All About Incense

Incense has been used since ancient times, and the act of blending together oils, resin, herbs, spices, and other natural gifts is considered to be a form of art.

Incense is more than simply a room deodorizer. It creates an ambiance and mentally stimulates. Incense invokes emotion and soothes. Whether you make your own or purchase it from the store, it can connect you with nature and your self.

History

It is believed that the use of incense began in Ancient Egypt. The resins of aromatic trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts, and they were used in Egyptian religious ceremonies. Incense was also used by Pharaohs, Babylonians, and the Greeks. Eventually, incense use spread to the Japanese upper and middle class during the 16th century.

Uses

The beauty of incense is that they can be catered to your “prescription.” You can mix and match scents to your liking until you discover what stimulates your senses.

Some of incense’s many uses include:

• enhances meditation
• energizes
• soothes and calms
• creates pleasant dreams
• invokes peaceful feelings
• heals emotions
• stimulates sensuality

Best Brands

I have tried many different brand of incenses, and they are not all created equally. For example, if you buy some from the Dollar Store, chances are good that it will literally stink. In this case, you pretty much get what you pay for. And the quality brands don’t cost that much!

• Triloka (official website): A fair-trade, eco-friendly company, they make natural herbal incense that burns slowly and is very aromatic. My favorite scents are Egyptian Musk, Night Mood and Lavender.
• Nag Champa (official website): Their incense is made in small batches and is eco-friendly. They sell many different varieties in their collection, but Nag Champa Gold is possibly the best.
• Surya (official website): Hand-rolled in India, this incense is made from Indian blends of Ayurvedic herbs and aromatic botanical extracts. My favorites are Amber and Rose.
• Botanical Creations: Made right here in Colorado, the products are ecologically harvested and come in recycled packaging. The incense is available in great scents like Clove and White Sage, Lavender and Lemongrass.

If you wish to make your own incense, it is inexpensive and fairly simple. It also invokes creativity and can be very meditative. Most of all, you can connect with nature.