Menu

Flavored sticks: benefit or harm. How to use incense sticks correctly

Gynecology

beautiful word aromatherapy is known to all mankind in all corners of the Earth in the same meaning. The first evidence that people used incense is in medical books. It was the special antiseptic odors, spread by the method of fumigation, that could disinfect premises and even entire cities in times of severe epidemics. If in southern latitudes they could use essential oils exotic plants for us, which are successfully used today in the production of aromatic oils, in the northern latitudes, the function of such an antiseptic was performed by pines. This genus is widespread throughout almost the entire territory of Russia. In the Middle Ages, in large and small cities, during epidemics, bonfires were kindled from whole trees, which, during burning, released a huge amount of resins and essential oil, thereby disinfecting everything around.

The modern use of aromatherapy is a solution not only for medical, but also for psychological problems.

Aroma oil application methods

Aroma oils can be used in different ways for different purposes:

  • inhalation;
  • skin methods;
  • food consumption.

Each of the methods is used for different purposes:

  • treatment colds;
  • skin improvement and treatment;
  • improvement in emotional state, etc.

Perhaps the most common use is aroma sticks.

Useful properties of aroma oils

Each incense stick is impregnated with essential oils. Depending on the properties of the oil, their appropriate use is recommended. Moreover, before you enjoy and benefit from aromas, you need to clearly imagine the combination of smells.

Combination rules:

  1. You can only mix smells of one group: floral with floral, woody with woody, citrus with citrus.
  2. All fragrances have a different duration of existence. Therefore, it is recommended to mix instantly volatile (for example, tea tree) and long-lasting fragrant (to achieve the ideal period, it is better to add conifers to the woody pair of tea tree).
  3. If it is possible to choose aromatic oils with chopsticks based on smells, be sure to focus on your own feelings. For example, cosmetologists who work with essential oils and create individual skin care creams believe that a person can help himself by adding fragrances, improve psychological well-being, and even achieve desired goals. To do this, the client is offered a fairly large range of flavors, which is simply sorted into 3 categories:
  • Like;
  • I do not like;
  • I doubt.

From a bouquet "like" will definitely be created perfect option, in which there will be nothing superfluous for a person (this will all go into the “dislike” category). A kit called “doubt” will help a professional cosmetologist to supplement existing desires with the necessary components. The best choice is when there are 3 aroma oils in the set “like” and “doubt”, from such a bouquet you can create an ideal composition. Be guided by personal feelings and create your own fragrances that are useful only to you.

But there are universal solutions for creating good mood and improve well-being, which are sold in all small and large cities of our country - these are incense sticks. Do you know the secret, how to set fire to incense sticks? How long do they burn?

Types of incense sticks

Incense sticks from different parts of the world in each case have their own bouquet and, accordingly, the effect.

The main thing in their use is to learn not to harm yourself and your loved ones. This is only possible with a high concentration of one or a mixture of several fragrances in a poorly ventilated area.

The main types of sticks:

  • Indian;
  • Nepalese;
  • Tibetan;
  • Chinese.

All these names do not necessarily mean that the incense sticks are produced in the countries of the same name. The most important thing in them is a bouquet of incense. It is this bouquet that gives the name to the sticks.

Indian

The uniqueness of the technology for applying aromas in India is that natural bamboo is used as a material for sticks. The material itself has a unique smell. The bouquet of incense applied to it is complemented by bamboo fragrance and thanks to this, a special uniqueness of the smell is created.

The most popular oils are: patchouli and sandalwood (a bouquet that kindles passion); eucalyptus (cures any cold).

Having perhaps the most nondescript packaging, Indian incense sticks are the most popular on the Russian market.

Chinese chopsticks

If you see a pack of standard looking sticks that says "Chinese incense" it's not true. In China, there is no standard concept of a stick, they fumigate the premises with products that coincide in meaning with the concept of "aroma sticks", in fact, they look like spirals, kegs, boats.

In Chinese sticks, bouquets can be very different, philosophy is the main place in them. The incense twisted in a spiral is lit and repeats the turns of life, thereby influencing the solution of various issues.

Nepalese sticks

The uniqueness of these incense lies in the way they are used. How to burn incense sticks correctly? It is the Nepalese version that is set on fire for 2-3 minutes and immediately extinguished. It's all about their basic composition. For the manufacture of the base, pressed plant stems and grass are used, which burn for a very short time.

