heat and safely contain the ashes. It is crucial to let the ashes cool down completely before handling or storing them, as they can retain heat for an extended period.
When handling incense ashes, minimize airflow to prevent scattering. Use a heat-resistant, airtight container such as a glass jar with a lid, a metal tin, or a ceramic container for storage. This ensures the ashes are preserved for future use.
To prepare the ash as a base, compact it in the bowl and insert an incense stick, coil, or cone. The ash will support the incense and help distribute heat evenly. This method is particularly useful for Japanese or Tibetan incense, which does not have a bamboo core and can be laid flat on the ash bed.
By reusing incense ash as a base, you can enhance your incense-burning experience while reducing waste. Experiment with different types of incense and ash to find the combination that works best for you.
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Scatter outside to ward off negative energy
Incense ash can be scattered outside to ward off negative energy and cleanse the space. Here are some tips and suggestions for doing so:
Firstly, it is important to safely collect and store the incense ashes before scattering them. Use a designated incense burner, fireproof tray, or a burner with a built-in ash catcher to prevent ashes from falling onto flammable surfaces and to neatly contain them. Ceramic, metal, or glass trays are ideal as they resist heat and catch the ashes. Ensure the tray is wide enough to collect stray ashes and prevent spills. Minimise airflow when handling the ashes to avoid scattering.
Once you have collected the ashes, allow them to cool completely before scattering them. It can take up to an hour or longer for the ashes to cool, so be patient. To check if they are safe to handle, lightly touch the ash with the back of your hand or a metal spoon. If it still feels warm, give it more time.
When the ashes are completely cool, you can scatter them outside your home. Some people choose to scatter them outside their porch or front door/window, especially if the incense was used for a cleansing ritual. You can also use the ashes to create a protective barrier around your home. Mix the incense ashes with salt and any protective herbs of your choice, and add iron filings to create black salt. Sprinkle this mixture outside your home to keep unwanted energy away.
By scattering incense ashes outside, you can not only cleanse the energy of your space but also reduce waste and reuse a byproduct of your incense burning practice.
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Make a natural insect repellent
Incense ashes can be used to make a natural insect repellent. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, it is important to let the incense ashes cool down completely. Even though they may seem harmless, they can retain heat for up to an hour or more, so wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before attempting to collect them. To be extra sure, you can lightly touch the ash with the back of your hand or a metal spoon to ensure it is safe to handle.
Once the ashes are cool, use a handheld broom to sweep them into a pile and carefully scoop them into a container. A metal or ceramic container is a good option, as these materials resist heat and will safely catch all the ashes. Make sure the container has a wide enough base to collect any stray ashes and prevent spills.
Now you are ready to start making your insect repellent. Take a small amount of the incense ashes and mix them with water to create a paste. You can adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more or less water. If you want to increase the effectiveness of your repellent, you can add a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint, which are known for their insect-repelling properties.
Finally, apply the paste to the areas you want to keep bug-free. You can use a brush or sponge to spread the paste evenly, paying extra attention to areas where insects tend to gather.
Not only is this a natural and eco-friendly way to repel insects, but it is also a great way to reduce waste and reuse incense ashes. You can also sprinkle incense ash around you to centre your energy and focus, or add it to the soil in your garden as a natural fertiliser.
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Use as a natural fertiliser
Incense ash is the powdery residue that remains after incense materials are burned. The ash consists of the non-combustible components of the incense, such as minerals and plant matter that don't burn completely. Instead of discarding the incense ash, it can be reused in several ways, including as a natural fertiliser.
To use incense ash as a natural fertiliser, it is important to first safely collect and store the ash to prevent accidents and maintain cleanliness. Always burn incense on a designated burner or fireproof tray to prevent ashes from falling onto flammable surfaces. Ceramic, metal, or glass trays are excellent choices for safely catching the ashes. After the incense has burned out, it is crucial to let the incense ash cool down completely before handling or storing it. Ashes can retain heat for up to an hour or longer, so it is recommended to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before attempting to collect them. To check if the ashes are safe to handle, lightly touch the ash with the back of your hand or a metal tool. If the ashes still feel warm, allow more time for cooling. Once the ash has cooled, use a handheld broom to sweep it into a pile and carefully scoop it into a container or garbage bag.
The incense ash can then be added to your garden or potted plants as a natural fertiliser. Incense ash is rich in minerals, and when treated with such high-energy materials, plants are likely to bloom and flourish. The ash can be combined with the soil or scattered underneath plants to nurture the ground.
By reusing incense ash as a natural fertiliser, you can reduce waste and adopt a more eco-friendly approach while also benefiting your plants.
Frequently asked questions
Incense ashes can be reused in a variety of ways, including:
- As a base for incense in a bowl container.
- As a natural fertilizer for plants.
- As a natural insect repellent when mixed with water and essential oils.
- As a homemade body scrub when mixed with water and essential oils.
It is important to wait until the ashes are completely cool before storing them. Use a heat-resistant, airtight container such as a glass jar with a lid, a metal tin, or a ceramic container.
If you do not intend to reuse your incense ashes, it is important to dispose of them properly to prevent fire hazards. Use a designated incense burner or fireproof tray to collect the ashes and prevent them from falling onto flammable surfaces.
