Incense Types and How to Use Them
Safety Notes
BURNING INCENSE: Never leave burning incense unattended and always keep out of reach of children or pets. Always burn on a heat-proof surface, and safely dispose of ash only once it has cooled.
ASTHMA: Like many other irritants, smoke from incense can irritate asthmatic conditions. If you or anyone in your family are known asthmatics please consider this before purchasing or using any incense products.
What is Incense?
The word ‘incense’ is derived from the Latin ‘incensum‘ – to set on fire. All incense types, whether stick, resin, cone or herb, are smouldered to release their fragrance through aromatic smoke.
Not all incense is created equally, though. Many cheap commercially made incense types are simply sticks covered in sawdust and glue, dipped into synthetic fragrances and chemicals that help the scent ‘throw’. Many are potentially toxic or known carcinogens, or can cause headaches or nausea.
At AQ we focus only on NATURAL incense types that generally contain beautiful naturally aromatic ingredients and botanicals like resins, herbs or wood powders, and are typically handmade using centuries-old traditional methods – incense where you can actually see the gorgeous natural botanicals.
While some of the exotic types may appear a little daunting, most are just as simple to burn as a standard incense stick, and very few require any specialised equipment.
Types of Incense
Agarbatti – Indian Sticks
This is what most people picture when they think ‘incense’ – aromatic ingredients compressed around an inner bamboo skewer. High quality Agarbatti is generally made using the ‘masala’ method, with the raw ingredients ground into a paste, which is then hand-rolled around an inner bamboo stick.
TO BURN: Simply light the end of the stick, and when it begins to glow blow out the flame and allow the stick to smoulder over an ash-catcher, incense box or burner, or heatproof dish. The incense will naturally burn out as it reaches the uncoated bamboo section, and the ash can be disposed of once cooled.
Incense Cones
Instead of rolling ingredients around a stick, they are compressed into moulds to create Cones. They may be considered ‘purer’ than Agarbatti sticks, as there is no scent added from the burning skewer.
TO BURN: As Cones burn right through to the base, they need to be burned on a heat-proof stand, and not directly on wood (many come with a simple stand, or choose your own burner with a metal plate etc). Hold a flame to the tip, wait until it’s caught and is starting to glow red, then blow out the flame and allow to smoke. The cone will extinguish itself once it burns through to the base.
Backflow Cones
Differing slightly from standard cones, Backflow Cones have a hole in the base that goes almost to the top – the hole aligns with a hole or channel in a specialised Backflow Burner, allowing the smoke to flow downwards like a waterfall over the design to create a stunning visual effect. These will not work with ‘standard’ cone burners.
TO BURN: Light as you would with a normal cone and place on the platform. At first, smoke will come from the TOP of the cone, but once the lit section burns down to meet the hole inside (this may take a couple of minutes – just be patient) the smoke will then begin to flow DOWNWARDS.
Tibetan Dhoop
Tibetan Dhoop sticks are similar to Agarbatti sticks, except instead of compressing the ingredients around an inner bamboo stick, the ingredients are extruded into a cylinder, then allowed to dry. Made by hand from complex traditional blends of herbs, resins and botanicals, they have a rustic aroma that is much less ‘perfumed’ than most commercial incense.
TO BURN: Hold a flame to the tip in the same way you would a standard stick, wait until it has caught and is starting to glow red, then blow out the flame and allow the fragrant smoke to fill the air. As Dhoop is generally thicker and burns right through to the base, it requires a burner stand with a hole large enough, or can be laid across the bars of a Burner Box (many come with a simple burner – will not work with ‘ashcatcher’ burners).
Japanese Koh
Delicate Japanese ‘Koh’ is similar to Indian ‘dhoop’ in that it does not contain an inner bamboo skewer. The fine sticks give off less smoke and a subtle aroma, making them the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing bath or in a smaller space. Burn a couple at once for a stronger scent, or mix sticks for a unique fragrance.
TO BURN: Like dhoop sticks, Koh will burn until the very end so require a suitable burner stand, or can be laid across the bars of a Burner Box (not an ashcatcher – Morning Star sticks do come with a simple burning tile to place over a heatproof dish to catch the ash). Light as with any stick – ignite the end til glowing, then blow out and allow to smoulder.
Nepalese Rope
Rope is one of the most unique incense types you’re likely to come across, handmade using traditional methods. Dried herbs and other naturally scented botanicals are finely powdered and wrapped in a thin strip of hand-prepared Nepali lokta paper, which is then braided to form a soft rope-like dhoop stick, ready to burn.
