Incense sticks hold a prominent place in many cultures around the world, especially in Asia. They are used for a variety of reasons. Many people burn incense as it helps them relax, whereas some do it for religious and spiritual reasons. Regardless of the reasons, you must know how to use incense sticks properly and safely. 

Let's take a look at the types of incense before we dive into the topic of how to burn them properly. There are two forms of incense - the one with a core at its center and the incense that doesn't have a core. Now the question is, what are the incense made of? There are a variety of ingredients that go into making incense. We will know about it below:

What is Incense Made of? - The Specific Ingredients

Incense contains two types of ingredients - A material with aromatic properties and a binding material that is combustible. It also helps hold the incense in a shape. Normally, the aromatic materials that go into incense come from plants. There are a variety of plant parts that goes into making incense sticks such as resins, barks, seeds, roots, and flowers. 

Are you wondering about the specific ingredients that go in incense? Well, that differs across regions and the manufacturers. Yet, there are a few aromatic ingredients that are more commonly used in incense sticks. These include sandalwood, frankincense, musk, and cinnamon.

When it comes to binding materials, they play an integral role in holding the incense stick together. The incense sticks remain in their shape because of the combustible binding materials. These sticks burn and produce smoke because of the binding ingredients added to it. Just like aromatic ingredients that go into making incense, the type of binding material also varies by region and the manufacturer. 

How to Burn Incense Sticks?

Most people believe that burning incense is as simple as it can get. But it can prove dangerous in a situation when any nearby objects catch flame from the incense. A variety of incense burners are available in the market today. With the help of these incense burners, you can burn your incense safely and at the same time, do it stylishly. 

There are a few varieties of incense but in this article, we will look at the two major types of incense - Cone and Stick. Let's take a look at how to burn cone incense and stick incense safely.

Burn Cone Incense - How to do it?

Cone incense comes in cone shapes. They are quite popular and usually are around one inch tall. The most common fragrances among cone incense are Sandalwood, Cinnamon, and Dragon's Blood. 

When it comes to the rate at which the incense burns, cone incense is the fastest to burn. Regardless of its size, the cone-shaped incense burns at a faster rate than the other types of incense. You will usually find that the top portion of the cone is in the shape of various creatures with an open mouth. That's because of visual reasons - As the cone incense emits smoke, it looks as if the creature is breathing out the smoke from its mouth. 

You will need two things to burn the cone incense. These are lighter or match sticks, and a safe incense burner. A cone burner is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They also sport shapes of fantasy creatures and other popular and fancy styles at the top portion of the cone. They will either be made of simple metal or clay. You can place the incense above the cone burner. If wooden cone burners interest you, then those are also available in the market but their bottom is not made of wood and is instead made of brass. It helps decrease flammability.

Place your cone incense on the burner and make sure that it points up. Then, take a lighter or a match stick and light the tip portion of the incense. Don't blow the cone once it catches fire for at least 5-10 seconds as it takes this much time to burn properly. You will see that the top portion of the cone incense will still be lit even when the flames are gone. Your nostrils will soon be able to smell the fragrant smoke as the cone starts to smolder and burn. 

Burn Incense Sticks - How to do it?

The stick incense is a popular type of incense and perhaps, the one that is the most common type of incense available in the market. It is available in a variety of fragrances and their average length is between 10 to 11 inches. It is far easier to light and burn when compared to the other types of incense. 

The great thing about stick incense is that you don't require a burner to burn them. Of course, there are burners in the market that are specifically aimed at burning stick incense but it isn't required. There is no issue of flammability when it comes to stick incense as this type of incense is not clumped. Neither does it sit on a platform like a cone incense. The only thing that you will need is something that can catch the ashes - that's it! 

Hold your incense straight up or diagonally to burn it. There are options available in the market to prop up stick incense via incense burners. The thing is that many burners have a small hole on it. All stick incense can easily fit in these holes. You can also use makeshift options to prop up the incense. Fill sand in the container and stick the incense in the sand-filled container in a horizontal position, with the burning face pointing upwards. The sand-filled container will also be able to hold the ashes falling from the burning incense.

Once, the incense is positioned correctly, light the tip of the stick incense with a lighter or a match stick. Keep it burning for 5-10 seconds before blowing it out. Within no time, you will be able to smell the fragrance coming out. You can light the incense again if it goes out.  

Summary

Incense is gaining popularity in western markets today because of its spiritual appeal. If you are searching for the best place to buy incense then we have good news for you. Artisan d'Asie brings you a variety of incense sticks and at attractive prices. Check out our incense sticks today. Visit our website for  all-natural incense,  oud wood incense,  sandalwood incense,  and  incense holders.