This is the oldest science that studies the effect of incense on the human body, is used to combat bad mood, stress, skin diseases and even cellulite. Such procedures were used in ancient egypt and Rome.

V modern world the most convenient and affordable way of incense are. For the manufacture of such sticks, wood chips are impregnated with them. Aroma sticks cooked from coal are black. When smoldering, the smell of the aroma filler spreads. And in beige incense sticks, an oil base is used, the aroma of which will wriggle when burning.

When choosing them, you should pay attention to its quality. The filler should be exclusively natural, because synthetics do not carry a pleasant smell, and even more so they do not have soothing properties.

Oil incense sticks are able to improve the work of the nervous and cardio - vascular system... It also increases the overall tone and performance of the body. Inhaling aromatic oils increases appetite and improves sleep.

For general relaxation of the body, it is used:

In addition to burning incense sticks, you can also use an incense diffuser with them. Its advantage is that there is enough oil for for a long time and the smell spreads all the time. And the convenience is that the diffuser can be installed and forgotten.

What it takes to light sticks

1. Choose incense sticks with a suitable scent for you. This is important because aromatherapy should be beneficial, not harmful. The fragrance must be evenly applied to it. Burning will give off a smell of oil and wood core. In order for the aroma to be uniform, then it is better to choose sticks that consist only of aromatic substances.

2. It is necessary to choose a holder for chopsticks. They are called incense burners. As a standard, they are presented in the form of boats. If you don't have an incense burner at hand, sticks can be placed in a container with sand or fine grains.

3. You should choose a place where you will burn the chips. Since smoke can be harmful, the room must be ventilated. And there is no need to put incense sticks in the bedroom, where you will soon go to rest.

4. Light the tip with oil and wait a few seconds. When the flame goes out, the stick will smolder and emit a scent.

5. Place the glow stick in the holder and wait for it to melt to the end. Do not leave burning incense unattended. Remember to take precautions

You can buy incense sticks in the shops of Blagoveshchensk, you will find incense to your taste -.

The ancient science of aromatherapy has knowledge of how aromas affect a person's condition: psychological and physical. During the excavation of the most ancient civilizations, it was not in vain that vessels for incense were found - incense was valued by the Egyptians, the Romans, and the Greeks as gold and as spices.

And in the Middle Ages, when the plague mowed people indiscriminately, it was effectively fought with the help of fumigating the air. Scented pine fires were kindled throughout the city, giving off acrid smoke. Any of the aromatic plants known at that time was used against the plague, because these were the best antiseptics available then.

Modern civilization has given us daily fumigation with fumes and chemicals, and the modern way of life - stress and rush along with lack of exercise and poor diet. As a result, we also get ailments, obesity, accumulation of toxic substances in the body, and a real possibility of developing severe chronic diseases.

Aromatherapy makes it possible to slow down this process. Aromas are quickly introduced into the circulatory system, improving blood circulation, normalizing the human condition and balancing the processes occurring in the body, increasing these resistance to harmful external influences.

There are many methods of using aromatherapy, but incense sticks are considered one of the most popular.

Incense sticks are inexpensive and very easy to use.

The harm of aroma sticks

Not so long ago, Danish scientists announced that they had established a link between an increased risk of lung cancer and the constant use of incense sticks. It turns out that the systematic long-term inhalation of incense increases the risk of lung cancer almost doubled.

And with irregular use of incense, you can inhale them calmly: the likelihood of cancer does not increase.

The development of cancer is influenced by organic carcinogens contained in smoke: carbonyl compounds, benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

Indian incense

In their homeland, Indian incense sticks are burned during temple festivals and meditations. The scent base is applied to a bamboo stick, which is then soaked in essential oil for several days, resulting in a double scent. It is thanks to this technology that Indian sticks have a pronounced smell, they immediately fill the room with aroma.

The most common essential oils in Indian sticks are sandalwood, patchouli (stimulates passion) and eucalyptus (helps with colds).

Indian incense is the most popular on the Russian market. Their packaging can be nondescript, but the quality of the oil is high, whether it is natural or synthetic.

Thai incense is offered in brighter packaging, but it is more expensive and of lower quality.

