THE
TRADITIONAL INCENSE
CRAFTING COURSE

“I loved how Evan guided us through each step, from selecting the best ingredients to crafting unique, aromatic blends. This class has deepened my appreciation for the art of incense making, and I now have the confidence to create my own blends.”

- Allie, Botanical Distiller & Founder of Resonance Perfumery

Imagine reaching for your favorite resins, woods, herbs, and spices and knowing how to turn them into incense that smells amazing, burns beautifully, and is entirely your own.

Whether you want a creative new hobby, incense for meditation or ritual, handmade gifts, or something you can eventually sell—imagine having the skills to take an aromatic idea and actually know how to make it.

But if you've ever tried making incense on your own, you may have discovered something pretty quickly...

Your cones stop burning halfway through. Your mixture crumbles apart. Or a blend that smelled incredible in the bowl turns harsh or burnt once you light it.

You tweak the recipe, add more binder, change the ratios, and sometimes make it even worse.

After a few failed batches, you've wasted ingredients, time, and money and you're still wondering what you're doing wrong.

So you do what most of us would do—you start looking for answers...

There are recipes everywhere. You can search online, watch videos, read books, or even ask AI for the right ratios.

But a recipe can't show you how the mixture should feel between your fingers, why your cone keeps going out, or how to adjust a formula without ruining its aroma.

Those little details come from years of actually making incense.

And once you understand them, you stop simply following incense recipes and start knowing how to make your own.

And that's exactly what I want to teach you...

A complete, step-by-step training in the art and science of crafting natural incense from plants.

After more than 15 years of making incense, experimenting with formulas, studying traditional methods, and teaching this craft, I created this course to give you the kind of hands-on guidance I wish I had when I started.

I'll take you from the foundations of incense making through choosing your materials, understanding bases and binders, getting your ratios right, troubleshooting your formulas, and ultimately creating incense recipes of your own.

By the end, you won't just have a collection of recipes to follow.

You'll understand how incense works—and have the skills and confidence to create it yourself.

"Evan's teachings came at the perfect time on my healing journey. Whether you're wanting to expand your knowledge of the healing properties of plants, deepen your connection to your heart and intuition, or want to add more tools to your self-healing toolbox, this program IS A MUST for an incredibly expansive journey."

Through an exploration of cultural uses of medicinal and ritual plant smoke, you'll gain insight into the ancient applications of incense to help strengthen your aromatic foundations.

Learn the qualities and roles of botanical ingredients used in incense crafting. Understand how to properly use gums and resins, binders and bases, fragrant hardwoods, and oil-dense botanicals. 

Learn multiple methods for formulating incense for specific intentions and purposes.From aesthetics and fragrance to therapeutics and medicine to spiritual and ritual blending.

Get step-by-step instructions for making the world's favorite forms of incense. Create fully-burning, solid incense sticks and cones that smell amazing and reliably burn on their own.

Work with raw aromatic materials to make your own loose blends—the original form of incense. Become skilled at mixing raw resins, roots, woods, flowers, and foliage into pleasing & powerful aromatic creations.

Learn how to properly incorporate essential oils to enhance your incense blends for added aroma and medicine. Adding essential oils to incense mixtures can be a tricky process, but you'll get my simple process.

Also, you can work at your own pace and complete the training stress-free in your own time.

This incense class is thoughtfully designed to cater to everyone. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore the art of incense making or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your craft, this course has something for you.

• New to aromatics and incense making? This program will build the proper foundations that will give you the confidence and competence to become an Artisan Incense Crafter.

• A practicing aromatherapist or healer? You'll discover a powerful new aromatic modality to expand your holistic healing potential.

• Already making incense? This course fills in the gaps, getting you closer to perfecting your craft. Learn new aspects of making different types of incense.

Whether you're just starting or ready to take your expertise to the next level, this course will help you master the art of incense making.

When it comes to the art of incense crafting, the Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine offers an unparalleled experience. Here's why this program stands out:

This is the only complete course dedicated to the art of incense making. With step-by-step crafting instructions and an incredible depth of knowledge, nowhere else offers as much hands-on guidance in one program.

This course is the culmination of over 13 years of experience, including:

• Studying various incense traditions from around the world

• Experimenting to uncover the most effective methods and avoiding common pitfalls.

• Formulating products for one of the top incense companies

• Working alongside other world-class incense crafters

Every piece of wisdom, every tip, and every trick learned through years of dedication has been poured into this course. The result? A priceless program designed to guide you on your journey to becoming an expert incense crafter.

