Incense 101: Aromatic Medicine Beyond Incense Sticks

The scented swirls of incense smoke carry a profound story – the life cycle of each botanical ingredient, the journey from seedling to thriving herb, nurtured by the sun and rain, then harvested with care and intention. It tells tales of the hands that carefully dried and prepared the plants, delicately shaping them into incense sticks or cones, ready to be burned and bring their beautifully aromatic influence into our lives.

But these tendrils of smoke offer more than just stories; they also bring deep healing. Not only do they support our physical body, promoting immunity and lung health, but they also hold the power to soothe our mind and emotions; relieve stress, tension, and anxiety; and sharpen mental clarity and awareness. Incense cleanses and purifies, holding space for rituals and spiritual practices, embodying the essence of sacred medicine.

Incense is the original form of aromatherapy, a practice dating back thousands of years and rooted in the spiritual, religious, and healing traditions of cultures across the globe. From ancient Egyptian temples filled with fragrant Myrrh and the sacred rituals of India to the renowned Japanese Koh-do incense ceremony and the healing practices of Indigenous peoples, incense has long been used to purify spaces, enhance meditation, and promote health and well-being. 

When most people think of incense, they often picture the familiar store-bought incense sticks. While these are popular and convenient, they represent only a small fraction of the diverse world of aromatic medicine. Unfortunately, many of these mass-produced incense products contain synthetic fragrances and artificial chemicals, straying far from the natural origins of traditional incense. Authentic, natural incense offers so much more — it is a form of aromatic medicine with deep therapeutic benefits that come in various forms.

In this article, we’ll dive into the ancient origins of incense and explore its many types, each offering profound therapeutic benefits. Whether for spiritual practice, emotional balance, or simply enhancing your living environment, incense is a powerful and sacred medicine. We’ll uncover its full potential as a tool for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing, and so much more. You’ll also get a fun loose incense blend recipe you can easily make at home! Prepare to discover how this ancient art can bring transformative wellness into your life.

From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the mountainous Cascade Range, from the deserts of Egypt to the lush jungles of the Amazon Rainforest, the world's aromatic plants have been cherished by humans since the dawn of time. The history of incense dates back over 6,000 years. Incense has been burned and utilized by ancient civilizations for ages, making it humanity's oldest form of aromatic medicine. 

For some, aromatic plants are deeply woven into spirituality and religion, while for others, they play a crucial role in traditional medicine, promoting health and wellness. For many, these aspects are inseparable, all intricately connected. It’s hard to say exactly where incense originated since it has been such a deep part of many cultural traditions. 

The Egyptians were among the first to record their use of incense, utilizing it not only to purify their temples but also to honor the gods and assist their loved ones in their journey to the afterlife. Frankincense, native to the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa, was particularly prized for its spiritual and cleansing properties, and commonly used in temple incense (by itself or mixed into Kyphi), cosmetics, perfumery, and mummification rituals. The ancient Chinese were also among the first to use incense for religious and ceremonial purposes, commonly burning fragrant herbs such as Agarwood and Cinnamon. 

In India, the use of incense can be traced back over 4,000 years to the early Vedic texts. Here, incense was used in sacred rituals and religious ceremonies and is believed to have purifying properties, ward off negative energies, and is considered “food for the gods.” The Romans also embraced incense, using it in their temples and homes to honor their gods and ward off illness. For these ancient cultures, the fragrant smoke of incense wasn’t merely aromatic — it was deeply symbolic, believed to be a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Beyond its role in religious practices and rituals, incense has also long been valued for its medicinal properties. Ancient healers understood that certain botanicals contained natural compounds that could purify the air, strengthen the immune system, and promote mental well-being. Historical records from various ancient cultures provide evidence that incense was widely used to promote health and healing. In many cultures, aromatic plants like Myrrh, Frankincense, Sage, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and others were traditionally burned to ward off disease and cleanse the air during times of plague.

In ancient Egypt, incense was used in both medical treatments and embalming practices. The Greeks and Romans later adopted these practices, using incense in their early medical systems to purify the air and treat respiratory ailments. Ayurvedic texts from India also highlight the healing properties of incense, citing its ability to balance the body’s doshas (energies), improve mental clarity, and address various illnesses. Meanwhile, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) incorporates incense in many treatment protocols, using specific herbs and resins to treat conditions ranging from asthma and inflammation to anxiety and exhaustion.

Modern research is finally catching up and validating what the ancient peoples discovered through thousands of years of experience: aroma plays a vital role in supporting our health, well-being, and happiness. Today, while incense is still prescribed in some traditional medical systems and often associated with religious or spiritual practices, its ancient origins as a form of aromatic medicine have been diluted and convoluted by consumerism. It’s up to us to keep the ancient traditions and wisdom alive by honoring the natural roots of aromatic medicine.

