Ah, incense. Those delightful sticks and cones that transport us to another realm; somewhere between a serene Japanese garden and your gran’s living room, where every surface is inexplicably covered in doilies or Swarovski crystal clowns...
Whether you’re a seasoned incense aficionado or someone who thinks “Nag Champa” is a type of exotic fruit, or a new chewy sweet by Bassets, there’s no denying the magical allure of these fragrant wonders. So, sit back, grab a cup of chai, and let’s dive into the smoky, aromatic world of home incense use, complete with a section on how it can help you catch those elusive ZZZs.
the incense basics: a quick puff of knowledge
First things first, what on earth is incense? In simple terms, it’s a material that releases fragrant smoke when burned. You’ve got your incense sticks, incense cones, incense coils, and even fancy schmancy incense resin chunks. Historically, incense has been used in religious ceremonies, meditation, and as a makeshift smoke machine at every school disco in the 80s and 90s.
Incense comes in a variety of scents, each with its own special powers. Want to mask the smell of last night’s pumpkin curry? There’s an incense for that. Need to feel like you’re not actually living in a cramped studio flat? Incense can teleport you to a tropical paradise faster than you can say “Aloha”.
setting the scene: the proper way to burn incense
Before we get carried away with the heady aroma of sandalwood and patchouli, let’s talk about the proper way to use incense at home. Yes, there’s a technique to it, and no, it doesn’t involve sticking it in your ear and hoping for enlightenment. Though some will try anything to gain insight into the meaning of life. Probably avoid that, however.
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Choose your weapon: Select your preferred type of incense. Sticks are classic and easy to use, cones are great if you like a bit of drama (who doesn’t?), and resin is for the hardcore among us who have tiny cauldrons at the ready. Very witchy.
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Get a hold-er of yourself: For the love of all that is fragrant, don’t just stick your incense in a plant pot and call it a day. Get yourself a proper holder. It can be as simple as a ceramic dish or as elaborate as a multi-tiered dragon statue that belches out smoke like it’s got a 60-a-day habit. No wonder Smaug sounded a little hoarse in the Hobbit films. Now picturing a tiny horse running around, and I can’t cope…
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Light it up: Light the tip of your incense stick or cone until it catches fire. Then, blow out the flame gently. The incense should start smouldering and releasing its fragrant smoke. If it doesn’t, you’re possibly dealing with a dud, you’ve bought those joke trick candles by mistake, or you’re just setting fire to something else in your home… Stop arson about!
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Position it wisely: Place your incense holder in a safe spot, away from anything flammable. That means no balancing it precariously on top of your vintage vinyl collection, or that stack of jerry cans filled with petrol in the corner of your living room... Safety first, people. And remember, inflammable doesn’t mean it isn’t flammable. Blame the English language for that one.
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Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and let the fragrant smoke work its magic. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and try to convince yourself that the kids’ screaming in the background is actually the sound of ocean waves crashing on a distant shore.
the many wonders of incense: more than just a pretty smell
So, why should you bother with incense? Aside from making your home smell like a mystical temple instead of a chip shop (no offense), incense has a myriad of benefits. These can include:
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Stress relief: There’s something inherently calming about watching a wisp of smoke curl up into the air. Incense like lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood are known for their stress-busting properties. It’s like having a mini spa day, minus the awkward small talk with a masseuse named Crystal with a K. Jinkies…
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Mood boost: Certain scents can uplift your spirits faster than a surprise sale at Primark. Don’t be a snob and pretend you don’t shop there, it’s absolutely brilliant, as is the middle aisle in Lidl... Where dreams are made. Anyway! Citrus scents like lemon and orange are particularly good at giving you that much-needed pep in your step. Who needs ProPlus when you’ve got a bergamot and amber number on the go?!
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Meditation aid: If you’re into meditation, incense can help deepen your practice. Frankincense and myrrh aren’t just weirdly specific gifts for the baby Jesus, they’re also excellent for creating a meditative atmosphere. Namaste, indeed.
