Incense Guide

On all continents and for thousands of years, incense has been used in rituals and religious ceremonies. Everywhere on 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 that consumers have access to a vast selection from all over the world.

With so much variety, choosing an incense can seem daunting. This incense guide will help you make the right choice.

Incense : An ancestral tradition

The first traces of incense use date back to Ancient Egypt. At that time, burning bouquets were used for therapeutic purposes, as odor eliminators and in sacred rituals. This ancient 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.

Nowadays, 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 ways that can relieve depression and anxiety. In addition, some 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 popular forms of incense are Armenian paper, stick incense and cone incense. All three require a heat source and an incense holder to ensure combustion. Incense sticks and cones are available in a variety of fragrances, sometimes infused with essential oils, sometimes composed solely of tree resin and plants. Among the incenses available at La Boite à Grains include:

Armenian paper These paper strips offer an oriental scent composed of myrrh, sage, lavender and cedar wood. 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 fragrance. In addition to its use as incense, Armenian paper can be placed in dresser drawers so that its scent will enchant the effects there.

Nag Champa incenseIncense from India made from a mixture 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 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 smell helps to find calm and serenity by acting directly on the alpha waves of the brain. Some attribute to it the virtue of aphrodisiac.

Jasmine incense Jasmine incense produces a soft and sweet smell. Traditionally associated with love and sensuality, this incense has a bewitching effect while encouraging calmness of body and mind. Some associate the incense of jasmine with femininity, premonition and divination.

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

White sage incense For a long time used by the shamans, the incense of sage is associated with the rituals of purification. Used to purify the body and places, sage contains a molecule called thujone which is considered a mild psychoactive. Research shows that thujone can reduce stress, pain and improve mood. Sage is also burned in bundle in a ritual called " smudging ». ³

Patchouli incense : Incense of patchouli is often used to restore emotional balance and creativity. It can be used as a fumigant after a stressful day or to cleanse the energies of the home by creating relaxation and calm. Patchouli is well known for masking odors; many use it after cooking to neutralize the smell of the place.

Sambrani & benzoin incenseIf white sage is well known in America, it is because it was popularized by shamanic medicine. In India, it is the incense of sambrani and benzoin which is the essential of sacred ceremonies. This incense comes from Indian traditions and, like sage, it purifies the place and favors a relaxation conducive to contemplation.

Ayurvedic incense 

In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), health depends on the balance of the doshas, types of energy that constitute an individual. Ayurveda focuses on the balance of three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha through various recommendations evoking the 5 senses. As explained by Joanna Wolczyk, Ayurveda practitioner and founder of Sublime Ayurveda & Yoga, « In Ayurveda, incense is integrated into the protocols to stimulate the sense of smell and thus calm a 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.

Frankincense Kapha balances lethargy, lack of liveliness and states of sadness.

One can also opt for the triphalaa rejuvenating and regenerating incense that promotes general health while working on the three doshas.

À La Boite à Grainswe 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!

The team at La Boite à Grains

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Writing and information research :

Véronique Cousineau, certified naturopath and health and wellness writer

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

Sources:

1. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. "Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 May 2008.
2. H. UmitSayin, Psychoactive Plants Used during Religious Rituals, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Institute of Forensic Sciences, İstanbul University, April 2016
3. 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