Nepalese incense

Nepalese incense sticks have no base, they are composed of several minerals and herbs that take a long time to press. Burning them to the base is optional: only the tip is set on fire for two minutes, after which the stick is extinguished. Nepalese sticks, made of pressed herb, have a rich, long-lasting aroma.

The most commonly used Nepalese sticks are lotus, red and white sandalwood, pine and cedar.

The scent of sandalwood helps with fear, anxiety, insomnia, soothes the nerves, and also treats severe rhinitis and eliminates nausea.

Treats runny nose and asthmatic cough jasmine. Lavender stick eliminates insomnia and nervousness. Geranium incense soothes, relieves fear.
Tibetan incense

These are the most sought-after incense and hold a special place in the aromatherapy tradition.

Herbs for them are collected by hand in the Himalayas and at a strictly defined time.

Tibetan incense sticks contain up to 40 components. Pressed sticks, like Nepalese ones. While burning, they gradually change the smell, but they are not only intended for aromatization. They are used in acupuncture for cauterization of points, and in massage, ground into powder and added to a cream.
Chinese incense

This is most often baseless floral and sandalwood incense. They can also be in the form of thin spirals twisted in several circles. Burning clockwise, they create a "pillar of energy" as they say in China.

They can also be in the form of small baskets, boats, barrels.

How are scent sticks used?

Smells play an important role in our life. They can relax and excite, cause headaches and focus, lift our spirits and poison our lives. To properly use the power of odors, you need to know their properties.

Incense sticks are the most convenient type of incense to use. This popularity is due to convenience, ease of use and low cost. The base impregnated with aroma filler is applied to wood chips. Usually the base is made from coal or masala (a mixture of fine dust or crushed plants).

Black scent sticks are made of charcoal. When burned, they smell only as an aroma filler. And in brown and beige sticks, a base of masala is used, the smell of which will mix when burning to the aroma.

Pay attention to the quality of the filler. The smell of a synthetic scent is not as pleasant and healthy as the smell of a natural one. Do not burn multiple sticks at the same time - they can have the exact opposite effect.

In order not to get sleepiness instead of the expected increased working capacity, you need to figure out what smells contribute to what.

Relax - jasmine, myrrh, rose, lotus, sandalwood.

Stress relieves the smell of jasmine, it also helps to mobilize hidden reserves. Enhances sensuality.

The sweet and tart smell of lotus relieves fatigue.

Aromatherapy in horoscopes
Aries are most susceptible to colds, viruses, headaches and eye diseases. He recommended the scent of lemon, which tones and has an antiviral effect, relieves nausea, relieves headaches and strengthens the immune system.
Aries can also use sticks with incense, pine, sandalwood, vanilla and patchouli scents.
Taurus has a chance to live life to a ripe old age without diseases, but their tendency to abuse work, feelings, emotions, many bad habits, leads the body's energy to decline. In such situations, they find ailments - diseases of the neck, throat, nose.
The scent of Taurus - jasmine, which promotes relaxation, relieves stress, improves the body's defenses. Sticks with the smells of cedar, lilac, pine, bergamot, lily of the valley are also recommended.
Gemini get sick from boredom and nerves. Hence, insomnia, allergies, breakdowns, joint diseases. For therapy, sandalwood is used to relieve depression, insomnia, headache, and colds. The taste is brought back to life with the aromas of orange, vanilla, ylang-ylang, cinnamon.
Cancer is the most susceptible to depression. All ailments come from the nerves and through self-hypnosis, which contributes to diseases of the stomach, intestines, urinary system. In such a situation, it is best to use the smell of myrrh, which helps to get out of depression, cope with insomnia, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Useful aromas of lavender, juniper, bergamot, ylang-ylang, lemon, pine.
Leo is resistant to disease and resists them well. The most vulnerable place in Leo is the heart. You need less excitement, exertion and stress. The main scent is considered to be rose, which improves blood circulation and relieves stress.
Virgos are attentive to their health, but because of anxiety and excitement, the intestines can become a problem place. The scent of sandalwood is suitable for soothing. In case of feeling unwell, eucalyptus will have an anti-inflammatory effect. You can use orange, cedar, lemongrass, myrrh.
Libra can get sick from anything. Put in order nervous system you can use the scent of ylang-ylang. It will relieve headaches, cramps and nervous tics. Use also mint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, cedar.
Scorpios can manage their health on their own, but this will require energy and strength. The aroma of patchouli gives strength, energy, determination, vigor. The smells of magnolia, lemon, pine have a good effect.
If life is interesting to Sagittarius, then they can live it without disease. They will need good mood and do not overwork, otherwise diseases of the heart system, nerves, liver may occur. For prophylaxis, the aroma of cinnamon is suitable, which lifts the mood, calms the nerves, and gives confidence in one's abilities. Also use incense sticks with almond, patchouli, rosemary, incense.
Capricorn has the ability to resist disease. He is inclined to invent chronic diseases for himself. The skin, joints, blood circulation suffer. Incense sticks with lavender scent work best. They will give strength to resist the painful condition. For Capricorns, the aromas of bergamot, cloves, pine, sage, sandalwood are effective.
Because of the unwillingness to be treated, chronic diseases arise in Aquarius. It is better for them to avoid illnesses at all, which means they need to maintain vigor and optimism. It cheers up and improves the well-being of Aquarius incense, whose smell does not allow one to become depressed and disappointed. Hyacinth, ylang-ylang and eucalyptus contribute to the same.
Pisces are most prone to schizophrenia. This is due to the peculiarity of the nature of the Pisces, which feels like a victim in any circumstances. They need to pay attention to colds, often giving complications to the nose and legs. The festive and bright scent of orange cheers you up and helps you to look at what is happening more positively. Incense sticks with the smells of myrrh, vanilla, bergamot, lemon are suitable for fish.

14 incense to rest and recharge

1. Bergamot tones, gives strength, improves memory and attention.

2. Jasmine has an anti-stress, relaxing effect, mobilizes the body's reserves. Enhances sensuality, is considered a "feminine" scent.

3. Ylang-ylang is a good antidepressant, it induces a feeling of self-confidence. Relieves cramps, nervous tics, headaches. An excellent aphrodisiac "male scent", increases male potency.

4. Lavender relieves overwork, insomnia, strengthens the immune system. Stimulates blood circulation, eliminates mental lethargy, irritability and states of unreasonable fear.

5. Frankincense inspires, awakens interest in life.

6. Lemon tones, strengthens the immune system, has an antiviral effect. Relieves headaches, dizziness, nausea.

7. Lotus relieves fatigue, promotes spiritual development.

8. Myrrh is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Helps with insomnia, relieves stress.

9. Opium tones, invigorates, gives sharpness to the mind and fire to the heart.

10. Patchouli is an antiviral agent. Nourishes, refreshes, gives strength and determination. Strong erotic stimulant.

11. Rose helps with depression, insomnia, stress and nervous tension. Relieves fear, nightmares. Improves blood circulation.

12. Sandal relaxes, calms the nerves. Helps with depression, insomnia, nervous hiccups, throat irritation, runny nose, nausea, heartburn. It is a mild aphrodisiac, increases sensuality.

13. Pine activates respiration, has anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates the process of rehabilitation after prolonged illness.

14. Eucalyptus purifies the air, kills bacteria. Powerful anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agent.

Scented sticks - long wooden rods impregnated with a composition with essential oils... They help people whose lives are filled with rush and stress to relieve stress after a working day. After lighting incense sticks, aromas emanate from them that can change the mood and physical condition of the person nearby.

Types of aroma sticks

Incense sticks for home are divided into 2 types:

1. Core sticks. Their stem is covered with a smooth or grainy aromatic substance, after ignition, it exudes the smell of not only essential oil, but also burning wood.
2. Solid. They are a stick soaked in essential oils. During their burning, a pure aroma is felt without admixture of the smell of wood.