Incense comes in countless forms, including smudge sticks, raw tree resins, hand-formed pellets, incense sticks, cones, coils, ropes, single herbs, loose incense blends, and much more. Each type of incense serves specific purposes and provides a unique experience, with each aromatic plant offering its own distinct therapeutic benefits.

Some of the most common types of incense include:

Incense herbs, resins, gums, and woods represent the most ancient form of incense, predating the creation of sticks, cones, and other intricate types. Herbs are typical made up of dried plant material like leaves and flowers, while woods utilize the bark of a tree, like Sandalwood and Agarwood. Tree resin is a sticky, aromatic substance that certain trees produce to protect themselves from injury or disease. Tree gum is also exuded by trees in response to injury or stress, but unlike tree resin, which is sticky and more solid, tree gum is softer and dissolves in water.

One of the simplest – and often most meaningful – ways to burn aromatic plants is by placing a single dried aromatic plant part onto hot incense charcoal. This straightforward method allows you to engage with the rich, multifaceted aroma of a single aromatic plant more intimately. By focusing on just one aromatic, you can deepen your connection with that plant, understanding its therapeutic benefits across your personal physical, emotional, and energetic levels.

This ancient form of incense has been widespread in nearly every culture long before the invention of sticks and cones. Loose incense typically consists of a balanced blend of aromatic plants, fragrant hardwoods, and sticky resins. Beyond their sweet, uplifting scents, the resins serve as a natural binder, giving the mixture a granola-like consistency with small chunks of herbs scattered throughout. Like single herbs and resins, loose incense is burned on hot incense charcoal. Each pinch of loose incense offers a slightly different aroma as it burns, creating an ever-evolving aromatic experience.

Hand-rolled rope incense is a traditional natural incense made by rolling powdered herbs, spices, and other aromatic materials into rice paper, and then braiding it into a rope. Rope incense is often called Tibetan incense because it originates from Tibet, as well as the Northern parts of Nepal and Bhutan. Rope incense is traditionally used in temples, and will sometimes consist of one single aromatic plant, or a blend of aromatic botanical materials.

The earliest documented use of incense sticks dates back to China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Incense sticks have since become one of the most popular and common methods for burning incense. There are two main types of incense sticks: those with a wooden core, known as “Agarbatti,” and those without, referred to as “Dhoop.” 

Agarbatti incense sticks are primarily produced in India and China. The bamboo stick at the center provides structural support, making it less prone to breaking, but it can slightly influence the aroma. Dhoop incense sticks are typically crafted in Japan and Tibet, and are made by rolling a dough of blended powdered botanicals, a binding agent, and water into long, thin ropes, which are then air-dried and cut to size.

Inspired by ancient incense, the Japanese were the first to create incense cones in the 1800’s. Incense cones are traditionally crafted from a mixture of powdered aromatic materials like herbs, woods, and resins, as well as some type of natural binder or plant gum to help them hold their form as a conical shape. When lit, the tip of the cone ignites, producing a steady stream of fragrant smoke as it burns from the top down. 

Cones are one of the simplest forms of incense to create for beginner crafters. They typically emit a more noticeable and stronger fragrance because they burn faster than sticks, releasing more aromatic constituents into the air in a shorter time frame. In contrast, incense sticks provide a subtler aroma that lingers for a longer duration. Unfortunately, many incense sticks and cones available in today’s mainstream market are made with harmful chemical fragrances and synthetic materials to reduce costs.

In today's marketplace, many incense products are far removed from their traditional roots. While ancient cultures burned pure aromatic plants as incense, almost 80% of incense on today’s store shelves incorporates synthetic fragrances and chemicals into their products, which can be harmful to both our health and the environment. To top it off, many popular incense brands do not provide ingredient lists at all, so there is no way of knowing exactly what’s inside your incense. 

The modern shift toward using synthetic ingredients likely stems from consumer demand for cheaper and more accessible products. However, this comes at a high cost: artificial fragrances, fillers, and binders that dilute the aromatic properties and therapeutic benefits originally associated with incense. To fully experience the healing effects of natural incense, it’s essential to use products made from 100% pure plant materials, along with sustainable and ethically sourced botanicals. This ensures that every ingredient plays a role in creating a holistic aromatic experience.

So, with all this uncertainty in the modern incense market, how can you ensure that you are using pure, natural incense? Look for brands that prioritize transparency and sustainability. Many reputable companies will share information about their sourcing practices and the ingredients they use. When in doubt – reach out. Send an email or call the company to ask for product sourcing and ingredient information. Online reviews and forums can also provide insights into the quality of different brands. 

You also might consider purchasing incense from local artisans or small producers who often prioritize quality and natural ingredients over mass production. Bonus: these small companies are also more likely to be open about their practices and ingredient sourcing. 

Last, but certainly not least – one of the best ways to guarantee you’re using pure natural incense is to make it yourself! Learning how to make your own incense is a fun and fulfilling way to deepen your connection to the aromatic botanical world and the ancient art of incense crafting. Not only can you select the exact ingredients that go into your incense, but you’ll also experience the joy of creating custom blends tailored to any intention you envision, whether for healing, rituals, cleansing, enhancing your home environment, or simply for personal enjoyment!