The Nepalese believe that, when burned, sandalwood oil calms the nerves, helps to cope with insomnia and anxiety; the aroma of jasmine relieves painful coughs and asthmatic conditions; geranium calms the nerves.

Tibetan sticks

Created on the principle of Nepalese sticks, Tibetan ones can contain up to 40 incense at once. In this case, the combustion period will give a gradual mixture of flavors. They are given particular preference for several reasons:

  • collection of herbs - only in a certain period;
  • only handmade from collection to packaging;
  • the possibility of not only using sticks as aromatherapy, but also using the remains of combustion products (and the sticks themselves) for massage sessions, acupuncture treatments, etc.

Now you know what incense sticks are, how to set them on fire and how to combine them. Choose your personal bouquet and type of wands to set the mood and feel great.

People burn incense sticks for many reasons - for relaxation, for religious purposes, or simply because they like the smell of incense. It is important to know how to use them correctly.

Steps

Part 1

Choice of chopsticks and censer

    Consider purchasing incense sticks with a core. Such sticks consist of a thin wooden rod (usually bamboo) covered (with the exception of 2–3 centimeters from the bottom) with an aromatic substance. The aromatic substance can be both smooth and smooth, and granular in appearance. The aroma obtained during combustion is usually quite intense, consisting of the smell of the aromatic substance itself and the burning wooden core.

    Consider purchasing solid incense sticks. Such sticks consist entirely of aromatic substance and do not contain a core. They have a milder scent, so they work well in smaller spaces like a bedroom or office. Since these sticks do not have a core, their aroma is uniform, without the admixture of the smell of burning wood.

    Find a suitable chopstick stand. Such coasters, also called incense burners, have many different forms and sizes. The type of stand will depend on which sticks you use, with or without a core. You can purchase an incense burner that fits the chopsticks you use, or you can make your own using household items.

    Consider making your own incense burner. You can make your own chopstick stand out of clay, or use a cup filled with something crumbly and non-flammable. Here are some options:

    • Blind a figured clay incense burner. Take a lump of natural self-hardening modeling clay and roll it into a flat sheet. After that, cut out the desired shape from it, using a craft knife or a pastry knife. You can leave the cut out figure flat, or bend its edges, giving it the shape of a vase. Take an incense stick and stick it into the clay, making a recess in it. Take out the stick and wait for the clay to harden before using it as a coaster.
    • Make an incense burner out of a bowl or cup. Take a vessel large enough to contain the ashes that fall from the burning incense stick. Fill it with grain, rice, salt or sand.
  1. Light the tip of the incense stick. This can be done with a match or a lighter. Bring a flame to the wand and wait until it ignites.

    Let the stick burn for about 10 seconds. The flame will go out on its own. When this happens, look at the tip of the incense stick. If a glowing smoldering light is visible on it, the wand burns properly. If the glow is not visible and the tip is covered with ashes, it is necessary to light the wand again.

    Kindle the fire carefully. Fan the fire so that a smoldering fire is visible with a thin column of smoke rising from it; while you should not see the flame. After about 30 seconds, you will feel the aroma coming from the stick. These signs indicate that the stick is burning correctly. If you can't see anything and the tip doesn't glow, having an ashy appearance, it means that the wand is completely extinguished. In this case, light it again. This time cover the tip with the palm of your hand, gently fanning the flame.

    Place the incense stick in the holder. If you are using a stick with a core, place the unscented wooden tip in the stand. If you have a stick without a core, it does not matter which end you fix it in the holder. In most incense burners, the sticks are mounted vertically or at a slight angle. If the stick is at a slight angle, make sure its burning tip is above the stand. If the top tip protrudes beyond the stand, cut the stick or place the censer on a wider fireproof stand.

    • If you are using a bowl or cup filled with grain, rice, salt, or sand as a stand, gently stick the tip of the stick into the loose material so that it stands on its own when you release it. You can stick the stick vertically or tilt it slightly. In the latter case, the top of the stick should not protrude beyond the stand, so that the ashes from it fall on the stand, and not on the table or on the floor.
  2. Wait until the stick burns out to the end. Most incense sticks burn for 20-30 minutes, depending on length and thickness.