Incense and incense sticks are produced in several countries:

• India. There the rods are made of bamboo, a fragrant mixture is applied to them, after which the sticks are soaked in essential oils for several days. This technology makes it possible to obtain a strong aroma.
• Nepal. The inhabitants of this country use minerals and herbs that are pressed to make incense. The most popular scents are jasmine, lotus, sandalwood, pine, cedar, geranium. It takes 3 minutes to fill the room with the selected scent.
• Tibet. There, aroma sticks are also made from herbs, but the raw materials are collected and processed by hand. Dozens of plant species can be included in one stick. During its decay, the smell changes. Such products are expensive, but they can be used after combustion: grind and add to the cream, use for acupuncture treatment and massage.
• China. Incense is in the shape of a basket, barrel, boat. Products in the form of a spiral are especially popular, as its glowing coils resemble periods of life and help in solving problems. Burning should only take place in a clockwise direction. This is based on the ideas of Chinese philosophy.

How to choose a scent

The aroma must be chosen based on your preferences, as well as the effect of aroma oils on people:

• to increase efficiency, improve attention and memory - fennel, cinnamon, lemongrass, orange, magnolia, cedar, rosemary;
• for clearing consciousness, meditation, establishing contact with oneself and other people - mint, oregano, myrrh, laurel, almonds, lavender, jasmine;
• for calming, relaxation - lemon balm, tea tree, incense, geranium, orchid, chamomile;
• for protection from ill-wishers and the evil eye, restoration of the aura - rose, jasmine, carnation, juniper, sage;
• for disinfection of premises - pine, sandalwood, patchouli;
• aphrodisiacs - violet, musk, ginger, patchouli, ylang-ylang, nutmeg rose.

Stand selection

The objects into which the sticks are inserted are called incense burners. They are different forms and sizes.

The main types of incense burners:

1. For incense sticks with a core, boat-shaped stands are suitable. They are elongated and have a small hole at the end into which a rod is inserted. In the middle of the cup there is a groove for ash, which falls off the stick as it burns.
2. Coreless incense holders should be made of non-combustible materials such as stone or ceramic. Often such incense burners are figured: they are made in the form of a leaf, flower, elephant, mountains, etc. The complexity of the product depends on the imagination of the master.
3. Incense burners, suitable for both types of incense, have an area for installing coreless sticks and holes for wooden cores. They are also made in the form of various shapes.

You can also make the stand yourself. Clay is good for this. It must be rolled out, cut out the desired shape from the resulting sheet. The edges of the product can be folded. While the material is not frozen, you need to take a stick and make a hole in the stand with it. After that, you need to take out the rod and wait for the craft to solidify. For decoration you can use acrylic paints and beads of stone or glass.

You can make an incense burner out of a cup or bowl. It is necessary to pour grain, salt, sand or cereals into it. Ashes remaining after the combustion of the rods will fall on them.

How to use

Many people interested in oriental culture do not know how to use incense sticks. First you need to prepare everything you need: an incense burner and an incense stick. If the room is small, it is best to use half of the incense to avoid headaches.

Before lighting and extinguishing the incense stick, you should choose a place to install the stand. It should be located at a distance of more than 1 m from flammable products. Then the rod must be stuck into the hole intended for it or grits, salt or sand in a homemade incense burner.

To light an incense, you must bring a burning match or lighter to its free end. The stick will not burn. You can understand that the product has caught fire by its darkening end. This is how the decay of incense is manifested. A red-orange light should appear at the end. In this case, a black plume of smoke will appear above the aroma stick, directed upward.

As it burns, the room will fill with aromas of essential oils, and the stick will darken. The decayed part will turn into ash, which will crumble onto the stand. If the incense goes out, you can light it again.

In 30-40 minutes, the aroma stick will burn itself, you do not need to extinguish it. It is enough to make sure that the light has gone out and that the stream of smoke does not rise up. After use, the ash and the remaining core must be discarded. The smell will fill the room for a long time after the fire has died out.

Burning incense must not be left unattended. If it is not possible to wait until the smoldering stops, you can lower the lighted end of the stick into a vessel with water.

Benefit

The positive effect of aroma sticks:

• relaxation;
• creating a positive mood;
• mobilization of internal forces;
• activation of mental processes;
• attracting love and increasing sex drive.

Diseases should not be treated with aromatic substances. Only a doctor will help to get rid of the disease.

