What is incense? What is incense made of? How to use and buy it correctly?
You will find all the answers in this article!
A bit of history:
Incense is a substance that is burned to produce fragrance and smoke. In fact, the word "incense" comes from a Latin word meaning "to burn."
We recognize incense from ancient times - it was used in religious rituals in Ancient Egypt, Babylon and Greece. Throughout the centuries to the present day, people around the world have used incense for a variety of reasons, including how to:
- a component of various religious practices
- means to eliminate unpleasant odors
- a way to ward off demons or evil spirits
What does incense consist of?
Incense usually consists of an aromatic material that creates the scent and a burning binder that holds them together in a certain shape.
The aromatic materials used to make incense are usually of plant origin and may include various resins, barks, seeds, roots and flowers.
The ingredients used in specific incenses may vary by region and manufacturer. Some specific examples of aromatic ingredients that you might recognize:
- cinnamon
- Incense
- musk
- patchouli
- sandalwood
A flammable binder found in incense that ignites, allowing the incense to burn and produce smoke. The materials used vary, but can include things like charcoal or wood powder. It is very important that no toxic substances are used in the incense, so always buy incense only from a reliable manufacturer or supplier!
We have placed in our store only incenses from tested and certified manufacturers.
How to burn incense correctly?
Frankincense is available in various forms such as:
- coils
- cones
- powder
- chopsticks
- rods
- pieces of resin
To burn incense, first light it on fire. For example, to burn an incense stick, use a lighter or a match to ignite just the tip of the incense. Once lit, the incense will easily extinguish the flame simply by blowing. Wait for a small ember to glow and the fragrant smoke to begin to smell.
Incense burning time varies depending on its shape and size. For example, incense can burn from 5 to 90 minutes!
Once the incense has burned, it will extinguish itself. All that will remain is ash, smoke deposits, and possibly traces of essential oils.
Frankincense is of course a fire hazard, so you MUST use an incense burner, fireproof container or stand.
Never leave burning incense unattended!
What are the most popular forms of incense?
1. Stick
Because stick-type incense burns evenly, their gentle aroma is constantly spread. Suitable for a private room to enjoy the aroma yourself while being nearby.
2. Cone
Incense cones provide an intense aroma in a short time and are perfect for use in a large room such as a family room or entryway.
Note that there are 2 types of cones! The classic ones with smoke going to the sky and with the Falling Smoke effect. They need a special stand to enjoy the beauty of the smoke of these incenses and not to extinguish them during use.
3. Spiral
Coil-type incense burns the longest (up to 2 hours), it is often used in long rituals, meditations and events. These incenses are too strong for everyday use.
Want to try perfumes? We recommend visiting our specially created incense section:
