Incense: Benefits, Utility & Well-being
What is Incense?
Incense has many forms, but in the simplest definition, it’s any plant matter which is burned for its aromatic or spiritual properties.
What does incense do, spiritually?
The spiritual purposes of burning incense can vary based on the religious ceremony or intention during its use. Catholic churches may burn frankincense to connect its community to the legacy of their founding patron. Palo santo wood was burned during the height of the Incas to clear bad energy and has been more recently adopted by a growing community of energy-aware people.
Burning Incense
While burning incense may vary wildly in form, the essential function of it is to burn over time. Use a lighter, match, or other open flame to ignite the smallest point of the incense. Allow it to catch fire, then quickly blow out the flame. What remains should be a smoldering ember which will slowly burn and release its aromatic compounds.
Place the incense in a dish specifically designed for incense, or a bowl of sand. You can snuff out the ember by smudging on a hard surface, but it’s generally expected to just let it burn out. Always keep embers and open flame away from any flammable materials such as curtains, paper, or dry herbs.
The benefits of burning incense with essential oils
When we take in a smell, signals are sent to our limbic system. This part of the brain is responsible for memory, emotion, and hormone regulation. Different scents trigger different responses in our brains.
Benefits of Burning Incense
Increase calm and focus. Essential oils of plants like rosemary, peppermint, and citrus have been shown to improve mental cognition, clarity, and focus.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Aid sleep.
- Complement a yoga or meditation practice.
- Stimulate creativity.
- Purify your space.
- The simple pleasure of enjoying a lovely scent.
If you’re interested in burning incense for any of these positive effects, make sure to seek out the best quality. Incense made with low-quality materials and synthetic fragrances is actually a pollutant, especially when burned in confined spaces. Look for companies that list all the ingredients they use, and find out which essential oils resonate the most with you.