Harm

If you use incense more than 2 times a week, you can get lung cancer. This is facilitated by smoldering smoke inhaled by a person and deposited in his lungs.

The use of poor quality sticks can also lead to respiratory tract diseases. They often contain harmful impurities. It is better to choose aromatic products in specialized stores. Quality products will not smell harsh. They should also be kept dry.

It is important to remember that some people may be allergic to certain oils or herbs. If you have sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, or itchy skin you should immediately stop using aromatic devices and ventilate the room.

When used correctly, incense sticks will help create a good mood, help get rid of depression, and relieve fatigue. These decorative items will create coziness in the home or help create a working environment in the office.

Everyone knows about aroma sticks (incense sticks), some actively use them at home. And some run away from them, like “the devil from incense” (about incense and what it is, we have already told you, you can familiarize yourself). And in fact, in fact, serious passions unfolded on the Web around this oriental product:

some argue that such incense is a cure;

others - that aroma sticks are dangerous and cause cancer;

still others complain of addiction and subsequent withdrawal from refusal.

We decided to look into this issue and find out where the line is between human paranoia and truth. Are incense sticks really harmful to humans, or can they still be used when fumigating a room?

What are scent sticks?

First, let's figure out what are up-sticks and why do we need them, or do not need them. As we said above, these are such "dry" incense, for greater efficiency they are set on fire to create a pleasant atmosphere in the house (and not only).

Very often, such sticks are used in various rituals and ceremonies, mainly oriental. Since this product came to Europe and Russia from there.

Scented sticks are usually a splinter of bamboo with a scented base of charcoal or masala applied on it (this is a mix of crushed herbs and dust).

1. If the aroma stick is black, then coal was used in its production; in the process of burning such a stick, only the smell of the aroma filler is felt.
2. If the color of the stick is beige or brown, then it is based on masala, and its smell can be mixed with the scent of the main flavor.

In general, they can all be divided into several types:

ordinary, with chips inside,

kegs and cones,

baseless incense sticks,

coal,

It is not enough to use incense sticks correctly, it is very important to know the composition, because the more carcinogens in such incense, the more negatively they affect human health.

Aroma sticks for home

Since ancient times, people have fumigated their premises with a mixture of herbs. Remember at least the rituals in Lita (ancient celtic holiday solstice). This was done for ritual purposes: to protect themselves from evil and bring prosperity to the house. Nowadays, incense sticks are used in completely different cases:

for ritual purposes, yes, there is still a similar practice, only earlier the premises were fumigated with smoke from a mixture of certain herbs;

for health, a controversial issue, below we will talk about this;

to create a certain atmosphere in the house;

for the aromatization of rooms.

Types of various aroma sticks

Similar incense, besides their own different types have different countries origin, different production technology, different manufacturers, different compositions, and, in the end, different properties. We'll take a look at the most popular ones.

Home incense sticks from India

India, according to one version, is the birthplace of incense sticks. And they are very widespread there, they are lit (more correctly, they are burnt) during many festivals directly in temples, other sacred places and sometimes in homes. In Russia, such incense is the most popular and widespread.

Such incense is made in a simple way: a certain composition is applied to the base of bamboo chips, which is soaked in essential oils for several days for aromatization. Indian aroma sticks have a very rich smell and quickly fill the room with it.

Popular flavors:

eucalyptus, believed to be excellent for relieving cold symptoms;

• Patchouli is often used to arouse passion.

Chinese

Chinese incense is usually produced in the form of thin spirals. They do not always have any basis, so they are most often sold in the form of barrels, boats and baskets.

Popular flavors:

floral;

sandalwood.

Thailand

Scented sticks from Thailand, almost the same as from India, but packed brighter. And, what is most interesting, they are inferior in quality, but they are more expensive.

Tibetan Incense Sticks

They are considered the most environmentally friendly, because the plants for their production are collected in the Himalayan mountains by hand, within a certain time frame. The composition of such sticks includes about forty different elements.

Tibetan scented incense is created from herbs and minerals by pressing. Therefore, they have no basis inside. During combustion, they can change their aroma.