    Take precautions. As with other burning objects, do not leave a lit wand unattended. If you need to go away, extinguish the wand by dipping its burning tip in water or pressing it against a fireproof surface. Place the incense burner on a heat-resistant surface, away from curtains, curtains, children and pets.

Part 3

When you can and when you can not burn incense sticks

    Use incense while meditating. Their aroma will allow you not only to relax and distract from extraneous thoughts, but also help you focus on the subject of meditation.

    Use the sticks as an air freshener. When burned, they release a large number of fragrant smoke that can freshen the air in the room. However, remember that their fragrance only masks unpleasant odors without destroying them; to completely eliminate these odors, it is necessary to get rid of their source (garbage, dirty dishes, spoiled food, etc.).

Aromatherapy is one of the oldest methods of treating a person with the help of smells. Incense sticks (or incense) are the most convenient and optimal way to influence the human body with the help of aroma. Incense sticks can be with or without a stem. Aroma sticks are made of thin bamboo, on which a special aromatic substance is applied along the entire length (except for the end of 3 cm). Such sticks burn together with bamboo and, in addition to the main smell, have a light woody aroma. Sticks without a stem are made only of aromatic substance, they do not have a special handle. The smell of such sticks is more delicate and deep.

Incense sticks are common all over the world, as many ancient cultures used incense during various events. To date, the most famous are Tibetan, Chinese, Nepalese and Indian incense. Each fragrance can bring a certain feeling and emotion to a person.

Choosing an aroma stick scent

Some incense is aimed at meditation and relaxation, others help to increase a person's performance. In order not to fall asleep at work, you need to know what various aromas contribute to.

  1. Cedar, lemongrass, citrus, fennel, sandalwood, cinnamon, rosemary, magnolia are stimulating aromas that increase efficiency, make a person concentrate on what is important. With the help of these aromas, you can improve memory, cope with stress, acquire a cheerful mood. In many eastern countries, such incense is lit in large offices.
  2. Mint, lavender, jasmine, rose, almond, oregano, myrrh, laurel - these incense help to establish contact with people and their own self. Such aromas are used for various contradictions, when a person does not know what to do. These tools will help you immerse yourself in the process of meditation and make the right decision.
  3. Frankincense, orchid, lemon balm, chamomile, geranium, tea tree will help you calm down. Such incense perfectly relieves nervous exhaustion, pacifies after physical and mental overwork. They are able to overcome even severe depression.
  4. Carnation, jasmine, sage, rose, opium, juniper - have a powerful energy component. These incense sticks will protect your spirit from energy vampirism, from the evil eye, ill-wishers. They are able to restore the human aura.
  5. Musk, patchouli, ylang-ylang, violet, nutmeg rose, ginger are the strongest aphrodisiacs. Such incense kindles sexual desire and attraction.
  6. Sandalwood, patchouli, pine are able to fight bacteria and germs in the air. They are often used to disinfect rooms where there are patients. Even in ancient times, during periods of rampant typhus epidemics, pine branches were burned in every house so as not to get infected.

Before buying, it is important to decide what exactly you need - to relax or concentrate, to protect your home from envious people or to awaken passion in a partner. When the necessary incense is bought and brought into the house, you need to kindle it.

Special stands for sticks, which are called incense burners, can be wooden, marble, clay or glass. If you use a rod stick, you can take a wooden censer for it, since the rod itself does not burn without aromatic substance. If you use incense without a stem, then you need to choose a non-combustible material so that a fire does not happen. Today, incense burners can be a real piece of furniture - they are very beautiful, artsy, patterned. If you don’t have a special incense burner, you can use improvised means - a glass of rice, sand or salt. The incense stick will just need to be stuck into the bulk composition.

