For people who know about the magic of incense, this fast track to aromatherapy never went away. But now it’s having a resurgence with people who haven’t discovered it before and we’re definitely here for it. Below, we explore the origins of incense, talk best selling blends, and highlight some things you need to know before enjoying this ancient aromatherapy trick.
Evidence of people burning incense goes back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like Egypt, India, and China, with evidence of humans burning resins going back even further. Ever since we learned how to burn incense, humans have felt a special bond with it and used it for prayer, ritual, space freshening, and mood balancing for millenia.
In the early days, incense blends were burned as resin, but over time, these blends were mixed with plant material and rolled into sticks and cones for easier use. Today, some cultures still use incense heavily in their daily lives, while others are still discovering its use in aromatherapy techniques. As people discovered and traded new herbs, spices, and plants through the ages, the power of aroma led to beautifully tailored blends that are still popular today.
People are re-discovering incense (or using it for the first time) thanks to the power of social media. Sometimes we need reminding about the real power of aromatherapy and people are remembering what an amazing tool this ancient product is.
Incense uses the ancient power of aromatherapy to calm the body, mind, and spirit. Using the brain’s olfactory system for a direct route to the emotional centers, burning incense with intention can offer:
Relaxation: Aromatherapy is a strong tool for calming the body and mind. Scents like rose, sandalwood, frankincense, nag champa can reset your emotions and soothe your worries.
Uplifting mood: Sometimes it can be hard to fight through a bad day. But citrus based incense scents interact with the brain, creating an uplifted mood and more vibrant energy.
Sleep support: Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sage can all help improve sleep quality and make falling asleep easier.
Increase focus: Herbal scents like rosemary and eucalyptus are known for improving mental clarity and helping with focus. Perfect for study days, remote home offices, and nights when you’re working late.
Read more: What is the Best Incense for Studying?
These popular scents are a great place to start for your incense collection.
An ancient scent used for relaxation, calm, and its natural aphrodisiac properties, Rose is a direct channel to soothe your emotional center. This simple incense formula from Satya uses a sweet and classic form of rose, hand rolled into incense for a clean burn and the deepest aromatherapy benefits.
Champa is the most popular incense in the world. Known for its calming and meditative properties and earthy, yet floral and powdery scent, this take on an old favorite adds hints of rose, fresh berries, and creamy sandalwood to the classic frangipani petal scent. In this space saving cone shape, aromatherapy can coexist with minimalism as each small incense cone fills your entire space with scent.
Read more: How are Incense Sticks Made?
An aromatherapy classic, lavender incense is gentle, herbal, and yet sweet. A great support for better sleep, calming a worried mind, or freshening your space with a light scent, Satya Lavender sticks burn evenly, creating gentle wisps of smoke that deepen meditation without an overpowering aroma.
Incense is not only a great aromatherapy tool. It can transport you with the power of smell. Transform your home ambiance into a rustic cabin with Wild Berry Cottage Core Incense. Notes of crackling timber, fireside smoke, warm amber, and spicy peppercorns bring cabin life to your living room any time you wish.
Grounding, healing, and energy clearing, this traditional sandalwood incense from Satya is a great all-rounder for your collection. Deeply relaxing and aiding prayer and meditation, sandalwood is one of the most multi-tasking incense scents you can find. Warm, earthy, creamy, and slightly floral, this ancient scent has been a go-to aroma for generations.
Incense isn’t all about relaxing rituals and sleeping better. Some incense scents are just pure joy in a stick. This Cotton Candy incense from Wild Berry is a great way to fragrance your space without smelling like cleaning products or random store-bought air fresheners. A throwback to childhood, carnivals, county fairs, and happy times, recreate the fairground buzz and summer nights at home in your living room.
Incense is a wonderful tool, but it is burned to release its aroma. Follow these simple safety tips to prevent any health or fire hazards at home:
Use an incense burner: Incense should always be burned in the appropriate burner to prevent any flame from getting out of hand. It also protects your furniture.
Ventilate: Smoke from incense is still smoke and although very light compared to other smoke, still needs a big enough space and ventilation for safe use. Open a window where possible and avoid using it in very confined spaces.
Do not inhale: The aromatherapy effects from incense work by gently mixing with the air. Inhaling the smoke directly can be dangerous and won’t provide any more aromatherapy benefits.
Supervise burning incense: Even though the flame is extinguished after lighting incense, it is still burning and still a fire hazard. Always supervise burning incense and make sure it is no longer active before going to sleep.
As scent lovers, we could not be happier that so many people are discovering the power of incense for relaxation, uplifting moods, improved sleep, and fresher homes. Building your first incense collection gives you aromatherapy options for every season of life and because incense only takes a couple of seconds to enjoy, incense is a low-effort method of self care. Explore the ancient practice of incense and build your collection today at Nothing But scents.
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