INCENSE INFORMATION

The practice of burning incense has been around since the dawn of civilization and has transcended many different cultures, regions, and time periods. With such a long history of use and wide reach, incense has been used in many different ways and for many different reasons. Below is a list of the top 10 uses of incense in no particular order.

1. Covering up Odors

   The fragrant aroma of incense can be strong enough to mask other less desirable odors, such as cigar smoke, body odor, and even decaying bodies. In modern western culture, incense is often associated with hippies and teenagers, who use it to cover up the smell of marijuana or cigarette smoke. Long before hippies and teenagers discovered the odor masking benefits of incense it has been used at important religious sites, such as the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, to hide the scent of the many tired, unwashed pilgrims that gather there. Incense also has a long history of use in funerary ceremonies where the scent of decay could be noticeable or even sickening, especially before the invention of air conditioning and modern preservation techniques.

2. Repelling Insects

   Another practical use of incense is as a bug repellant. The smell of incense made from materials such as citronella can repel mosquitoes and other annoying insects. Zen Buddhists often use incense to keep bothersome insects from distracting them while they are meditating.

3. Keeping Time

   This is one of the more interesting uses of incense. Since direct combustion incense burns at a pretty predictable rate, it can be used for chronological measurement in incense clocks. These devices can range from a simple trail of incense material calibrated to burn in a specific time period, to elaborate and ornate instruments with bells or gongs, designed to involve and captivate several of the senses.



One of the more elaborate incense clocks, this ancient Chinese dragon shaped device was constructed with a sequence of bells tied to a horizontally mounted burning incense. When the burning incense burnt and broke the threads, the bells fell down at a preset interval to give an alarm.
4. Setting the Mood (As an Aphrodisiac)

   Just as certain delicacies can stimulate the taste buds and heighten the senses to enhance the libido, certain smells can awaken all the other senses and increase sexual desire. It is commonly known that pheromones and perfumes attract the opposite sex, but not many people are aware that the smell of incense can set the mood.

5. Lifting the Mood (As an Antidepressant)

   Religious leaders have long contended that incense is good for the soul. Now, biologists have learned that it is good for the brain too. An international team of scientists, including researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, have concluded that burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) activates ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression. They found that the compound significantly affected areas in the brain known to be involved in emotions as well as in nerve circuits that are affected by current anxiety and depression drugs. Specifically, incensole acetate, a Boswellia resin constituent, activated a protein called TRPV3, which is present in mammalian brains and also known to play a role in the perception of warmth of the skin. Now there is biological proof that burning incense really does make you feel warm and tingly all over!

6. Sacrificing & Worshipping

   Incense has been used for millennia in religious ceremonies and rituals. It is considered very valuable in many parts of the world and, in many religions, particularly Hinduism, it is burned as a sacrifice to a deity. In Christianity, incense is burned in a thurible that is swung towards the worshippers while they pray to symbolically carry their prayers up to the heavens on the incense smoke. Some religions, such as Paganism, even use incense to bring magical powers or to attract or deter spirits. The reasons for burning incense during religious rituals are as varied as the many religions themselves.

7. Healing & Spirit Cleansing

   Because of its antibacterial properties, incense can be used to aid in healing wounds. It can also be used to heal the soul. Many Native American tribes use incense in a practice called Smudging in which the incense smoke is gathered in the hands or in a bowl and spread over the body to heal the soul and cleanse the spirit. It is believed that the incense smoke drives out bad spirits, feelings, and influences, and eliminates negative energy while attracting positive energy.

8. Calming the Nerves & Increasing Concentration (Meditation)

   Incense has an extraordinary soothing effect on the mind and brings tranquility to the senses. The smell of incense smoke stimulates the brain, relaxes the body, and increases concentration. Breathing in the incense filled air helps to create a positive state of mind and, with repeated exposure the mind becomes conditioned to associate the smell of incense with a positive and calm mind.

9. Disinfecting & Purifying

   Many cultures and religions have been using incense for centuries to purify the air before meditation or religious ceremony. Incense can also be used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. In a recent scientific study, Chinese herb-burn-incense was tested for its sterilization properties. It was burned in a medical ward and its effect was compared with routine air sterilization methods such as ultraviolet radiation, formaldehyde, and lactiacid. After burning the incense, a bacterial culture of the air was done and the result indicated that the incense not only had the same effect as routine methods in air sterilization but also had no irritation to the patients.

10. Indulging the Sense of Smell (Pleasure)

    Just like art for the eyes, music for the ears, or fine cuisine for the palate, incense can be an indulgence for the nose. Many people burn incense simply to appreciate its smell and enjoy the refined sensory experience. In Japan, there is actually an art of appreciating incense known as kōdō (香道), which involves using incense within a structure of codified conduct. In kōdō, frequently costly raw incense materials such as Agarwood are appreciated in a formalized setting and incense comparing games are played.