TO BURN: Light the intertwined ends and once it’s alight, blow out the flame to allow the stick to smoulder. Rest a lit stick in a heatproof dish of sand or ash, on a suitable burner or hanging stand, or across the bars of a Burner Box. The stick will smoulder until completely burned through.
Resins & Smudge
See our other DISCOVER pages for detailed information on pure RESIN GUMS like Frankincense and Copal, or SMUDGE STICKS made from White Sage and other botanicals.
SHOP Incense
For more tips, ideas and recipes, visit our SOCIAL PAGES.
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AQ HANDMADE ALL-NATURAL "OUDH" INCENSE CONES
We`ve just spent an afternoon packaging up the final stock of our all-natural handmade OUDH incense cones.
These cones were created specially for us, handmade in India by women, with no child labour (made by the same manufacturers as our ‘top tier’ AQ Handmade sticks),
The cones contain beautiful botanicals, resins and powders, and are completely charcoal free. They use a gorgeous base of makko powder and other natural botanicals, scented with natural essential oils, wood powders, resins, ground flowers and other exotic ingredients.
8 cones per $2.75 pack. Being entirely handmade (rather than ‘pressed’ into moulds), the cones all vary in size and shape.
Also available in Dragons Blood, Nag Champa and Sandalwood. You can find them all, along with our Handmade Nepalese Cones and premium Masala Sticks here:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/aq-premium-handmade-incense/
DISCOVER MORE about Different Incense Types and How to Burn Them, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/incense-types/
AROMA QUEEN Incense and Smudge
www.aromaqueen.com.au
FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $100
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We`re back!
All of our Incense and Smudge is available again for orders.
Our Aromatherapy range will be re-appearing in the near future!
x The Queens
DISCOVER MORE about Different Incense Types and How to Burn Them, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/incense-types/
AROMA QUEEN Incense and Smudge
www.aromaqueen.com.au
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CLOSED FROM THURSDAY 31st OCT until MONDAY 11th NOV.
*** OUR FINAL RELOCATION CLOSURE! ***
To relocate our final Aromatherapy stock to our new permanent SA premises, we`ll be closing from this Thursday for just over a week. Thank goodness this is the last time!
We are still shipping orders Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th if you have anything urgent, and look forward to returning shortly with our full range available again.
See you soon!
The Queen
AROMA QUEEN: www.aromaqueen.com.au
* Aromatherapy * Incense * Smudge *
If you enjoy using a few different incense types, an INCENSE BURNER BOX is the perfect solution.
While sticks or cones can be burned on simple ashcatchers or burners, some of the more exotic types need something a little more specialised. `
You can either have a purpose-made burner for your Japanese Morning Star, one with larger heat-proof holes your thicker Dhoop Sticks and a stand for your soft braided Nepalese Rope ...
OR
You can have one Burner Box that suits everything.
These boxes are different from the old standard `coffin` shaped stick burners - they have metal bars that you can rest any type of incense stick - standard Indian sticks, Rope, Japanese Koh or Dhoop. Air circulates around them as they burn, and once they`re finished the ash drops tidily into a tray below.
Some even have cone plates and incense storage included.
Perfect for any incense lover, or a beautiful gift when teamed with a pack of special incense or two.
See our three different Burner Boxes here:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/?s=%22burner+box%22&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
Or take a look through all of our incense and accessories:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/
DISCOVER MORE about Different Incense Types and How to Burn Them, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/incense-types/
AROMA QUEEN Incense and Smudge
www.aromaqueen.com.au
FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $100
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SAL TREE RESIN (Indian Dammar)
$8.50 / 25g
The SAL TREE (Shorea robusta) is a species of tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae, which is native to South Asia, from the Himalayas, Myanmar to East Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
In Hindu tradition, the sal tree is said to be favoured by Vishnu; some cultures in Bengal worship Sarna Burhi, a goddess associated with sacred groves of Sal trees. Its name shala, shaal or sal, comes from Sanskrit for “house” which reflects its use for housing timber. In Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, typical Nepali pagoda temple architecture has rich wooden carvings, and most of the temples are made of bricks and sal tree wood.
Sal Tree Resin, also known as sal dammar or Indian dammar, has a powerful but pleasant spicy, musky scent. It is used as an astringent in Ayurvedic medicine, and burned as incense in Hindu ceremonies. It is believed to promote connection to the world of the Divine, prayer and elevation, and an excellent accompaniment for meditation and breathing.
