Seamus Hammond
Herbal incense is available for purchase from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, and comes in many forms, such as incense sticks, oils, and electronic cigarettes. However, it is important to note that some herbal incense products, particularly those marketed as potpourri or sold under brand names like Spice and K2, are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These products have been linked to adverse health effects and are often abused for their psychoactive properties. When purchasing herbal incense, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and only buy from reputable sources that provide transparent information about the product's ingredients and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online Retailers | Amazon, Walmart |
| Brands | Satya, HEM, Folkulture, Plant Guru, Blunteffects, Gonesh, Shoyeido |
| Product Types | Incense Sticks, Incense Kits, Incense Holders, Essential Oils, Herbal Teas |
| Scents | Lavender, Jasmine, Dragon's Blood, Sandalwood, Vetiver |
| Health Risks | Tachycardia, Elevated Blood Pressure, Unconsciousness, Tremors, Seizures, Vomiting, Hallucinations, Agitation, Anxiety, Pallor, Numbness, Tingling |
| Legal Status | Synthetic cannabinoids are often marketed and sold as "herbal incense" or "potpourri." State public health and poison centers have issued warnings due to adverse health effects. |
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Amazon
Mindful Market Natural Herbal Incense:
The Mindful Market Natural Herbal Incense is a popular choice on Amazon. It is organically composed of 35 Himalayan herbs, spices, and sacred ingredients. This incense is handmade in Nepal by Buddhist Newari nuns, following traditional Tibetan practices. Each bundle contains 50 sticks that are 7 inches long. It is priced at $12.99 and is eligible for free delivery.
Hem Cannabis Incense Sticks:
Hem offers a range of incense sticks, including the Cannabis variety, which is designed to promote relaxation and tranquility. Each box contains 120 sticks, with a burning time of approximately 35-45 minutes per stick. The scent is described as captivating and mysterious, perfect for meditation, rituals, and cleansing. The product has received mostly positive reviews, with some customers praising its strong scent and good value for money. It is priced at $12.99.
Magic Rasta Rainbow Bud Wizard Smoking Tower:
This product is a unique incense burner designed to catch ashes and prevent messes. It is hand-crafted from durable polystone resin and colorfully hand-painted. The tower is 12 inches tall and includes 5 pieces of 11-inch incense sticks. It is a functional and attractive piece that makes a great gift for special occasions or display. The burner is priced at $29.99.
Epidemic Incense Orange Herbal Incense Blend:
Epidemic Incense offers a strong and smooth herbal incense blend called Orange, which is available on Amazon. It is described as being three times more potent than their Yellow blend. You can find out more about their products on their website, epidemicincense.com, or check their eBay feedback.
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Walmart
Incense Sticks
- The Aroma Factory Organic Incense Sticks: These incense sticks are charcoal-free, non-toxic, and made with 100% herbal pooja agarbatti. They offer a natural aromatic fragrance and come in a 3 x 100g jute gift set with a holder featuring Indian gods.
- Ayurvedic Vetiver Dhoop Sticks: These dhoop sticks are charcoal-free, bamboo-free, and provide a grounding aroma. They come in a pack of 10.
- Genieco Extra Rich Incense Sticks: Available in both lavender and jasmine fragrances, these incense sticks offer a rich floral scent. They come in a pack of 20.
- Hosley's Wood Assorted Incense Sticks: This assorted pack of wood incense sticks offers a fresh bamboo fragrance. The pack includes 300 sticks and a clear holder.
Incense Kits
Mainstays Incense Kit: This kit includes incense sticks in dragon's blood, lavender, and sandalwood fragrances. It comes with a holder and is available in packs of 40 or 80.
Incense Cones
Mainstays Incense Backflow Cones: These backflow cones offer a dragon's blood fragrance and come in a pack of 40.
In addition to incense, Walmart also offers a range of incense burners and holders, such as the Folkulture Set of 2 Incense Holder or Burner for incense sticks, made from mango wood, and the Zerodis Backflow Burner, a ceramic burner with innovative LED lights and a lucky dragon shape.
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Health risks
Burning incense has been a common practice for thousands of years, with various cultural and spiritual purposes. However, recent research has revealed potential health risks associated with incense smoke inhalation. Here are some detailed insights into the health risks of burning herbal incense buds:
Respiratory Issues
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including fine and ultrafine particles, that can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems. These particles can lead to chronic respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm, wheezing, and dyspnea. Incomplete combustion of incense releases volatile organic compounds and poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur oxides. These emissions contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution, aggravating respiratory conditions and increasing the risk of respiratory diseases like asthma.
