Natural incense made from resin and herbs – healthy aids for meditation

Wild plants have been used in countless ways for millennia. In the past, they nourished us and brought solace in difficult times, playing a key role in the development of humanity. Every plant has its own unique healing properties for the human body, and some of them also possess more subtle qualities, which are still regularly used today in the form of incense during various religious rituals, as well as during meditation. Such plants are known as natural incenses.

Natural incense – what are they?

The very word ‘incense’ is inextricably linked to the Christian tradition, in which resinous incense fromBoswellia trees is still used to this day. It is an oleoresin from a tree that grows in the semi-arid regions of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The resin extracted from the frankincense tree has been used for at least several millennia by the ancient Egyptians, who, like myrrh, prized it as one of the finest resins used in religious rituals.

Nowadays, however, ‘natural incense’ is a collective term referring to almost any plant-based substance that, when burnt or heated, gives off a pleasant scent. Each type of incense affects people in different ways, depending on the specific aroma, as well as the active substances found in a particular resin or herb.

The history of incense – how did it all begin?

Originally, resinous incense came from trees growing in Africa, the Middle East and India. The myrrh tree was already known in the legends of the ancient Greeks, who told the tragic story of Myrrha, a woman who was cursed for falling in love with her own father. A young, lonely and pregnant woman, she fled her homeland, begging the gods of Olympus for forgiveness.

Ultimately, she was transformed into the first myrrh tree, dripping with tears of a sacred fragrance that pleased the deities. For this reason, the faithful began to use the sacred aromas of these tears in religious rituals throughout ancient Greece. However, this is a mythological account of the origins of incense use.

We now know that herbal incense, or its resinous equivalents, had been used for millennia by the peoples inhabiting the Fertile Crescent, Africa and southern Europe. It was the Egyptians, along with the ancient Sumerians, who were the first to use perfumes made from incense, as well as employing them in important religious ceremonies. What is more, plants used as incense were highly sought-after and traded throughout the ancient world, not least because of their unique olfactory experiences, as well as their health and sensual properties.

Methods of incense burning – which are the most popular?

There are many methods of burning natural incense. Each has its own unique style and, consequently, offers a distinct sensory experience. Incense comes in various forms; some people prefer resin-based incense, whilst others favour classic or cone-shaped sticks. What should you know about them?

• Incense burning using resin –to do this, you will need a censer or a porcelain stand. It is important that it is heat-resistant, as the temperature of the resin rises quickly. To burn resin, you will need charcoal, tongs and the resin itself. First, light the charcoal, place it on the stand and, using the tongs, gently arrange the resin on top. The advantage of this method is the intense fragrance, whilst the disadvantage is the presence of the charcoal, which produces a lot of thick smoke;
• Burning conical incense sticks –these small, discreet cones are easy to light and place on a stand. They should be placed on a fireproof surface, away from flammable items. Burning cone-shaped incense creates attractive plumes of delicate smoke, diffusing a pleasant scent throughout the room;
• Burning classic incense –this typeofincense is extremely easy to use and is characterised by its subtlety and discretion. It is the most traditional method of burning incense and the easiest to find. The scent is pleasant, and the incense itself burns easily without releasing large amounts of smoke.

The most popular natural incense – which ones are we talking about?

Natural incense has been used for centuries. They envelop the body and soul, and as such, are available in a wide variety of types, differing in aroma and unique properties. It is believed that the use of incense brings many benefits, particularly natural incense. Here are some of the key benefits of using incense:

• They improve air quality
• They soothe frayed nerves
• They help you unwind after a hard day
• Strengthen the nervous system and stimulate the senses

There are several of the most popular types of natural incense sticks that are worth knowing about if you’re planning to buy some. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

White Sage Incense

Regarded by thousands of people around the world as one of the most fundamental medicinal and ritual plants, white sage possesses incredible purifying power, both in a literal sense (deodorising a room) and in a metaphysical sense.

White sage was first used as incense by the indigenous peoples of North America, who employed it in the purification rituals and ceremonies typical of their tribes. It has a pleasant aroma that instils a sense of calm and positive energy; it also appears to act as a natural sedative and anxiety reliever.

Dragon’s Blood Incense

Despite its enigmatic name, Dragon’s Blood incense has no connection with legendary dragons. It is an extract from the red, blood-like resin of theCroton lechleri tree, which grows in the equatorial forests of the Amazon, or fromDracaena draco.

The resin has been used as incense since ancient times as a remedy for headaches and anaemia. Its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its aromatic and resonant scent, make Dragon’s Blood one of the most intriguing natural incenses, immersing users in a magical and mysterious atmosphere.

Traditional Palo Santo incense stick

The popularity of Palo Santo incense is closely linked to its healing properties. Palo Santo oil was used by ancient cultures across the Americas, such as the Incas and the Aztecs.

The smoke released by Palo Santo incense helps to combat neuralgia, colds and chronic stress. The aroma of the wood is also an excellent insect repellent, whilst bringing positive energy, peace and harmony into the home.

Cedar Incense

Resin incense made from Californian cedar is renowned for its rich health benefits. The woody, aromatic and refreshing scent of cedar, whilst stimulating – a quality highly sought after in meditation and various spiritual rituals – also has medicinal applications.

Burning cedar resin in the form of incense helps to prevent respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, as well as skin problems such as acne or cold sores.

Yerba Santa incense

Herbal incense, whilst less popular than resin-based incense extracted from trees, remains an extremely useful and effective means of purification or protection. Yerba Santa,meaning ‘holy plant’in Spanish, originates from California and northern Mexico. It is characterised by a sweet yet bitter aroma, creating a unique atmosphere that is sought after in various meditative rituals.

Yerba santa is traditionally used as incense to neutralise negative energy during indigenous purification ceremonies. It is regarded as a sacred plant by Native American cultures.

Lavender Incense

Incense made from lavender has been used for centuries, not only in traditional ceremonies and religious rites, but also as an effective remedy with healing and therapeutic properties. Today, lavender incense remains one of the most interesting types of incense for aromatherapy.

The benefits of lavender certainly include a noticeable improvement in mood, a reduction in anxiety and chronic stress, the promotion of healthy sleep, as well as the alleviation of pain and associated allergies. In addition, it is also useful in spiritual and meditative practices, which can purify one’s life and lift the spirits.

Incense for meditation – what’s worth knowing about it?

As humans, we are beings who react strongly to scents, which have a direct impact on our mood and well-being. A simple way to put yourself in the right frame of mind for meditation is to useinterestingincense and incense sticks.

Good natural incense made from Palo Santo, white sage or Dragon’s Blood can be deeply moving during a meditation session, guiding us into a state of deep contemplation.

To achieve the best possible results and experiences from using incense in meditation, an effective approach is to select herbs or resins tailored to our individual needs. For instance, lavender incense will help us sleep better, whilst cedar or sage will ward off negative energies and stimulate positive energy within us.

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