Find it in our RESIN INCENSE section:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/resin-incense/
Or DISCOVER MORE about Resin Incense and how to burn it, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/resin-incense/
AROMA QUEEN Incense and Smudge
www.aromaqueen.com.au
FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $100
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Our ETCHED BRASS SCREEN CENSER with LID is perfect for burning self-igniting charcoal discs for use with resin or wood incense
These lovely censers are made from solid brass. The base section has a removable screen that can be used facing upwards, or inverted to create a bowl shape to rest your charcoal or incense (or removed to use the bowl for burning cones or even as a small smudge bowl).
The burner can be used with lid either on or off, as both base and lid feature decorative star-shaped air holes for circulation.
Both pieces also have beautiful embossed decorations in a patterned floral design. The censer now also includes a wooden coaster to protect the surface below from heat.
The burner bowl is approx 75mm in diameter at the widest (the bowl is wider at the top than at the base, and the lid is slightly wider again). Height is approx 65mm from base to tip of lid. Charcoal tablets fit nicely in the base of the burner (add a little sand or earth to disperse the heat), or can also be burned on the inverted screen if you prefer more airflow (we recommend using TONGS to handle your charcoal for best access). Add your resin on top of the charcoal disc once lit (see below for instructions), or place resins or botanicals on the screen above for more subtle heat.
TIP: Add a layer of sand or earth to the base of the censer to insulate against the heat and protect the surface of your burner.
$32.95 each - they`re also part of our PREMIUM RESIN INCENSE KIT:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product/resin-incense-pack-premium-kit/
See all of our Censers and Burners:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/incense-accessories/
DISCOVER MORE about Resin Incense and how to burn it, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/resin-incense/
AROMA QUEEN Incense and Smudge
www.aromaqueen.com.au
FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $100
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SATYA SAI BABA NAG CHAMPA Incense would have to be one of the most recognisable brands in the world. They`ve been around since 1964, so it`s no little wonder!
While the blue Nag Champa packaging is a standard for so many lovers of incense, Satya make an abundance of other scents. If you`re not keen to wander far from your old favourite, they`re definitely worth a look.
Currently our Satya range covers:
SATYA STICKS
Nag Champa - by the single pack or by the box
Cinnamon
Copal
Dragons Blood
Frankincense
Lavender
Lemongrass
Myrrh
Palo Santo
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Vanilla
White Sage
SATYA CONES
Nag Champa
Citronella
Dragons Blood
Palo Santo
Rose
Sandalwood
White Sage
See everything SATYA on our Australian website:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/brands/satya/
Or DISCOVER MORE about Different Incense Types and How to Burn Them, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/incense-types/
AROMA QUEEN INCENSE AND SMUDGE
Sticks * Cones * Handmade & Natural * Pure Resins * Nepalese Rope * Tibetan Dhoop * Japanese Koh * Backflow Cones & Burners * Smudge Sticks * Palo Santo * Burners & Gifts
www.aromaqueen.com.au
FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $100
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BACKFLOW INCENSE is all about Calm.
Backflow incense cones are different from standard cones - they have a hole at the base that goes almost through to the top of the cone and when the lit section reaches the hole, the smoke begins to flow DOWNWARD in a serene and tranquil waterfall.
They`re a beautiful choice for meditation, relaxation or mindfulness - Backflow is perfect for taking a moment to pause and enjoy the sensory aspects of both scent and imagery as the smoke gracefully flows over your backflow Burner.
They make a beautiful gift idea, too.
HOW TO USE?
Choose BACKFLOW INCENSE CONES rather than standard ones which won`t have the waterfall effect.
Then choose a BACKFLOW BURNER which has a stand or plate that the cone sits on, aligning the hole in the base of the backflow cone with a channel in the burner so that the smoke can flow over the burner design.
Place the cone on the stand, light for a moment until it`s well alight and then blow out the flame and allow it to smoulder. Smoke will flow from the TOP of the cone until the burning section reaches the internal hole, and then like magic, the smoke will begin to flow downwards and cascade over the burner.
Want to see some in action? See a simple little video we shot ourselves of the actual burners and cones that we stock:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWSdW6TM376/
Visit our BACKFLOW INCENSE on our Australian website for high quality backflow cones from a variety of ethical incense makers, along with a range of burners to suit:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/backflow-incense/
Or DISCOVER MORE about Different Incense Types and How to Burn Them, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/incense-types/
AROMA QUEEN: www.aromaqueen.com.au
* Aromatherapy * Incense * Smudge *
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AUROSHIKHA SANDALWOOD STICKS are made from pure SANDALWOOD CHIPS & POWDER, pressed into easy to use stick form.
Our Auroshikha Resin Incense Sticks range combine the gorgeous scents of pure natural resins & botanicals like Frankincense, Myrrh or Sandalwood, into the simplicity of ‘stick’ form, making them as easy to use as your standard Indian incense stick, yet with the purity of resin or natural sandalwood.
