What is Incense?
Incense has many forms, but in the simplest definition, it is any plant matter, including, but not limited to varieties of resins, barks, seeds, roots and flowers, burned for its aromatic or spiritual properties. Raw plant material like palo santo wood chips or white sage leaves can also be considered as incense.
Popular forms of Incense
Sticks
Spirals or Coils
Cones
Powders
Raw plant materials
Benefits of burning Incense
It is known that our sense of smell can trigger certain responses. Burning of incense can therefore trigger a multitude of benefits since it releases scents, aromas and fragrances. SmellsScents, aromas, fragrances etc are often used to trigger certain responses. Likewise, burning of incense can too.
Relax and unwind - Light some Incense, curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea, a book and some chilled-out music. Alternatively, run a bath and replace candles with an Incense stick or two. Incense fragrances will further enhance this time, allowing you to give yourself time and space away from the hassles of everyday living. Try scents like Frankincense, Sandalwood and Cedarwood.
Complement a Yoga or Meditation practice - Incense is used widely in many religious practices to deepen attention, heighten senses and uplift one’s own spirit when practicing meditation or during a yoga session. Try Sandalwood or Chakra incense, but any can work for this, so choose what suits you best!
Spirituality - Incense has been used for thousands of years in many religions around the world – Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. The burning of Incense can act as a doorway to spirituality, formal or informal, recognised religion or secular. Try scents like Frankincense & Myrrh, White Sage, Palo Santo, Chakra incense.
Stimulates creativity - Burning Incense can help boost creativity and flow state by clearing and stimulating the mind, improving mental performance. Try scents like Lemongrass, Citrus scents, Geranium and Ylang-Ylang.
Increases focus - Uplifting scents, paired with music in the background, when working or studying can help increase focus and enhance concentration. Try scents like Rosemary, Citrus scents and Peppermint for that mental clarity.
Increase sexual desire - The mind is very powerful and can be activated by scents like Jasmine, Vanilla, Rose and Cinnamon.
Aid sleep - Insomnia is an increasing affliction, especially in our modern society. Lavender is well-known for its sedative effects and is said to promote sleep and fight insomnia. , Try other scents like Vetiver and Chamomile for a restful night.
Air purification/Purification of space - Incense has been used to purify a space and its atmosphere for thousands of years. There are even studies showing that burning incense for an hour can reduce the bacteria in the air by up to 94% and maintain that purity for up to 24 hours! Try scents like Frankincense, White Sage and Palo Santo.
Insect repellent - Most insects will generally stay away from smoke Try scents like Citronella, Peppermint and Lavender to keep the bugs at bay.
MAGICAL EXPERIENCE - The simple act of enjoying a scent in itself is a magical experience. Pleasurable scents have the ability to boost our moods and make us happier. There is no need for any special reason or excuse to simply just enjoy this magical experience :)
Synthetic vs. natural fragrances in Incense
Traditionally, incenses were made with tree resins, aromatic herbs and woody plants where they grow in abundance. However, in modern times, it is more difficult to find something made with high-quality materials. Much of the incenses found in stores these days are a combination of artificial fragrances and unsustainable harvested plants.
Naturally, it is always best to seek out natural ingredients like charcoal and essential oils or natural plant based incense and avoid synthetic fragrances as much as possible.
Incense & Safety
Incense is naturally a fire hazard. Always make sure to:
Use an incense burner or stand when burning incense. This will also help contain the burning incense and its ash.
Place incense holders on fire-resistant surface.
Always keep embers and open flame away from any flammable materials such as curtains, paper, or dry herbs.
Generally, never leave burning incense unattended.
At Tehara Dream, we enjoy smoke cleansing the space before and after any healing sessions, before and after any rituals, as well as daily meditation practices etc.
Shop Smoke Cleansing and relevant Accessories.
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