Different forms of incense have been used all over the world for thousands of years. Now you can discover the most popular types of incense and how you can use it to create the most calming atmosphere.
Choosing the perfect type of incense for all of your aromatic needs is fairly easy once you have some basic knowledge about it. Incense has been around in various forms for over 4,000 years. It's been used for rituals in Egypt,
given as a gift at the first Christmas in the form of Frankincense, and was highly valued for it's therapeutic benefits as well as its varied aromas.
Where Should You Use Your Incense?
The first things you probably need to think about when choosing incense, are where you're going to use it, what types of scent environments you want to create and what uses you’ll be putting it to. For instance, you'll want to consider whether or not there may be certain fire codes you’ll need to abide by. If you're using the incense in meditation or rituals, you'll need to understand which incense serves what purpose. Keeping these things in mind will help you do any research that might be necessary in finding the appropriate incense.
What Type of Incense Should You Use?
Next, you'll want to consider the type of incense. Obviously, this will be related to what you use it for. Stick incense is very popular and can be put to a variety of uses. The same can be said for incense cones. If you are performing sacred rites or are interested in the spiritual uses of incense, resin and powder incense are two choices that have been in existence for thousands of years and used for these types of ceremonies. They are, however, a bit harder to work with and take a bit of practice to use. Smudge incense is used in many Native American rites and comes in smudge bundles and braids or can be burned in different types of burners as loose leaves or lightly ground into smaller bits.
Who Makes the Best Quality Incense?
There are many manufacturers in many different countries that make incense. For the most part, choosing incense based on this factor is a matter of personal choice. Some will say that India and China have the longest standing tradition of incense making and that makes their incense the best. Japan and Tibet are also countries that produce excellent incense. The United States also produces incense and one of the most popular are the hand-dipped sticks from Wild Berry. One thing to keep in mind is that these different countries do have specialty scents that you can't find anywhere else, so ordering from a manufacturer in that country may be very important. Ultimately, your choice is dictated by what use you are putting it to and personal preference.
How Should You Burn Your Incense?
The final aspect of choosing the perfect incense is the burner or incense holder. For the most part, the type of incense you purchase will dictate the style of burner. There are special bowl shaped burners for smudge bundles, ceramic and wooden incense holders for stick incense and cones. There are different types of hanging burners for resin and powder, and plate style burners for cones as well. Choices within each type of burner are, again, based on personal preference or decorative needs.
When it comes down to it, choosing the perfect incense is based on your intended use and personal preference. The most important thing to remember is that the journey to finding the perfect type of incense should be fun and aromatic.