  1. When the incense burner is ready, simply insert the stick into the holder. If the incense burner is homemade, stick the stick in salt or sand.
  2. If the room is small, it is better to use half an aroma stick so that the pungent smell does not cause a headache.
  3. Choose a place where the burning stick will stand. It is better to place it away from carpets, curtains and other flammable objects. Place the censer on the table (if there are no children in the house), on a bookcase or a high shelf.
  4. Lighting aroma sticks is not difficult, just hold a lighter or a burning match to the end of the stick and wait until it lights up. It will not burn in the literal sense - only a barely noticeable smoldering. If a red light is visible at the end of the wand and the wand smokes heavily, everything is in order, you did everything right. If the wand is extinguished, it must be lit again. You are probably lighting the wand in a draft, so it will die out.
  5. Place the smoldering stick in the holder so that it is tilted at a slight angle over the stand into which the ashes fall. If you are using a homemade incense burner, insert the stick into the bulk composition so that it holds well and does not fall.
  6. The incense stick usually burns for half an hour, but long after burning, it fills the room with its aroma.
  7. Do not leave burning incense unattended. If you urgently need to leave, just dip the burning end of the stick into the water.

This simple way to burn incense will help you achieve your desired goal.

Incense will help to relax and calm down, if necessary, increase efficiency and give your home a pleasant aroma. Along with all these advantages, incense also has its downsides.

Scientists have found that the constant use of incense sticks increases the risk of developing lung cancer. However, this does not threaten those who fumigate their house less than twice a week. In addition, a certain aroma can cause individual intolerance. Allergic reactions can manifest as dizziness, coughing, and even spasm of the respiratory organs.

When choosing incense sticks, special attention should be paid to the place where they are sold. Cheap incense of low quality may consist of synthetic substances, the combustion of which is very harmful to the body. To test the quality of the incense, sniff the sticks through the packaging. If they exude a sharp aroma, it is better to refuse them. Real incense sticks don't have a strong smell when they're not burning. It is best to buy this product in its home country, such as India. Keep in mind that aromatic compounds in India are sold not only in the form of sticks. They can be loose - the powder is poured onto burning coals. Animal figurines are also very popular. They are set on fire, and they envelop the room with a magical aroma.

Incense sticks are effective method relaxation in this noisy and fast paced world. Look for time for self-knowledge and relaxation, live in harmony with yourself. And incense, which helps to expand your consciousness, will help you with this.

Video: how to make homemade flavors

The sacred aroma of sandalwood, used in meditation, is able to bring one closer to the divine, restore the aura, open from the inside, relieve depression and stress, give a feeling of bliss and well-being. In addition, this fragrance has aphrodisiac properties, it increases sensuality and excites passion, and also cools at the end of meditation and cleans the room.

Sandalwood is famous for the properties of its wood, which gives a rich, resinous, woody aroma with a hazy nutmeg undertone. Sandalwood has a mild and non-flashy aroma, it does not have sharp notes, but at the same time this aroma is very persistent. This fragrance has practically no analogues in nature. This is an expensive, classic and erotic fragrance. Not without reason in India all the most beautiful and priceless are called the word "chanda", which means "sandalwood".

Sandalwood in Hinduism is the main part of all the services and rituals associated with religion, it is used in meditation, takes believers from our material world to the subtle world, closer to the divine, has a cleansing effect on the mind, helps to overcome the obstacles that arise on the way to enlightenment, directs consciousness inward, helps to open the "third eye".

Quantity: 12 pcs

Sandalwood will bring a scent of sensuality, depth and spirituality into your home.

The sacred aroma of sandalwood, used in meditation, is able to bring one closer to the divine, restore the aura, open from the inside, relieve depression and stress, give a feeling of bliss and well-being. In addition, this fragrance has aphrodisiac properties, it increases sensuality and excites passion, and also cools at the end of meditation and cleans the room.

Sandalwood is famous for the properties of its wood, which gives a rich, resinous, woody aroma with a hazy nutmeg undertone. Sandalwood has a mild and non-flashy aroma, it does not have sharp notes, but at the same time this aroma is very persistent. This fragrance has practically no analogues in nature. This is an expensive, classic and erotic fragrance. Not without reason in India all the most beautiful and priceless are called the word "chanda", which means "sandalwood".

Sandalwood in Hinduism is the main part of all the services and rituals associated with religion, it is used in meditation, takes believers from our material world to the subtle world, closer to the divine, has a cleansing effect on the mind, helps to overcome the obstacles that arise on the way to enlightenment, directs consciousness inward, helps to open the "third eye".

It is believed that the smell of sandalwood is sacred, in the culture of India there has always been a very close connection between religion and the scent of sandalwood.

