Katrina Rosales
Incense burning is a popular practice, often associated with spiritual rituals and therapeutic benefits. However, there are concerns about its impact on health and indoor air quality. The smoke released during incense burning contains benzene, a carcinogen that can cause short-term symptoms like headaches and queasiness, and lead to serious long-term health issues such as leukemia and lung cancer. As a result, people are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives to scent their homes and create relaxing atmospheres. Some popular alternatives include baking cinnamon apples, using scented candles or essential oils, and employing natural deodorizers made from baking soda and essential oils. Other suggestions include using dried herbs, specific foods or teas with strong scent associations, and even decorative items like flowers, ribbons, and lights to create a multisensory experience without the negative impacts of incense smoke.
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What You'll Learn
Bake cinnamon apples
Incense has been used in ancient traditions and rituals in Southeast Asia, where it is believed to purify the surroundings, ward off evil spirits, and connect the earthly and divine realms. However, if you don't have access to incense or are looking for an alternative, there are several options to consider:
- Pot filled with rice or ash: Fill a small pot or bowl with uncooked rice or ash from burnt incense, and gently insert the incense stick, ensuring it stands upright and remains stable.
- Sand method: Fill a small bowl or jar with sand and stick your incense into it. The sand holds the stick securely and captures falling ash.
- Foil method: This method is perfect for a quick solution. Take a piece of aluminum foil and fold it into a small square. Poke your incense stick through it and bend the edges upwards to catch the ash.
- Plant pot: Push the incense stick into the soil of a plant pot. The earth will act as a natural insulator, preventing the pot from heating up. Ensure the incense is not too close to any leaves to avoid accidental singeing.
- Glass of water: Choose a tall glass and fill it halfway with water. Rest the incense stick against the side at a slight angle, ensuring the water level is below the ignited area.
Now, let's shift our focus to the topic of baking cinnamon apples. This delicious dessert is perfect for the fall season and will fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma. Here's a detailed recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
- 5-6 Apples ( Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar (or powdered honey and sugar)
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar (optional)
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tsp Cornstarch or Arrowroot
- 2 tbsp Butter
- A pinch of Salt (optional)
- Fresh Ginger and Nutmeg (optional)
- Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, or Coconut Whipped Cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C-176°C) or 375°F, depending on the recipe variation.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Transfer them to a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
- Add the lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, cornstarch or arrowroot, butter, and salt (if using) to the baking dish. You can also add ginger and nutmeg for extra flavor. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and top with sliced butter.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-45 minutes. Stir the apples every 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking and mix the sauce ingredients.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve the baked cinnamon apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or coconut whipped cream. They can also be enjoyed on their own.
Your delicious bake cinnamon apples are now ready to be served and enjoyed!
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Use scented candles
If you like the scent of incense but are looking for an alternative, scented candles are a great option. They offer a wide range of fragrances, from soothing lavender and invigorating citrus to warm vanilla and exotic spices. You can choose a candle with a single scent focus or opt for more complex fragrances that combine multiple aromas.
When it comes to creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, scent plays a crucial role. Scented candles not only enhance the aroma of your space but also offer therapeutic benefits. For example, certain fragrances can help alleviate stress, promote focus, or aid in relaxation. The warm and intimate glow of a candle can instantly transform a room, providing a romantic or welcoming ambiance.
Compared to incense, candles offer a more subtle fragrance that is less overpowering. This makes them ideal for creating a tranquil atmosphere without an intense scent. Additionally, candles provide a visual appeal that incense may not offer. They are often used as decorative elements, adding to the overall aesthetic of your surroundings.
When choosing scented candles, it is important to consider their environmental impact. Soy and beeswax candles are considered more eco-friendly than those made with paraffin wax. Also, ensure that the candles contain natural wax with wicks that are lead and paraffin-free to avoid releasing harmful compounds into the air.
Ultimately, the choice between incense and scented candles depends on your personal preferences and the ambiance you wish to create. Both options offer unique sensory experiences that can enhance your mood and bring beauty to your surroundings.
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Make a homemade deodorizer
Incense can be overpowering and leave a noticeable smoky residue, so it is understandable that you might want to find an alternative. There are several ways to make a homemade deodorizer that can help eliminate odours and make your home smell nice. Here are some methods you can try:
Baking Soda and Essential Oils
Baking soda is known for its odour-absorbing properties, and when combined with essential oils, it can be an effective and natural deodorizer. To make this deodorizer, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 40 drops of your favourite essential oil in a small bowl or shallow teacup. You can place this mixture in a discreet location in your room, and it will help absorb any unpleasant odours while releasing a pleasant scent. Stir the mixture once a day to release more of the scent from the essential oils. You can also add a few drops of essential oil if the smell starts to fade.