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Creative boost: Struggling with writer’s block or an art project that’s gone horribly wrong? Try lighting some sandalwood or cedarwood incense. These scents are known for sparking creativity. Before you know it, you’ll be churning out masterpieces, or at least something that looks vaguely like a human figure through the smoke.
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Bug repellent: Incense isn’t just for humans. Citronella and eucalyptus incense can keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay. Light one of these bad boys during summer BBQs and you’ll be the hero of the garden party. No more slapping yourself silly every five seconds. Wonderful!
incense and sleep: the dreamy duo
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: how incense can help you sleep. If counting sheep just isn’t cutting it and you’ve tried every herbal tea and ASMR video known to man, incense might be the answer to your sleepless nights.
Certain scents are particularly good for promoting sleep. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are the holy trinity of scents for sleepytimes. Here’s how to incorporate them into your bedtime routine without setting your bedroom on fire.
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Pre-bedtime ritual: About 30 minutes before you plan to hit the hay, light some lavender incense. The calming scent will start to relax your mind and body, signalling to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Think of it as a much more pleasant version of those horrid school bells that told you it was time for double maths.
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Create a sleepy atmosphere: Turn off those harsh overhead lights and opt for some soft, ambient lighting. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, fairy lights or a salt lamp can add a touch of magic. The combination of gentle lighting and the soothing scent of sandalwood will make your bedroom feel like a zen paradise. You could also use a hemp incense stick, if you want to release your inner Coolio and turn your room into a Gangster’s Paradise… RIP.
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Banish electronics: We all know that staring at our phones before bed is a big no-no, but let’s be honest, we do it anyway. Try to resist the urge and instead, bask in the fragrant glory of your chamomile incense. Read a book (a real one, made of paper), listen to some calming music, or engage in a bit of light stretching. Your body and mind will thank you. Just make sure your curtains are drawn though, otherwise your neighbours won’t.
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Incense holders with style: If you’re worried about safety (and you should be, because nothing ruins a good night’s sleep like setting your house on fire), consider getting a time-release incense holder. These nifty gadgets release just the right amount of scent over a set period, ensuring you drift off to dreamland without any pyrotechnic incidents. The emergency services thank you for your efforts.
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Sweet dreams guaranteed: As you lay there, cocooned in your duvet, the gentle waft of lavender or chamomile in the air, let yourself drift off into the arms of Morpheus. And no, for the millionth time, not hunky Lawrence Fishburn from the Matrix franchise, I’m talking about the Greek God of sleep. We digress! With any luck, you’ll have dreams filled with unicorns, rainbows, and that promotion you’ve been eyeing at work.
a few final puffs of wisdom
Using incense at home is about more than just making your space smell nice. It’s about creating an atmosphere, setting a mood, and sometimes, just masking the scent of your flatmate’s questionable cooking. If it can even be classified as that. Whether you’re looking to relax, get creative, or finally get a decent night’s sleep, THEN WE HAVE THE INCENSE FOR YOU! Not really though, we don’t sell it, but you can buy it most everywhere. Especially online!
Remember, the world of incense is vast and varied, much like the contents of the messy drawer in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different scents and combinations. Mix and match until you find your perfect aromatic blend, just avoid anything that smells like wet dog or burnt toast, unless that’s your jam, in which case, you do you.
Anyway, go forth and embrace the incense life. Your home will smell amazing, your stress levels may plummet, and who knows, you might just find yourself becoming one of those annoyingly zen people who always look like they’ve just stepped out of a yoga retreat. And if not, at least your place won’t smell like last night’s takeaway anymore. WINNER!
So there you have it, folks! Your comprehensive, slightly/mostly silly guide to using incense at home. May your sticks always burn bright, your cones always smoulder, and your resin never set off the smoke alarm. Happy burning! Until next time, eve sleep.
