Incense are plant materials that are burned to release their fragrant aromas. They usually come packaged in sticks but can also be found in the form of cones and powders in fragrances from sandalwood to jasmine to palo santo. Incense has been around in various different cultures for centuries, and it still has a place in many spiritual and religious rituals around the world.
While the research on their health benefits is limited, there are still plenty of reasons to use incense. Here are some easy ways to incorporate the aroma-enhancing tool into your routine.
Clear Negative Energy
Incense can be used to clear the air in the room or area you’re in and set the tone for an activity, project, ritual or even to do some yoga! Many cultures believe in burning incense or sage to dispel bad or negative spirits from the area.
Deepen Concentration
A number of scents claim to help improve concentration and focus such as peppermint and lemon and they say frankincense is great for meditation.
Connect To Your Memories
Have a smell that makes you feel particularly sentimental or thoughtful? Burn that incense for a trip back in time. Incense can often remind people of a certain place that the scent resembles. Incense can often invoke nostalgia.
Help Unwind
Studies have proven that certain scents such as lavender can help calm our nervous system. Traditionally in many asian cultures incense is used to keep a calm atmosphere.
Connect To Your Sense Of Spirituality Or Religion
It’s common to find incense being used around the world in religious and spiritual settings, from Native American ceremonies to Catholic churches. Many cultures believe that burning incense sends prayers directly up to the Heavens.
Use As A Timer
Stick incense typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to burn out completely. Light them as you start working, meditating, or journaling and continue until they burn out. Fragrance is a much more gentle timekeeper than a clock or phone.
Aphrodisiac
You read that correctly, certain scents like rose or jasmine have been known to be used as natural aphrodisiacs. The next time you're looking for that extra little something to spice up your fun time think of incense!
Clear your anxiety
Some incense scents such as cedar and vetiver have been known to be excellent for grounding. Feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Try lighting one of those and take some deep breaths for a greater sense of calm.
Final Comments
It’s important to keep in mind that while incense can be helpful in many ways, there are also risks that come with having something burning openly. Make sure to always have an open window when burning incense indoors and never leave incense unattended or near children. Also bear in mind that any pre-existing respiratory conditions should be taken into consideration when choosing to burn incense. Only ever burn one incense at a time as too much smoke can lead to harmful consequences on your lungs.