Many aromatic plants are known to have antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which can help cleanse the air of pathogens, improve air quality, and help prevent disease. Potent aromatic plants – like Eucalyptus, for example – are known to support the respiratory system by clearing congestion, soothing cold and flu symptoms, fighting infection, and even boosting immunity.   

In addition, some specific aromatic plants, like Sandalwood and Lavender, have calming and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate tension and pain. Burning incense with these properties can contribute to relaxation, ease headaches, and soothe muscle aches and pains. Calming botanicals like Chamomile and Ylang Ylang can also promote better sleep by reducing stress, calming the nervous system, and encouraging deep relaxation.

Aromatic plants also have a unique and potent influence on our mental and emotional landscapes. Our sense of smell is directly linked to our emotions and memories. When we breathe in the aroma of a plant, its volatile compounds pass through our nasal passages and reach the olfactory bulb, a key component of the limbic system—the brain's emotional center. This close relationship between the olfactory and limbic systems, which govern both emotional responses and memory processing, explains why certain scents can evoke strong emotions or vivid memories. It's this direct connection between scent and emotion that makes aromatherapy such a powerful tool for influencing our mental state.

Certain aromatic plants, like Frankincense, Clary Sage, and Lemon Balm, can help soothe stress and anxiety, calming the nervous system and inviting relaxation into the mind and body. On the other hand, aromatics such as Rosemary and Peppermint contain stimulating volatile compounds that can boost focus, concentration, and mental clarity. This is why incense is a popular tool during yoga and meditation—it not only helps sharpen focus but also can bridge the mental and spiritual realms. Other aromatic plants like Rose are known to help us process heavy emotions, or support us during times of emotional stress or intense grief. The list could go on and on!

To learn more about the connection between incense and mental health support, check out our blog post here.

Incense has long been used in cleansing and purification rituals across various spiritual and cultural practices. Aromatic smoke from certain plants is believed to help clear negative energy, purify spaces, and protect individuals. The smoke from burning sacred herbs or resins, such as White Sage, Copal, Palo Santo, or Frankincense, is thought to carry prayers and intentions while also creating a shield of positive energy. 

These practices remain deeply rooted in various religious and spiritual traditions. Smudging, for instance, is widely practiced by Indigenous peoples across the world, while saining is common in Celtic customs. In Buddhist and Hindu rituals, incense is used to cleanse altars, sanctify spaces, and prepare for meditation or worship. The Catholic church continues to use incense as a symbol of prayer and purification. These are just a few examples of how incense is used today for spiritual support.

Today, the use of incense for cleansing and purification is still very much alive, with people worldwide embracing its sacred role in both spiritual and personal practices. In personal rituals, incense can help individuals release emotional or spiritual blockages, invite clarity and renewal, heighten awareness, and so much more. If you're drawn to using incense for spiritual support, I encourage you to explore the incense traditions of your heritage, learn about the aromatic plants native to your region, and seek out sustainable and ethical incense options for spiritual cleansing and renewal.

This blend has a beautiful aroma and is intended for enjoyment and aesthetics, but can
also make a nice ritual or meditation blend as the base materials used are traditional aids in calming the mind and connecting one to a higher divinity. It can also have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system and can help relieve anxiety and stress.

Tools:

Mixing bowl
Mortar and pestle (if needed)
Electric coffee grinder (if needed)
Glass jar for storage

Ingredients:

8 teaspoons Sandalwood powder (Santalum album or S. spicatum)
4 teaspoons ground Patchouli leaf
1 teaspoon crushed Copal Oro (Shorea javanica, or try other species of Copal resin)
½ teaspoon whole or crushed Fennel seed
½ teaspoon Clove powder

Directions:

1. If you need to crush up your Copal Oro prior to mixing, a helpful tip is to put it in your freezer along with the mortar and pestle for at least an hour. Resins heat up during the grinding process, making them a sticky challenge to work with when you're trying to break them down. Freezing your resin and tools prior should help keep things cool enough and easier to crush. Crush up your Copal Oro into small, pebble-like pieces. 

2. If you need to powder your other ingredients yourself, you can use an electric coffee grinder you’ve designated for herbal use (you likely don’t want a slight coffee smell in your incense – or your coffee to taste like herbs!) Make sure the Clove and Sandalwood are a fine powder before mixing.

3. Then, after breaking your herbs down to your desired consistency, simply add all of the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.

4. Mix together thoroughly, burn, and enjoy!

5. Store your blend in a labeled glass jar to keep it fresh and ready to use.

Want to make your own incense cones? Pick up one of our Incense Crafting Starter Kits today and be well on your way to crafting your own custom scents!

Article Written By Melissa Szaro

© 2024 The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are for educational purposes only. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician before you use this information for health purposes.