If you’re ready to learn from a seasoned professional who’s put their heart and soul into creating this one-of-a-kind experience, our incense making class is the perfect place to start.

I’m Evan Sylliaasen. Back when I was a teenager, incense became my gateway to a sense of sacredness. As I journeyed deeper into the world of incense, I discovered it was used for more than just ritual, relaxation, and enjoyment—it's also a powerful healing modality around the world.

Through my work with my company Higher Mind Incense and my school, The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine, I’ve seen beginning incense makers encounter the same problems over and over. There are basics to the practice that you have to get just right before you can progress down the incense making path.

That’s why I created the Traditional Incense Crafting Course. Each time I open enrollment, people tell me they love how quickly they can start making their own incense. And advanced students say they wish they’d had this course when they were first starting out.

~ THE ONLY COMMUNITY OF ITS KIND ~

When you join the program you'll become a Lifetime Member of our thriving...

Traditional Incense Crafting Facebook Group.

This is a special community of over 1000+ like-minded traditional incense crafting alumni...

They've been through this course and are making their own successful incense blends

to share with their families, customers and clients.

Gain invaluable insights, see inspiring posts and pictures, learn new tips and tricks.

Learn from other's experiences, join in the conversation and expand your learning.

 Forge new friendships and find an accountability buddy to go through the program with.

And you'll be a member for life! 

"This program isn't just about incense, but about working with the life force of plants themselves - the key to holistic plant medicine. I've been given a refreshing perspective on the use of incense as a traditional medicine. My eyes have opened to yet another avenue of herbalism. Whether you're an herbalist like me, an aromatherapist, or simply a lover of incense, you'll be as blown away and inspired as I am from this program."

Fill out the form below. Become A Certified Artisan Incense Crafter

Upon completion of this course, and with your acceptance of the Artisan Incense Crafter Code of Ethics, you'll become a certified incense crafter by The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine.

Additionally, if you're a member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, submit this certificate of completion for 13 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs are potentially applicable to other associations).

"Since taking this course last year, I’ve added herbal incense sticks and cones to my company’s offerings, and I’m already selling wholesale to stores in addition to offering online. I’ve been working with professional practitioners who use my incense prior, during and after consultations with their patients and clients. I also offer my blends as a ‘prescription’ to my own clients who come to see me for Reiki sessions. I absolutely love the integrity and respect given towards the plant realm in this course. The teachings were thorough, precise and deeply respectful."

Carmen Nemet, Founder of Lulani Moon Therapies, Australia

"I am so grateful of my experience of this program. I recommend it to everyone for a personally transformative and life-changing experience. Through taking this program, my life mission became so clear: to bring harmony, ritual and incense to people’s lives. This school offered me all of the tools I need so that I can take care of the people I love."

Héloïse Roy, Founder of Rituel incense company, Quebec CA

"What Evan has put together in his course is a beautiful exploration of aromatic plant medicine. Cultural exploration of aroma and plant smoke is an exploration of the very breath that gives Earth— and each one of us on it— the power to heal. Evan has given us access to the power of healing behind every breath we breathe.”

JK DeLapp, The Rising Phoenix Perfumery, Georgia

"This was an absolutely enjoyable course from start to finish! This program takes you through the rich history of incense crafting to modern day custom formulations. The video presentations are engaging and professional. Evan’s passion for creating artfully handcrafted, traditional incense is contagious! This is the original aromatic medicine at its finest!"

Anna Doxie, Founder & Director of The Institute of Holistic Phyto-Aromatherapy

“As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I’ve only read in ancient and modern texts about the use of incense for healing, known as Dhumapana. Through this program, I now I have the guidance to make any kind of incense I wish to prescribe to my patients. I found the lesson on therapeutic formulation to be immensely useful! I’m excited to offer an even more holistic herbal regimen to my patients with incense as the main application of aromatic medicine.”

Amita Agrawal, Ayurvedic practitioner, California

"I never realized incense has been used cross-culturally for healing and medicine for so long. I feel so lucky to have found these teachings and am now making incense at home to keep my family and I healthy and happy. Not to mention, making incense is so much fun!"

Jennifer Colts, Herbalist, Arizona

“I’ve been into burning incense as my own personal ritual for years now, and have helped many people find balance in their minds and hearts through my sharing of it. But not until after learning Evan’s teachings did I truly realize what a powerful tool I’ve had at my fingertips all along. My family and friends have all been positively affected by my incense creations. Thank you Evan, for showing me the traditions that have supported my inner and outer work for so long.”

