On all continents and for millennia, incense has been used as part of religious rituals and ceremonies. All over the planet, humans cherished these fumigations. It is only in recent years that science has become interested in the ancestral and therapeutic properties of incense and consumers have had access to a vast selection from all over the world.

With all this variety, it can seem overwhelming to choose an incense. However, this guide on incense will enlighten you.

Incense: An ancestral tradition

The first traces of the use of incense date back to Ancient Egypt. Back in the day, burning bouquets were used for therapeutic purposes, as odor eliminators and in sacred rituals. This ancestral tradition has crossed time and continents and today, incense is still used as an odor eliminator, in the practice of certain rituals and to promote calm and relaxation.

Today, biologists understand more about the influence of incense on our behavior. Indeed, researchers at John Hopkins University have determined that burning certain wood or plant resins alters brain chemistry in a way that relieves depression and anxiety. In addition, certain combustions cause a mild psychoactive effect, which induces relaxation, well-being and meditation. ^{1, 2}

Incenses: Are they all different?

Incense is available in different forms and fragrances. Some of the most well-known forms of incense include Armenian paper, stick incense, and cone incense. All three require a heat source and an incense holder to ensure combustion. Stick and cone incense are available in a range of fragrances, sometimes infused with essential oils, sometimes composed solely of tree and plant resin. Among the incenses available at La Boite à grains include:

The Armenian paper : These strips of paper offer an oriental scent composed of myrrh, sage, lavender and cedarwood. The triple Armenian paper is the oldest version and leaves sweet and vanilla notes. Its rose version retains its traditional scent while leaving a floral scent. In addition to its use as incense, Armenian paper can be placed in dresser drawers so that its scent enchants the items found there.

Nag Champa incense : Incense originating from India made from a blend of herbs, flower extracts and oils, Nap Champa incense is recognized and used worldwide in yoga and meditation centers. Containing a high concentration of Sandalwood, it evokes a state of relaxation in addition to encouraging relaxation and meditation. Nag Champa incense is available in stick or in cone.

Sandalwood incense : Sandalwood incense is one of the oldest incenses. According to tradition, this incense is purifying and relaxing. Its sweet woody scent helps to find calm and serenity by acting directly on the alpha waves of the brain. Some consider it to be an aphrodisiac.

Jasmine incense : Jasmine incense produces a soft and sweet smell. Traditionally associated with love and sensuality, this incense has a captivating effect while encouraging calm in the body and mind. Some associate jasmine incense to femininity, premonition and divination.

Eucalyptus incense : Eucalyptus incense evokes a fragrance that is sometimes reminiscent of camphor and sometimes mint. Its invigorating properties make it a stimulating incense for concentration and mental acuity.

White sage incense : Long used by shamans, sage incense is associated with purification rituals. Used to purify the body and places, sage contains a molecule called thujone considered to be a mild psychoactive. Research shows that thujone helps reduce stress, pain and improve mood. Sage is also burned in fagot in a ritual in the name of “ smudging ». ³

Patchouli incense : Patchouli incense is often used to restore emotional balance and creativity. Thus, it can be used as fumigation following a tiring day or to cleanse the energies of the house by establishing relaxation and relaxation. Patchouli is well known for masking odors; many use it after cooking to neutralize the smell of the place.

Sambrani & benzoin incense : If white sage is well known in America, it is because it was popularized by shamanic medicine. In India, sambrani and benzoin incense are essential for sacred ceremonies. This incense comes from Indian traditions and, like sage, it purifies places and promotes relaxation conducive to contemplation.

Ayurvedic incenses

In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), health requires the balance of the doshas, types of energies that constitute an individual. Ayurveda focuses on the balance of three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha via various recommendations evoking the 5 senses. As Joanna Wolczyk, Ayurveda practitioner and founder of Sublime Ayurveda & Yoga, « In Ayurveda, incense is integrated into protocols to stimulate the sense of smell and thus soothe the constitution (dosha) ».

Incense Vata aims to balance states of anxiety, fear, worry and to calm mental agitation.

Incense Pitta seeks to balance states of irritability, frustration and anger.

Incense Kapha helps balance states of lethargy, lack of liveliness and states of sadness.

To La Boite à Grains, we are proud to offer you 100% natural traditional incense. Incorporate them into your holistic health and wellness ritual and try different fragrances to vary the benefits.

Enjoy your relaxation!

ATTENTION !
Fumigation should always be carried out in a well-ventilated area. Never light incense in a room where there are animals or very young children. People with respiratory illnesses should refrain from fumigation and/or practice it in moderation in a well-ventilated area.

About the author

Naturopaths from La Boite à Grains

Team of qualified and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau in Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath

Sources

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. “Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, May 20, 2008.
H. UmitSayin, Psychoactive Plants Used during Religious Rituals, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Institute of Forensic Sciences, İstanbul University, April 2016
Hayes, Taylor. Terpenes and Flavonoids from Salvia apiana and Their Affinities to Cannabinoid and Opioid Receptors. Natural Products Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi. 2016