Cardiovascular Diseases
The particulate matter and toxic gases released during incense burning have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have found a positive correlation between exposure to incense smoke and the development of heart-related issues. The smoke may affect heart tissues, deposit harmful substances in the body, and contribute to overall inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Cancer
Compelling evidence suggests a correlation between exposure to incense smoke and an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified incense smoke as carcinogenic to humans since 2013. The particulate matter and toxic compounds in incense smoke are believed to be the primary causes of upper respiratory tract carcinomas and lung carcinomas.
Brain Health
Some studies indicate that burning incense may negatively impact brain health, particularly in older adults over the age of 65. Research suggests that long-term exposure to incense smoke may be associated with delays in cognitive performance and a decrease in brain connectivity. However, the precise mechanisms behind these relationships require further investigation.
It is important to note that while these health risks are associated with incense burning, the correct use and exposure reduction can potentially minimize these dangers. Opening windows during and after burning incense can help reduce the concentration of harmful compounds. Additionally, exploring alternative methods to fragrance spaces may be considered if health concerns persist.
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Psychoactive properties
The psychoactive properties of herbal incense have been a topic of interest and research for centuries. Incense has been used across various cultures and historical periods for its ritual, medicinal, and psychoactive properties. For example, during the Middle Ages, "sleep-bringing" incenses with potent psychoactive effects were used in medicine. These incenses often contained a blend of arsenic, mandrake root, opium, storax, and olibanum.
In ancient literature, laurel (Laurus nobilis) was attributed with mind-altering properties, although modern attempts to harness its psychoactive potential have been unsuccessful. This suggests that the term "daphne," used to refer to laurel, may have been applied to other plants with psychoactive properties that are now unknown.
In the modern era, synthetic cannabinoids, often marketed as "herbal incense" or "potpourri," have gained popularity. These synthetic drugs are designed to mimic the effects of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Brand names such as "Spice," "K2," "Cloud 9," and "Mojo" are commonly used to sell these synthetic cannabinoid blends. However, their use has become a public health concern due to their unpredictable toxicity and abuse potential.
The variety of chemical structures and unknown contaminants in these synthetic blends can lead to unknown interactions and adverse effects. As a result, synthetic cannabinoids are associated with higher rates of toxicity and hospital admissions compared to natural cannabis. The direct agonistic effect of synthetic cannabinoids on cannabinoid receptors is believed to contribute to their higher toxicity compared to THC, which is only a partial agonist.
While the specific chemical compounds and effects of these synthetic herbal incense blends are diverse, they often produce a marijuana-like "high" by stimulating cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The availability and accessibility of these designer drugs have increased due to the global reach of the internet, making them a significant concern for public health and safety.
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Public health warnings
The public should be aware of the potential health risks associated with herbal incense products. While incense burning is a traditional practice with cultural and religious significance in many parts of the world, the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids in these products poses a serious health hazard.
Emerging Health Risks
Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as "Spice" or "K2", are often marketed and sold as herbal incense. These synthetic drugs are designed to mimic the psychoactive effects of THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana. The absence of health and safety information on the packaging further exacerbates the problem.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense were first detected in the United States in 2008. The number of human exposures to these synthetic drugs has been steadily increasing, with a significant rise in calls to poison control centres across the country. State and local public health authorities have issued warnings about the adverse health effects associated with the use of these synthetic cannabinoids.
Potential Health Hazards
The combustion of incense, including herbal incense, produces particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These by-products can have detrimental effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as cause neuropsychological disturbances and dermatological issues. The inhalation of incense smoke can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to various degenerative conditions.
Vulnerable Populations
Research has also indicated that household pets, particularly cats, are vulnerable to respiratory complications due to exposure to incense-burning. This vulnerability is attributed to the fine particles (PM2.5) released during incense combustion, which can exacerbate respiratory issues in cats and certain breeds of dogs.
In conclusion, while the traditional use of incense has been practised for centuries, the emergence of synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense products poses a significant public health concern. The lack of regulation and labelling of these products as "not for human consumption" underscores the need for public awareness and caution when encountering such items. The potential health risks associated with exposure to synthetic cannabinoids and incense combustion by-products cannot be overstated.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase herbal incense from online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.
Some popular brands include Satya, HEM, Folkulture, Plant Guru, Blunteffects, and Shoyeido.
Yes, state public health and poison centers have issued warnings about the adverse health effects of herbal incense products containing synthetic cannabinoids. These effects can include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, and vomiting.