Chris Darling, Vermont

“This course has changed my perception of aromatic plants forever. I feel my practice with aroma now has a deep rooted foundation that’s initiated a strong cohesion of everything I’ve learned about plants, aroma, and healing; and has given me a totally fresh perspective and a burst of inspiration to move forward with in my work with aromatics and incense.”

Shae Amherst, Boulder CO

"I’m already starting to get feedback and orders for my incense which is super exciting! And I’ve been making blends that actually smell nice and stay alight. So I’ve shared with friends who are now buying it from me and responding amazingly. I have been told many times, ‘this is the most amazing incense i have experienced!"

Ky Alecto, Founder of Seedstar Co.

"Evan’s easy going nature, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge of incense leaves you excitedly waiting each week for the next lesson. This course is easy to understand, well structured and has loads of downloadable notes and videos. If you're looking for an incense making course then look no further, because this is the only incense program there is!"

Katherine Moss, Horticulturist, Australia

"This course has fed my soul. I’ve worked with herbs as a community kitchen wise woman crafting teas, tinctures, and oxymels for friends and family. I have added essential oils to my practice and have now continued to follow the scents into their energetic sphere. This course has so much practical knowledge with the right amount of do it yourself for me to continue on my journey. I highly recommend this course!"

Andrea McCluskey, Maryland

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and feel blessed by Evan's knowledge and passion. The modules are methodical and respect the individual pace of the student, which allowed me to really let the teachings set in. I also loved all of the close-ups when a technique was explained or incense ingredients were introduced. As in Evan's other courses, the handouts that accompany the modules are attractive and extremely helpful. I highly recommend this incense crafting course; your first step in becoming a master incense maker."

John Berg, Wisconsin 

"I am particularly interested in the medicinal applications of incense, and the glimpses Evan has provided are filling in spaces in my herbalism studies. I look forward to creating now with an intentional purpose!"

Daphne Seruntine, Nova Scotia, Canada

Join our waitlist to be the first to know when we reopen the doors.

Is incense sustainable?

Incense crafting can be a 100% sustainable practice when done mindfully. It uses only about 1–5% of the plant material required for essential oils to create a similar aromatic experience, making it far more resource-efficient.

When incense is made from whole plants, resins, and natural binders that are ethically sourced and harvested in small amounts, it supports both ecological balance and traditional livelihoods. With thoughtful sourcing and intention, incense becomes a sustainable way to connect with the plant world.

Isn’t incense bad for your health?

Not all incense is created equal. Over 80% of incense on the market contains synthetic fragrances and chemical binders that can be harmful when burned. But when made from 100% natural ingredients — woods, herbs, resins, and natural binders — and used in moderation with good ventilation, incense can be a healthy and beneficial part of your environment and wellbeing.

Do you have a guarantee?

Yes! You have 30 days to decide if the program is really right for you. If it’s not a good fit for you at that time, let us know and you’ll get a full refund.

Do you offer any certification?

Yes. Upon course completion of all modules and lessons you will be awarded a certificate of completion, awarding you the title of Artisan Incense Crafter by The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine.

Can I get continuing education credits (CEUs) for this course?

The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine is an approved continuing education provider by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. You will receive 13 CEUs after submitting your certificate of completion to NAHA.

What materials do I need for the course? How much does it all cost?

All supplies, ingredients and crafting tools needed are listed in your first course module, along with suggested sources. You may already have many of these or can find them locally at reasonable prices. There are many aromatic plants available and you’ll work with the ingredients of your choice within your own budget!

Will I be able to communicate with you and other students?

Yes! You’ll be able to ask questions and receive direct contact with the student support team through your student platform at any time. We also encourage students to join the student group for your course where you can interact with your peers and instructors in real time. 

How can I use this skill to support myself financially?

There are many ways to support yourself with the art of incense: Sell your creations through your shop or website, at events, fairs, or farmers’ markets, or sell wholesale or private label.

Will I learn how to make multiple types of incense?

Yes! You’ll learn how to make different styles of loose incenses, as well as incense cones and different types of incense sticks, such as dhoop and agarbatti.

How long do I have to complete the course?

This is a work-at-your-own-pace course. However, there are no time constraints. You have unlimited access to the course, and you can revisit content at any time. 

We're more than happy to help you.

Send your questions to support@aromaticmedicineschool.com