How to use incense

What is incense ？

Incense sticks, which are straight incense sticks without a bamboo core, are relatively simple in structure and are mainly made up of oriental herbs (i.e. wood with healing properties), binders (we use natural camphor wood), fragrances and other auxiliary ingredients. This form of incense has been popular since the Song and Ming dynasties and was especially loved by the nobility and literati of the time. For them, incense was not only an important tool for maintaining health and cultivating the mind at home, but also a daily object that enhanced the quality of life and cultivated sentiment.

Because the burning process of incense is relatively slow, it has gained the reputation of “immortal incense” or “longevity incense”. In ancient times, especially in temples, incense was also used as a way to measure time. People would estimate the passage of time based on the length of the incense, which is why it is also known as “incense inch”. This method reflects the ancient people’s unique understanding and measurement of time, as well as the important position that incense occupied in social life at the time.

The use of incense was not limited to religious ceremonies, but was also common in the home. The aroma it gives off can purify the air, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere that helps calm the mind and focus the mind. In addition, incense made from high-quality fragrances such as agarwood is also believed to be beneficial to human health, helping to relieve stress and improve sleep quality. These characteristics have made incense a bridge between the material world and the spiritual world, and it has been deeply loved by people throughout the ages.

What is incense made of ？

1.Material selection:

Agglomerate: Natural plants such as agarwood, sandalwood and oriental herbs are often used as the main combustion material.
Binder: Natural substances such as elm bark powder or nanmu powder are often used to bind the various ingredients together.
Fragrance: Aromatic plants such as patchouli, cloves and cinnamon are selected to give the incense its unique aroma.

2.Material preparation:

The aggregate is ground into a fine powder to ensure that it is of the right fineness for subsequent processing.
The binder is prepared, and if honey syrup is used, it is boiled in advance and allowed to cool to the right temperature.

3.Mixing:

All the dry ingredients (including the aggregate and the spice powder) are thoroughly mixed together.
The right amount of binder liquid is slowly added and stirred in until a formable paste is formed.

4.Forming:

Use your hands or a special tool to roll the paste into a stick of the desired diameter.
Keep your hands clean and moist during the process to avoid sticking.

5.Drying:

After forming, the incense sticks should be left to dry naturally in a well-ventilated, cool place.
The drying process may take several days, during which time care should be taken to prevent contamination by dust.

6.Packaging and storage:

Once completely dry, cut the incense sticks to a certain length and package them.
Store in a dry place to prevent dampness from affecting the quality.

What is in incense ？

Natural incense is mainly made from a variety of carefully selected natural materials, which usually include wood, resin, and animal products, as well as a small amount of binders such as honey or glutinous rice flour and nanmu powder, which ensure that the fragrant powder is firmly combined to form slender lines. In addition, plant ingredients such as leaves, flowers, fruits and roots may be added to enrich the aroma, such as mint leaves, osmanthus or angelica. All these materials work together not only to preserve the unique aroma of natural spices, but also to give the incense its healing essence. When burned, it releases a gentle and lasting aromatic energy that can purify negative energy in the space, aid spiritual cultivation, and aid in the treatment of physical ailments.

1.Wood spice

Sandalwood、Agarwood、Costus root、Cedar、Oriental Arborvitae 、Dalbergia odorifera、Hainan Rosewood、Aquilaria sinensis

2.Resin

Borneol、Boswellia carterii、Benzoin、Myrrh、Golden Camphor、Amber、Storax、Maple

3.Animal flavor

Musk、Ambergris、Kyar、Castoreum

4.Botanical

Cassia、Eupatorium、Mugwort、Side-cypress Leaves、Agastache、Mint、Lemongrass、Rosemary

5.Fruits and flowers

Rose、Osmanthus、Magnolia Flower、Chrysanthemum、Jasmine、Wintersweet、Lavender、Honeysuckle、Clove、Cardamom、Fennel、Thuja Seed