At approx 25cm in length and a very thick size, they are particularly strong in scent as well as being long burning. They`re handmade in India by Auroshikha, our ethical incense manufacturer of choice, where all of their profits go back to the community who makes them.
SANDALWOOD
In these sticks, quality natural Sandalwood powder / chips from the Santalum album tree have been pressed into traditional stick form - you can see the actual botanicals on the stick. Precious sandalwood has a strong, soft, woody-balsamic scent conducive to meditation, promoting a sense of confidence and well being.
These sticks are also available in:
* FRANKINCENSE
* FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH
* COPAL
* BENZOIN
* BENZOIN SIAM
* DAMMAR
See the magical Auroshikha `Resin Sticks` range here:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/resin-sticks/
Or DISCOVER MORE about Different Incense Types and How to Burn Them, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/incense-types/
AROMA QUEEN: www.aromaqueen.com.au
* Aromatherapy * Incense * Smudge *
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YERBA SANTA: Also known as Holy Weed, Mountain Balm, Consumptive’s Weed, Gum Bush, Bear’s Weed, Sacred Herb or Sacred Weed, YERBA SANTA leaves are considered sacred in Native American and Spanish cultures.
As a smudge or incense, Yerba Santa has traditionally been used for protection, purification and setting boundaries, with a long history of use as an altar offering.
It is believed to be grounding and balancing, and can help with empowerment or courage, for grief or shyness, or the release of emotional pain.
In the US Southwest, Yerba Santa has also traditionally been used herbally for respiratory issues and healing powers. The scent is pleasant, earthy and uplifting.
You can find Yerba Santa Smudge Sticks in our SMUDGING section of our Australian website HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/smudge/
OrDISCOVER MORE about Smudging and the different types of sticks used:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/smudging/
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AQ Handmade Bhutanese XL ZAMBALA PRAYER Incense Cones
Our stunning XL sized Bhutanese Incense Cones are handmade for us in Bhutan featuring entirely natural ingredients.
At around 36mm in height & diameter of approx 18mm, they’re a much larger sized cone than most, and also burn for longer, with a very strong scent. Each $2.95 pack contains 6 cones.
This rare sacred Zambala Prayer cone incense has been exclusively prepared as a special offering to Zambala, the lord of wealth and prosperity. A blend of 108 medicinal and aromatic plants collected from the pristine and tranquil landscape of the Himalayas, offering this precious incense to Zambala with utmost respect and true devotion is believed to enhance the goal of having a prosperous, healthy and successful life. The scent is deep and pleasantly herbal.
108 DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS INCLUDE: Shukpa, Safflower, Guggul. Sal dhoop, Sandalwood, five precious gems, six excellent medicinal herbs, three whites and sweets, nine grains, various silk and brocade.
Also in our Bhutanese cones: GREEN TARA, GURU RINPOCHE, MEDICINE BUDDHA, ROWO SANGCHOE
See them in our AQ HANDMADE STICKS and CONES section:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/aq-premium-handmade-incense/
DISCOVER MORE about Different Incense Types and How to Burn Them, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/incense-types/
AROMA QUEEN Incense and Smudge
www.aromaqueen.com.au
FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $100
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Our Handmade Brass & Mother of Pearl Tempt Burner Censer would have to be one of the most special resin / incense burners you`ll find.
They`re suitable for burning self-igniting charcoal discs for use with resin or wood incense, like Frankincense, Sandalwood powder or Palo Santo chips. As they have a wide and open bowl they can also be used to burn incense cones, or as a smudge pot to hold your burning Smudge Sticks or Palo Santo wood (TIP: Add a layer of sand or earth to the base of the censer to insulate against the heat and protect the surface of your burner, and always burn on a heatproof surface).
Approx 10cm in diameter, this censer is made of heavy brass with stunning natural mother of pearl detail around the rim, and star shaped vents on the removable lid to allow smoke to escape – a really lovely piece which can be used with or without the lid on.
$47.95 each - a unique gift or addition to your incense burning ritual.
You can find all of our incense burners, charcoal and accessories HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/incense-accessories/
Or explore our RESIN INCENSE section, which includes all of our suitable burners, HERE:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/product-category/incense/resin-incense/
WHAT IS RESIN INCENSE? Find out how it works on our website blog:
https://aromaqueen.com.au/resin-incense/
AROMA QUEEN Incense and Smudge
www.aromaqueen.com.au
FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $100
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TIP: Add a layer of sand or earth to the base of the censer to insulate against the heat and protect the surface of your burner.