People burn incense for many reasons. However, it is important to know how to use it correctly, regardless of whether you are burning it to relax, for religious reasons or just because you appreciate the scent.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Incense and Incense Holder
Step 1. Consider buying incense on sticks
These are thin wooden sticks (usually made of bamboo) which are covered with incense; only the lower extremity remains uncovered. The coated part can be smooth and finished or rough and raw. The aroma, which is usually very intense, is given both by the scent of the actual incense and by the burning wood core.
Step 2. Get the sticks made entirely of incense
This type of stick has a rod composed only of oleoresin and does not have an internal wooden core. The scent released is more delicate, so it is perfect for small rooms, such as bedrooms and offices. Since there is no woody core, the aroma is pure, devoid of the burnt wood undertones.
Step 3. Find a suitable incense holder
These are sometimes called censers and come in different shapes and sizes. The choice of model depends a lot on the type of stick you want to use, with or without a wood core. You can buy a specific tool, designed to hold the stick, or you can create your own, with the materials you have available.
- If you have decided to use bamboo smeared incense, you should get a "boat" incense holder, which basically consists of a long, thin piece of wood, metal or ceramic with a small hole in one end. Typically, the boat is slightly concave to collect all the pieces of ash that fall from the stick.
- If you have opted for the stick made of incense only, then don't use a wooden incense holder. This kind of incense burns completely, so it could be dangerous to place it on a flammable surface: you should fill a cup with rice, cereal, sand or salt and stick sticks inside it. If you've decided on a censer anyway, get one in ceramic or stone.
- Consider a specially shaped incense holder. There are many models of various shapes available: for example, some resemble an elephant, a lotus flower, a leaf or bowls. They are typically made of ceramic (which makes them suitable for use with pure incense sticks) and have a small hole on the top.
Step 4. Build your own incense holder
You can make your own using a simple bowl and grainy material, or you can model out of clay. Here are some suggestions:
- Model the incense holder using clay. Take a piece of clay or clay that air-dry and flatten it. Cut out the shape you want using a cutter or pastry cutter. You can leave it flat or lift the edges slightly inward to give it a container-like shape. Take an incense stick and make a hole in the clay; finally take it out and wait for your creation to dry before using it as an incense holder.
- Make a thurible out of a bowl or bucket. Choose a container that is large enough so that it can collect all the ash that falls from the stick. Fill the container with cereal, rice, salt or sand.
Part 2 of 3: Using Incense
Step 1. Find a suitable place to burn incense
Since sticks release a lot of smoke, you need to burn them in well-ventilated areas. At the same time, however, avoid placing them in front of open windows or doors where there are a lot of drafts. Make sure there is nothing flammable nearby, such as curtains and draperies.
Step 2. Turn on the end of the stick
You can use both a lighter and a match. Hold the flame over the incense until it catches fire.
Step 3. Let it burn for about 10 seconds
The flame should go out almost completely by itself. If so, look at the tip of the stick - you should see glowing embers, which means the incense is burning properly. If you can't see anything and the tip is just covered in ash, try lighting it again.
Step 4. Gently blow over the flame
You should be able to see the burning tip of the stick and a wisp of smoke coming out of it; under no circumstances should you see a living flame. After about 30 seconds you should smell the scent. This means that the stick is burning properly; if you do not notice anything and the tip is covered only with ash, then you have completely extinguished the incense and will need to light it again. This time cup your hand behind the flame as you blow.
Step 5. Insert the stick into the incense holder
If you are using bamboo core incense, then insert the wooden end into the hole. If, on the other hand, you have decided to use a pure incense stick, then it does not matter which end you will put into the incense holder. Most censers allow you to hold the sticks almost completely vertical or slightly tilted. If the model in your possession is holding the incense slightly tilted, check that the tip is above the incense holder, so that the ash falls on it. If not, cut a small piece of stick at the base to shorten it or place the thurible on a heat-resistant surface.
If you are using a bowl or bucket filled with grains, rice, sand, or salt as an incense holder, then gently push the stick just enough so that it stands upright by itself. You can hold it perfectly vertical or tilt it slightly, but make sure the tip is always above the container so the ash will fall into it and not onto the table or floor
Step 6. Let the incense burn until it is completely gone
Most sticks last 20-30 minutes, depending on length and thickness.
Step 7. Follow all fire safety rules
Just like any other flame, do not leave the incense unattended while it burns. If you need to get out of the room, turn it off by dipping the tip in water or pressing it against a heat-resistant surface. Place the censer on a fireproof surface, away from draperies, curtains, children and pets.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing When to Burn Incense
Step 1. Use it for meditation
Burning incense while practicing meditation not only relaxes the mind, but allows you to focus more.
Step 2. Burn the incense as an air freshener
Since these sticks produce a very aromatic scent, you can also use them to deodorize rooms. However, remember that they only mask the smell and do not completely eliminate it. For this reason, you need to get rid of the source of the bad smell (garbage, dirty dishes, the cat's dirty litter box, and so on).
Step 3. Use it for aromatherapy
You can use frankincense to improve focus, increase motivation, soothe headaches and reduce depression. Its scent also helps you relax and feel less stressed.
Step 4. Know that overuse of these oleoresins can create lung disease
Incense fills the room with an aromatic smoke that is inhaled. Studies have shown that this daily practice can cause lung cancer.
Step 5. If you burn incense too often, you contribute to increasing air pollution inside the home
Its smoke worsens air quality and contributes to the development of health problems, such as asthma, headaches and other respiratory ailments. It also irritates the eyes, nose, lungs and throat.
Advice
- You can also light several sticks at a time, according to your wishes, but usually one is enough to perfume a room.
- One stick burns for 20-30 minutes.
- If you don't want to burn a whole one, dip the burning tip into the water until it is completely extinguished.
- If you have any doubts about which incense to buy, ask the clerk for information and get him to suggest the best-selling product; finally take a selection of different single sticks and try them one at a time until you find your favorite.
- To avoid harmful effects, buy natural incense sticks and limit their use.
Warnings
- Always air the rooms - too much incense causes headaches.
- Never leave burning incense unattended.
- As it burns, place the incense in places that are safe from drafts and away from areas where it can be bumped and dropped.
- Place the incense holder on a flat, heat-resistant surface. This reduces the risk of fire in case it spills or the ash falls off the base.
