A Little About Incense
Incense (from Latin: incendere, "to burn") is made from a number of different aromatic materials, which release a fragrant smoke when burned. The blending of plants, resins, and essential oils dates back to ancient times (it is thought by some to have originated in Ancient Egypt, although it's use in Eastern Asia may have pre-dated that). It can come in many different forms, including sticks, cones, powders, coils, and even rope. Stick incense can come with a core (also known as "joss sticks") or without a core, and is very popular. Some incense sticks are made with a core of bamboo, and are the most common form in many countries. One method of creating incense sticks is by pressing the aromatic blend of materials onto the core, which provided strength and aids in even burning. It is commonly produced in India and China, and is often used as an offering in worship.
Solid stick incense, however, is completely composed of incense material, and therefore is more easily broken into smaller pieces, thus allowing the user to choose the amount of incense they wish to use. This type of incense is more commonly found in Japan and Tibet, and are made from many different ingredients, many composed of thirty or more different components, out of hundreds of options. Solid stick incense are often considered the most complex and exotic incense in the world.
Incense cones are also quite popular, and are composed of incense material, often with a charcoal base to ensure even burning. These are created by pressing the aromatic mixture into a cone shaped mold. Another form of incense is known as indirect-burning incense. This type of incense must be placed on some kind heat source, such as charcoal. The blend of the incense is similar to stick or cone incense, but without the binders and oxidizers. It may also be in the form of plant resins, and placed on the charcoal either as a powder or in solid form.
Solid resin incense will tend to burn longer, while powders provide a faster, more intense aroma. Powdered incense may be direct or indirect burning. Direct burning forms contain a small amount of potassium nitrate, or sodium nitrate, as an oxidizer, allowing the incense to be self-sustaining once lit. This form is quite popular with those who (like myself) enjoy making their own blends of incense for home use.
Coil incense are an extruded form of incense, formed without a core into various sized coils. These coils can burn from a few hours to a few days, and are commonly produced and used in Chinese culture. Suspended from the center of the coil, these hang in a coiled cone-shape, and look quite decorative in any setting.
Whatever form you use, incense captivates the senses, invigorates the mind, calms the nerves, and freshens your environment. So, the next time you're out, and happen to catch a random scent on the breeze, perhaps you should ask yourself, "I wonder if Wyrmwood.co has an incense like that?"
by Airgiod
Solid stick incense, however, is completely composed of incense material, and therefore is more easily broken into smaller pieces, thus allowing the user to choose the amount of incense they wish to use. This type of incense is more commonly found in Japan and Tibet, and are made from many different ingredients, many composed of thirty or more different components, out of hundreds of options. Solid stick incense are often considered the most complex and exotic incense in the world.
Incense cones are also quite popular, and are composed of incense material, often with a charcoal base to ensure even burning. These are created by pressing the aromatic mixture into a cone shaped mold. Another form of incense is known as indirect-burning incense. This type of incense must be placed on some kind heat source, such as charcoal. The blend of the incense is similar to stick or cone incense, but without the binders and oxidizers. It may also be in the form of plant resins, and placed on the charcoal either as a powder or in solid form.
Solid resin incense will tend to burn longer, while powders provide a faster, more intense aroma. Powdered incense may be direct or indirect burning. Direct burning forms contain a small amount of potassium nitrate, or sodium nitrate, as an oxidizer, allowing the incense to be self-sustaining once lit. This form is quite popular with those who (like myself) enjoy making their own blends of incense for home use.
Coil incense are an extruded form of incense, formed without a core into various sized coils. These coils can burn from a few hours to a few days, and are commonly produced and used in Chinese culture. Suspended from the center of the coil, these hang in a coiled cone-shape, and look quite decorative in any setting.
Whatever form you use, incense captivates the senses, invigorates the mind, calms the nerves, and freshens your environment. So, the next time you're out, and happen to catch a random scent on the breeze, perhaps you should ask yourself, "I wonder if Wyrmwood.co has an incense like that?"
by Airgiod