According to the mythology of India, Paradise is filled with the aroma of sandalwood, the gods love it very much, which is why it is offered to the gods during puja, that is, worship. At the same time, incense sticks that have the smell of sandalwood were used, sandalwood oil was added to smoking lamps.
Holy places were cleansed with sandalwood, it was smoked in houses in order to drive away evil spirits. In addition, the smell of sandalwood attracts snakes, which is interesting in itself. Even in Indian illustrations, one can see the image of a sandalwood tree wrapped in snakes.

It was believed that the smell of sandalwood allows the soul of the deceased to reach the boss, and those who mourn him will calm down and come to terms with what cannot be avoided.

In addition, the scent of sandalwood has excellent antiseptic properties, killing germs and bacteria, thus purifying the room.

Sandalwood is a classic fragrance used in aromatherapy. This is a very complex, one might say, philosophical smell. It has a range of effects:

1) On the psycho-emotional level - relieves anxiety, stress, fear, depression, warms and relaxes. It gives you a chance to reveal your inner world, removes barriers, opens the springs of creativity, launches the imagination, helps to adapt to changes, prevents impulsive actions that are not related to the nature of light and goodness. In addition, sandalwood relieves obsessive thoughts and helps to acquire a sense of well-being, relieves tearfulness, helps to meet the unpleasant surprises of life with dignity, to get out of conflicts and stressful situations calmly.

2) At a therapeutic level - normalizes the rhythm of the heart, relieves irritability, soothes nervous system helps to sleep sound sleep. In addition, sandalwood treats sexual disorders that occur due to psychological problems, relieves sexual tension, helps to turn absolutely any fantasies into reality, gives sophistication to sexual intercourse, increases sensuality. The aroma of sandalwood is also good for neurotic loss of voice, menopause problems, shortness of breath, nervous hiccups, inflammation of the skin, irritation of the nasopharynx and throat, and relieves stress after heavy mental stress.

3) At the magical level - sandalwood activates passion, is used as a scent for harmony and meditation, is the personification of night and day, cold and heat, feminine and masculine, develops intuition, spiritual depth, strengthens the aura, gives clear dreams, helps to concentrate during meditation and "cool" at the end.

Quantity: 12 incense sticks.

You will need

  • Stand for aroma sticks and aroma sticks;
  • For resins, incense and fragrant herbs - an incense burner, sand and coal;
  • Stands for baseless sticks, cones, barrels and spirals;
  • Aroma lamp, warm water and a candle.

Instruction

The most common type of incense is incense sticks. Such sticks are made mainly in China or India. They are made using a bamboo straw that is first dipped in an aromatic mixture and then in an aromatic oil. The aromatic mixture may include shavings of fragrant trees (sandalwood, juniper, etc.), crushed fragrant herbs and essential oils. When buying sticks, be careful. Indeed, for the manufacture of their cheap options, synthetic essential oils are often used, which give nothing but a strong smell. In order to burn an incense stick, you need to set it on fire and lightly blow it out so that it smolders without fire. It is better to purchase a special stand for aroma sticks, since they are in the form of ash when burned.

Another type of incense is charcoal sticks or cones. The aroma of such sticks is not mixed with the smell of burning bamboo, but they are more fragile and require special coasters for their use.

There are also incense, which are called "plasticine". A binding base for aromatic herbs and essential oils in such incense x serves ghee, honey or resin of fragrant trees. Among such incense, they are less common, and you can attach them to any surface. In India, they are popular in markets and streets.

Cones and barrels are compressed fragrant herbs and sawdust of fragrant trees. This is the most natural and convenient type of incense. Any flat candlestick or bowl that can withstand heat can serve as a stand for them. The ashes from such incense do not scatter, but remain on the stand.

Incense in the form of resins (incense, myrrh, etc.) or loose ground herbs require special incense burners. Censers, most often, are bowls on low (metal, stone or clay). Sometimes they are covered with a lid with holes, and sometimes they are suspended (for example,). To burn solid or free-flowing incense, you need to take a censer, pour sand or coarse salt into it (half the volume), put a special coal tablet on the sand, which is set on fire. Coal tablets, more often, are treated with saltpeter so that the coal easily catches fire from a match. Otherwise, coal is sprinkled with alcohol, and then set on fire. Incense in the censer is thrown on hot coals. In this case, it is better not to overdo it with incense, the same you need only a couple of grains. Fragrant herbs should be ground into a powdery state. If the grass is coarse, then it is better to grind it in a mortar.