Baked Cinnamon Apples
This method is a creative way to make your home smell cosy and inviting. It involves baking apples with cinnamon and sugar, creating a delightful aroma. To make this deodorizer, toss apple slices with cinnamon and sugar in a bowl until they are evenly coated. Spread the coated apples on a greased baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Not only will your home smell wonderful, but you can also enjoy the baked apples as a delicious treat!
Oil Warmers
Oil warmers, also known as oil burners, are a great alternative to incense as they put out little to no smoke. You can purchase one or make your own by using an old tin can. Oil warmers typically have a small cup or bowl suspended above a tea light candle. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil along with a few tablespoons of water to the cup or bowl, light the candle, and enjoy the scent as the heat from the candle gently warms the oil.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which acts as an effective odour neutralizer. Place a bowl of used coffee grounds near the source of the odour, but avoid applying them directly to surfaces as they can absorb oils and create stains. Coffee grounds may not be the most potent deodorizer, but they are a quick and easy solution.
Ventilation and Airflow
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Improving ventilation and airflow in your home can help eliminate odours without the need for additional scents or smoke. Open your windows, use fans to promote airflow, and keep your living space clean and tidy. This will help prevent the buildup of unpleasant smells and create a fresh and healthy environment.
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Try essential oil warmers or diffusers
If you're looking for an alternative to incense, essential oil warmers and diffusers are a great option. They offer a healthier and natural way to fill your space with heavenly scents without the health risks associated with burning incense.
Burning incense releases carcinogens, such as benzene, which can have short-term effects like headaches and queasiness, and can even lead to leukemia and lung cancer in the long run. Essential oil warmers and diffusers, on the other hand, provide an alternative that is not only healthier but also allows you to enjoy a variety of fragrances.
Essential oils come in a wide range of natural scents, from lavender to citrus, allowing you to choose the perfect fragrance to suit your mood and preferences. You can also experiment with different oils to find the ones that work best for you, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities to certain herbs or artificial fragrances.
Using an essential oil warmer or diffuser is simple. You can combine baking soda with essential oils to create a homemade deodorizer that releases fragrance into the air over a long period. This method offers a milder scent that can last for weeks. Alternatively, you can use a diffuser specifically designed for essential oils, which will effectively disperse the fragrance throughout your space.
By opting for essential oil warmers or diffusers, you can create a soothing and aromatic atmosphere without compromising your health and wellbeing.
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Burn dried herbs or use a glass of water (as they do in Southeast Asian temples)
Burning dried herbs or using a glass of water are both great alternatives to incense. Burning incense is a significant practice in Southeast Asian temples, where the fragrant smoke is believed to purify the surroundings, ward off evil spirits, and connect the earthly and divine realms.
Burning Dried Herbs
Burning dried herbs is a natural way to fill your space with beautiful scents. Many herbs can be grown yourself, and they can be burnt in a heat-tolerant vessel, such as a metal or ceramic incense bowl. An abalone shell with sand at the bottom can also be used. Charcoal discs can be placed beneath the herbs to keep them smoking, especially in the case of resins. Here are some herbs that can be burnt as incense:
- Cedar: A sacred plant used by many cultures to purify and drive out negative energy, as well as bring in good influences.
- Frankincense: The dried resin of an African tree used in meditation and healing.
- Myrrh: A valuable resin from a Middle Eastern shrub used for meditation, spirituality, happiness, and transformation.
- Rose: Burning dried rose petals is believed to attract love and enhance a romantic environment.
- Lavender, mint, rosemary, garden sage, parsley, and catnip.
Using a Glass of Water
Using a glass of water as an incense holder is a simple and effective method. It requires a glass tall enough to support the incense stick, with the water level below the area where the incense is ignited. The incense stick is rested against the side of the glass at a slight angle, with the burning end extending outside the glass. This method allows you to enjoy the aromatic experience without needing specialised tools.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense releases a carcinogen called benzene, which can cause headaches and queasiness in the short term, and even leukemia and lung cancer in the long term. Here are some healthier alternatives:
- Baking cinnamon apples in the oven
- Scented candles, especially soy candles that use essential oils
- Homemade deodorizers made with baking soda and essential oils
- Oil burners
- Essential oil warmers or diffusers
If you are looking for alternatives to incense that do not involve smoke, you can try:
- Making a cup of tea
- Using specific foods linked with scent memories
- Using decorations, altar cloths, flowers, or ribbons
- Adjusting the lighting
Here are some common household items that can be used as alternatives to incense holders:
- A bowl or jar with sand
- Aluminum foil
- A plant pot
- A candle
- A glass partly filled with water
- A pot filled with rice or ash from burnt incense
If you are looking for alternatives to incense for spiritual rituals, you can try using dried herbs in a small cloth bag or pillow, or as part of a floor wash, bath, or spray. You can also use items like feathers, bells, chimes, or a fancy pen.
