Incense is a widely used aromatic material for a variety of aesthetic, religious, therapeutic, ceremonial, and meditational purposes. It releases fragrant smoke on burning, making it a good alternative for room fresheners and mosquito repellents. It is composed of aromatic plant materials combined with essential oils. The combustible incense is commercialised by moulding it into sticks or cones and making it available in local markets. You can also buy incense sticks online, at the convenience of your home.
Mindful purchase of Incense Sticks:
An incense stick is typically made of a bamboo base coated with a mixture of aromatic materials including plant resins, wood powder, essential oils, volatile organic compounds, and binders. In an attempt to make the incense sticks more eco-friendly and sustainable for humans and animals, some organizations have started the manufacturing of bamboo-free and charcoal-free incense sticks. The smoke produced by these incense sticks is free from chemical carcinogens like formaldehyde, benzene, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). On the contrary, some commercially produced incense contain additives or synthetic fragrances that add chemicals to the smoke. Thus, a mindful selection of eco-friendly, biodegradable, vegan, natural incense sticks can minimize potential exposure to unwanted substances.
Uses and Benefits of Incense Sticks:
Spiritual Significance:
The use of incense sticks for worship and other religious rituals can be traced back to the Egyptians leaving marks in various cultures around the globe including India, China, Japan, and other South Asian countries. The use of incense sticks is said to awaken the senses allowing the mind and body to focus. Some cultures also believe that burning incense wards off evil spirits.
Air Purification and freshness:
Incense sticks made from substances like cedar wood, myrrh, orange, lemon, and other citrus essential oils cleanse the air as they contain various antibacterial and antiviral properties. Sage and cedar absorb impurities lingering in the air. Also, the fragrant smoke triggers fond memories and boosts our moods.
Meditation Assistance:
Incense based on essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and citrus are proven to improve mental cognition, clarity, and focus. Studies show that herbs like lavender are effective in reducing anxiety. Lavender also promotes sleep and fights insomnia. Burning incense also helps to boost creativity by stimulating the mind and helping it enter the flow state.
Therapeutic Effects:
Eucalyptus and tea tree incense help to boost immunity and fight against infections. Frankincense incense has amazing anti-inflammatory qualities and is a remedy for reducing aches and pains. Eucalyptus and Frankincense incense help fight against sinuses, headaches, and migraines. The scent of incense improves blood circulation and removes congestion. The other therapeutic effects are improved digestion and relief from menstrual cramps.
Last but not least, citronella and lemongrass incense are known to ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs. To increase its effects it should be burnt in a closed room when nobody is using it.
Right way to use incense sticks:
Incense is used globally but what should be noted is burning of incense sticks does produce some particulate matter in the form of ash and soot. So, they should be burnt correctly to avoid chaos.
Use Right Holder:
Incense holders are available in vertical or tilted positions. Being mindful of the surface, the holder provides for the collection of ash that can save your clean floors. Especially, for the tilted holder the surface should be long enough to hold the length of the stick.
Open the Windows:
If not using the incense as a repellent it is advisable to burn it with open windows. This would aid in ventilation and allow the smoke to spread evenly throughout the room.
Maintain Appropriate Distance with any Surface:
It is recommended to maintain an appropriate distance between the burning incense and any surface including the walls thus preventing them from any kind of damage caused due to incense smoke.
Incense Sticks and India:
In India the use of incense sticks dates back to Neolithic and chalcolithic age with appearances in Hindu scriptures like Atahrva- veda, Rigveda and Mahabharata in the name ‘Dhupavarti’. The process of making agarbatti (as commonly known in India) is linked to the Ayurvedic medical system. The ingredients used to make these incense sticks are mentioned in Dharmasastra, Arthashastra and Puranas. Hence, you can get some of the best vegan incense sticks in India, so buy organic incense sticks in India which are manufactured using traditional methods and processes.
Apart from the Hindu culture the use of incense is also common in Jainism and Buddhism. In Indian culture the burning of incense is symbolic to the sacrifice of human beings to greater good. In addition to its cultural significance India is also a leading producer of incense sticks as Agar (an evergreen tree), one of the vital components of incense sticks is found in India’s tropical climate.
It can be rightly said that incense is more than just a spiritual requirement. It is the new aesthetic. You can also buy Agarbatti, Dhoop Stick, Incense Cone Online and enjoy its numerous benefits.