In addition, liquid essential oils of fragrant herbs and trees are used as incense. Here you can not do without an aroma lamp. However, now they are produced in huge quantities, for every taste. Pour a little warm water and a couple of drops of essential oil into the container of an aromatic lamp. It remains to set fire to a heating candle, which is located under the bowl of the aroma lamp.

Related videos

note

Always carefully read the composition of incense. If it contains non-natural essential oils or herbs are replaced by a synthesized aroma, then such incense will not give either a healing or ritual effect.
Be careful with incense that has a charcoal or bamboo base. Such incense sticks can, in some people, cause headaches and allergies.
When using a charcoal tablet incense burner, kindle the charcoal better near with an open window or under a window leaf. At first, the coal gives off a lot of black, odorous smoke, which disappears when the tablet is heated.

Useful advice

In Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, loose incense is produced that does not require hot charcoal to burn. Such herbal powder is simply poured onto a refractory stand in a slide or path, and then set on fire.
Use unfamiliar incense with caution. Even if you or your loved ones do not have allergic reactions, you can suffer from individual intolerance to this particular aroma or herb.

Sources:

  • Maria Kedrova, “FRAGRANCES OF BEAUTY AND HEALTH. Secrets of Cleopatra", "Peter", 2007
  • incense sticks how to use

aromatic sticks are the most common type of incense, they are not only easy to use, but also fit perfectly into any interior. With the help of incense sticks, you can get rid of headaches, fatigue, relax after a hard day's work and cleanse the room of negative energy.

Instruction

Before you buy aromatic, you need to know why and for what purpose you are going to burn them. Lavender strengthens the immune system, relieves insomnia and overwork, eliminates irritability and mental lethargy, and stimulates blood circulation. Bergamot improves attention and memory, gives strength and tones. Jasmine has a relaxing and anti-stress effect. Lemon has an antiviral effect, relieves dizziness. Pine accelerates the process of rehabilitation after the respiratory system, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Eucalyptus kills bacteria and cleanses. Therefore, before using certain incense sticks, familiarize yourself with their effect.

Together with incense sticks, get a special stand for them, ashes will fall on it. The stand can be made of glass or ceramic, the choice is yours. Insert the stick with the thin side into the hole on the stand and light the end with the help, place in the middle of the room so that the aroma spreads to all sides of the room.

You can leave the door to the room open, then after a while a persistent, pleasant aroma will fill your entire home. It is recommended to burn incense in a large room in preparation for a long stay in this room or after the guests have left. In a small space, place a lit incense stick next to it and open it slightly, excess smoke will come out.

The black incense sticks are made of charcoal, so when burned, they emit only the smell of the aroma filler. Beiges and browns use a base of masala, the scent of which will be added to the flavor as it burns. When buying, pay attention to the quality of the filler, as the smell of a synthetic fragrance is not as pleasant as the aroma of a natural base. In no case do not burn several types of sticks at once, as they can be completely opposite.

Related videos

note

Often, burning a bamboo stick can provoke an allergy, then it is recommended to switch to pure essential oils or stemless incense.

Modern man is lucky with huge selection incense. On the other hand, such diversity often causes a feeling of confusion. The market offers a large number of scents, and the incense itself varies in shape and is produced in different countries.

Appearance of incense

First of all, it is important to decide on the form of the purchased incense. Incense is lit in a special censer. It is needed for safety, so that a fire does not break out from falling ash. Under the incense of a certain form, an appropriate incense burner is selected.

The most common forms of incense are sticks and. To light the cone, you will need a ceramic or stone disk stand. Special holders are sold for chopsticks. But you can do without buying them. Fill a bowl with rice or sand and stick a stick or cone on top. Now the incense can be lit.

Which scent to choose

Once you have figured out the form of incense, it's time to decide on its smell. There are incense with a predominant note. Smells such as vanilla, jasmine or coconut give a clear idea of ​​what effect to expect.

If you like soft, soothing, balancing smells, then you can opt for Japanese incense. Their unsaturated and simple flavors are pure and pleasant. They do not suppress other odors in the house. These incense have floral and woody aromas.