Nepalese incense

Scented sticks from Nepal, in their composition, are the same as the Tibetan ones: pressed baseless. Distinctive feature Nepalese incense is that they have a very strong long-lasting aroma. You can light them for a couple of minutes, and then extinguish and enjoy the fragrance:

• cedar and others.

Scented sticks from Japan

They are considered one of the highest quality products on this market: the Japanese honor high quality and naturalness. In addition, the manufacture of incense sticks in this country is a family business. From which it follows that:

most of them are handmade;

their recipes are unique, kept as a family value and inherited;

raw materials are collected in specific places at specific times.

Japanese flavored sticks, like Nepalese ones, are baseless, do not have perfume additives, their aroma is not distorted by foreign impurities.

The benefits and harms of aroma sticks

Incense sticks are the most popular type of incense used to fumigate rooms. They have earned such fame and love because of their ease of use and low price (you can buy incense sticks for your home for 300 rubles). And for a long time no one doubts the power of aromas. Think about the wonders of aromatherapy.

Therefore, it is very important to know how to “manage” them correctly in order to bring maximum benefit and minimum harm.

First, you need to deal with the harmful and dangerous aspects of burning these incense:

The systematic use of incense sticks can cause cancer of the upper respiratory tract. This has been proven by Danish scientists, in particular by the work of Eppe Friborg and his colleagues.

From 1993 to 1998, scientists observed 60,000 people who burned aroma sticks in the premises, and found out:

The more a patient has used incense sticks in their life, the greater their risk of developing upper respiratory tract cancer. The statistical significance of the result is 99.6%. For example, the incidence of squamous carcinomas in those who like to burn incense is almost double.

In all other cases, for example, the occurrence of throat, lung and oral cavity cancer, the difference is not very large. But in general, it is not in favor of those who like to burn incense.

Therefore, it is important to protect yourself from negative impact aroma sticks:

1. do not burn them too often and a lot, especially in small rooms with poor ventilation;
2. you should buy only a natural product, if, when burning the stick, you smell synthetics, then this is a bad sign.

The benefits of burning incense sticks

First, note that they DO NOT cure any diseases... Only modern medicine and some folk ways, but in conjunction with the advice of doctors. So if you want to buy aroma sticks just for this - in vain.

But they relax, cheer up, create coziness.

Some scents are aphrodisiacs.

And if you are interested in esotericism, then certain smells will help to mobilize your inner strength and protect you from evil.

In general, the theme of the power of aromas is very, very large. There will be a separate article for her.

How to use scent sticks at home?

1. The incense stick must be placed on a special incense stand.
2. Then light the stick, it is imperative that it lights up (a small light should light up).
3. Then just blow out the flame and leave the stick to smolder.
4. In order to completely extinguish the stick, you need to stick it with the smoldering end into the sand.

Important! Smoldering incense sticks should be supervised and kept away from other objects. To keep nothing on fire.

Buy aroma sticks

It is a very difficult question, which scent sticks to choose. After all, it is important that they are natural, inexpensive, and not harmful. It seems that all this is impossible to combine, but we will try to figure it out. So.

The most common are Indian charcoal sticks from HEM. They have a huge selection of all kinds of flavors. But, as we found out, they are coal-based, and although they have a bright rich smell, they are not safe. No, you can buy them (they have a natural Florence series), and there are products, not on coal, but on bamboo chips (they have a dark brown color).

Satya (Satya) - premium class aroma sticks. They are not considered the best, HIM is more famous in this regard. However, if the packaging is marked "Masala Incense", it means that the class of the product is quite high.

Sital - has light aromas.

Tibetan incense Om.

Sorig is a Tibetan manufacturing company.

YAK is a very famous Tibetan incense manufacturer.

Shambhala (Tibet)

Shoyeido is one of the best manufacturers Japanese aroma sticks.

And many others. There are many manufacturers, and it is best to look specifically by country: Tibet, Nepal, Japan, well, or India, if you want classics.

We will offer you several options where you can buy aroma sticks for your home. Verified store (AliExpress), the author of this article made purchases in it.

By the way, you can also buy a cool stand for scented sticks there. Fortunately, the choice is wide (just go to the main category).

P. S. Pay attention to scents and their choices. What one likes does not always suit others.