6.Oriental herbal

Nardostachys、Angelica dahurica、Atractylodes Lancea、Szechuan Lovage、Bletilla striata、Asarum heterotropoides、Scrophularia ningpoensis、Cyperus rotundus、Moutan Cortex、Acorus tatarinowii、Alpinia officinarum、Licorice

What is incense used for ？

Calming and sleep-inducing: Certain traditional incense (e.g. with sandalwood, agarwood, lavender, etc.) is believed to help relax the mind, reduce anxiety and promote sleep quality.
Purifying the air: Burning incense releases aromas that help freshen the air in a room, remove odors, and some ingredients may have antibacterial effects, helping to improve the hygiene of the living environment.
Repel insects and mosquitoes: Some traditional incense contains natural insect repellent ingredients such as wormwood and citronella, which can effectively repel mosquitoes and insects, making it especially suitable for use in the summer or during outdoor activities.
Improve concentration: Certain spice combinations (such as those containing borneol and peppermint) can stimulate the nervous system, making people feel awake and improving concentration and memory. They are suitable for use when studying or working.
Auxiliary treatment: In traditional Chinese medicine, different spices correspond to different meridians and organs. For example, incense containing herbs such as angelica and Atractylodes can be used to regulate the body and help relieve symptoms such as headaches and nasal congestion. Incense containing herbs such as Aucklandia and dried orange peel can help regulate the flow of qi and strengthen the spleen.
Religion and meditation: In religious practices such as Buddhism and Taoism, incense is widely used for activities such as worship, praying for blessings and meditation. Its aroma can help people calm their minds and focus, achieving peace of mind and concentration.
Cultural heritage and aesthetic enjoyment: Using traditional incense is also a way to respect and pass on traditional culture, while enjoying the aesthetic experience brought by the art of incense burning, which reflects the user’s lifestyle and personal cultivation.

✅How to use incense ？

Preparation

Choose the right incense:
- Choose natural incense with good quality and no chemical additives.
- Choose incense with different scents according to the purpose, such as sandalwood or lavender for relaxation, and mint or citrus for refreshment.
Prepare the incense burner:
- Use a dedicated incense burner or holder to hold the incense in place and ensure it is stable.
- Make sure there is an ash tray at the bottom of the incense burner or some other way to prevent the burning residue from falling.
Choose a well-ventilated location:
- When using indoors, choose a place away from flammable objects and ensure that the room is well ventilated.
- Avoid using in windy places to prevent the flame from becoming unstable or the ashes from flying about.

Operating steps

Light the incense:
- Use a lighter or long-handled match to light the end of the incense until it starts to burn evenly.
- Let the flame burn for a few seconds, then blow it out gently, leaving a red-hot ember to continue burning the incense slowly.
Place the incense:
- Carefully insert the lit incense into the incense burner or holder, making sure it is upright and secure.
- Take care not to tilt the incense, as this will affect the burning effect or pose a safety hazard.
Enjoy the aroma:
- Sit or stand in a comfortable position, take a deep breath and slowly enjoy the aroma of the incense.
- If you are meditating or relaxing, close your eyes in a quiet environment and focus on your breathing and the sense of tranquility the aroma provides.

Safety and precautions

Stay alert:
- Do not leave the incense unattended while it is burning.
- Especially before going to sleep or when leaving the room for a long time, make sure the incense is completely extinguished.
Extinguishing method:
- When the incense is no longer needed, the flame can be completely extinguished by inserting it into the ashes or covering it with a damp cloth.
- Do not extinguish the incense with water directly, as this may cause water damage and damage the incense burner.
Cleaning and maintenance:
- After use, wait until the incense has completely cooled before disposing of the remaining ashes.
- Clean the incense burner regularly to keep it clean and tidy for the next use.

Helpful tips

For first-time users, it is recommended to try a short incense burning experience first to gradually get used to the aroma intensity.
You can adjust the quantity and type of incense sticks according to your personal preferences to create the ideal aroma environment.
If you experience any discomfort (e.g. headache, difficulty breathing, etc.), you should immediately stop using the incense and open a window to ventilate the room.