If your preference is for rich, strong smells, then it is better to opt for Tibetan or Indian incense. The advantage of these fragrances is that they are made according to very ancient methods. Such incense, thanks to thousands of years of medical research, produces a therapeutic effect.

Although originally used for spiritual purposes, Tibetan and Indian incense eventually came to be used to purify and scent indoor air.

Indian incense tends to have sweet and floral aromas compared to other incense. Also, their strong, rich aroma interrupts all other smells around. The most popular Indian incense is Nag Champa. Its aroma is bright, unique and pleasant.

Incense was first made in India and Nepal. It was used in monasteries for spiritual purposes and. Because the creations of this incense long time did not leave the walls of the monasteries, but spread only among the monks, it was inaccessible to ordinary people until very recently. It is made from flowers, resins, aromatic oils and herbs.

Tibetan incense is not inferior to Indian incense in terms of the strength of the smell. But their scent is herbal and woody. It reminds of ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples. The smell of Tibetan incense is favorable for meditation and has a healing effect. The composition of Tibetan incense is similar to that of India. The difference is that wood flavors and minerals are also added to the latter.

Tibetan and Indian incense is made only from natural natural materials such as hibiscus, magnolia, sandalwood, jasmine and other flowers mixed with herbs.

With the advent of the popularity of the ancient teachings of Feng Shui and other attributes of Eastern culture, everyone more people scented sticks began to be used. Some use incense for magical rites, others - as an air flavoring.

Useful properties of incense

Incense sticks have anti-cold, bactericidal and antifungal properties. Therefore, in some countries where there is high humidity, incense is used to fumigate rooms to protect themselves and their loved ones from viral and fungal diseases. And in the Middle Ages, when the plague raged in the world, they kindled aromatic bonfires from pine trees. They gave off acrid smoke that spread throughout the city. The modern inhabitants of the planet will also not be harmed by the prevention of diseases with the help of incense. For example, lavender, pine, cedar, or eucalyptus-scented candles can be used as a disinfectant.

It is also believed that incense sticks affect the human nervous system and help to cope with certain diseases. So, the aroma of cinnamon, rosemary, patchouli improve memory, give vigor, inspire optimism. Rose, sandalwood, lilac, lavender, jasmine help to relax after have a hard day relieve stress. Lemon and eucalyptus contribute to the rapid cure of colds, relieve headaches, and strengthen the immune system. If you want to protect yourself from negative influences, the evil eye or damage, fumigate your house with chopsticks scented with incense, tangerine, lotus, juniper. Among other things, incense can rid your home of insects. If you fill the rooms with the scent of mint, eucalyptus or lemon, mosquitoes and moths will disappear.

When Aromasticks Do Harm

Research scientists have shown that the frequent use of incense contributes to the development of lung cancer. It is worth noting that this does not apply to those people who fumigate the premises with chopsticks no more than 2 times a week.

Strong-smelling candles can cause headaches or allergic reactions. Therefore, the choice of flavor must be approached with great responsibility. Learn the meaning of smells and their effect on the body. If the smell of a fumigator makes you uncomfortable, it is better to refuse it.

Harmful to health and cheap candles of dubious quality. It is recommended to purchase incense only in specialized stores that are responsible for the quality of the product. When choosing fumigators, check if a pungent smell is emitted through the packaging - it is better not to buy such a product. Quality sticks should not consist of synthetic components. Otherwise, they will cause irreparable harm to health.

You can not light several sticks with different smells at the same time. Otherwise, aromatherapy will not give positive results. Also, do not fumigate unventilated areas.

By following the simple rules for using incense, you can be sure that they will not cause any harm to health. But they will envelop with a pleasant aroma and give a lot of positive emotions.

Incense, which was previously used only for spiritual, shamanic practices and on the territory of temples, has firmly entered human life. They are in demand in both Asian and European countries. This natural aromatic product is produced using different technologies, each aroma affects the person in its own way. All the great variety of incense for the home is divided into categories, types and forms.

There are many ways to aromatize rooms in the house. To do this, you can use automatic or manual scented air fresheners, scented candles, including handmade, essential oils. This list will not be complete if you do not add incense to it. Such flavors have spread throughout the world from the East. Now different kinds incense can be easily purchased in stores, choosing the right smell for yourself. Their correct and not excessive use does not harm health, having only a positive effect.

Types and forms of incense for the home

These natural flavors are produced in different forms.

The most popular options are incense sticks. They can be colored, black (charcoal is added to these) or different brown shades. Setting fire to them at home is convenient and simple. High-quality products burn through perfectly, fill the room with the appropriate smells, affect well-being and mood.

Less sought after this moment are considered cone-shaped incense. For them, you need to use either a special stand or a saucer. The cones burn through fairly quickly and do not usually have a strong aroma.

On sale you can find incense in the form of spirals. However, such products are most often used only in spiritual practices and in any rituals.

Natural flavors differ from each other in texture. From this point of view, they can be divided into two large groups.

  1. Incenses are conditionally free-flowing - they are a loose powder, but sometimes they can be formed into a kind of balls; for such flavors, you need to have a special brazier at home, which should be filled with hot coal.
  2. Pressed incense - these are the usual sticks, the mentioned spirals and cones; it is reasonable to include products in the form of briquettes, tubes, sticks without an internal wooden rod into this category.

Whatever the shape or type of incense for the home, they are usually made from natural materials. They contain essential oils, dry herbs and flowers, various additional components that do not cause significant harm to health.

Producing countries and product features

Incense is traditionally made Eastern countries: China, Nepal and Tibet, Japan, India. Despite the fact that the essence of the goods produced is the same, the products differ from each other.

Nepal and Tibet

Incense from these places are among loose. Made exclusively from natural materials. Their composition may include - in addition to the usual elements - dry fruits, berries, plant roots, spices and spices, wood resin. They burn very quickly, but the aroma from them stays in the air for a long time. It is best to use this type of incense outdoors or in large rooms.

Japan

Aromatic products from the Japanese shores are very expensive compared to other analogues. They are produced using a special technology and often contain atypical components, such as seaweed. After burning, the smell remains in the room for a long time. This increases the risk of an allergic reaction.

India

Indian incense occupy the most space in the market. They are especially in demand around the world, they are not too expensive. Visually, these are just typical incense sticks, where the ignited mixture is applied to a thin twig. This incense is not recommended to be used in bedrooms, set on fire before going to bed. They can cause allergic reactions, cough and are not suitable for use in a home with small children.

China

The key notes of Chinese products are floral, sandalwood fragrances. Usually products are produced in the form of a spiral, which burns out clockwise. This makes sense: from the point of view of the Eastern teachings, moving in a clockwise direction activates the energies. The smell from the coils is weak and not very stable.

Categories

All incense options are divided into five main categories. It is recommended to use aromas not just like that, but based on this gradation. Then the significant benefits of natural flavors will be more noticeable.

Incense that affects the aura. Their aroma and smoke cleanse the human aura, activate energy flows in the body, and expand consciousness. It is especially important to use flavorings from this category in the winter season, as they additionally have a beneficial effect on immunity and general physical well-being. Among the smells include: juniper, cinnamon, eucalyptus, geranium, violet, lemon.

Incense for relaxation, soothing and relaxation. Already by the description of this category, it becomes clear how the product affects. It is recommended to set fire to such incense in the evening, after strong stressful or emotional situations, to achieve inner harmony and improve sleep. They easily help relieve tension and overexcitation. Smells: lotus, mint, lavender, orchid.

Protective and protective. These incense restore energy and help protect against third-party negative impact. They protect from energy vampires. Among the aromas are: rosemary, rose, coffee, almond, sage.

Stimulating incense. They are aimed at activating forces and energy, at mobilization, at clarifying consciousness. Help to shake up, gather, get rid of drowsiness and fatigue. Smells: citrus, magnolia, camphor, cedar, fennel.

Rehabilitating. The rehabilitating effect is on the physical and mental level. Inhaling the aroma of such incense allows you to quickly recover, recover from illness, and speed up the healing process. Smells: ginger, lily, lemon balm.

When choosing a fragrance for yourself, you need to take into account that some types of odors will have an overwhelming effect on the physical health and performance of individual organs and systems. When using any incense in an apartment / house, it is necessary to observe safety precautions and do not forget to ventilate the premises some time after fumigation.