incense sticks
Where do incense sticks come from?
Incense sticks originally come from Asia and were used there for religious ceremonies, energetic room cleaning and meditation. Incense sticks cleanse your space of negative energy. Incense sticks are now very popular. They are also made in India, China, Japan, Tibet and Vietnam.
Regional differences in production
India
Indian incense sticks are made by applying a paste of wood powder, oils, some water and incense to a thin wooden stick. In addition to the traditional resins, woods and herbs, synthetic fragrances are also used in inexpensive Indian incense sticks. The incense sticks, called agarbattī (Hindi: अगरबत्ती), are traditionally made by hand. Incense sticks are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The smoke of individually selected ingredients is said to bring the three doshas into balance.
China
In China, incense sticks were introduced centuries ago by Buddhist monks and are used especially in Feng Shui. The Chinese chopsticks are often also referred to as "joss-sticks", which means lucky or fate sticks. The smoke is assigned to the Qi.
Japan
Japanese incense sticks are made without a stick. A paste is made from water, wood powder and fragrances, which is pressed through a nozzle, then cut and dried. High-quality Japanese incense sticks often contain up to 20 components and have to mature for several years.
Tibet
Incense sticks have been made in Tibet since the 7th century. These mainly contain herbs. They are traditionally rolled and dried by hand. Tibetan incense sticks do not have a support stick and are usually thicker and coarser-grained than the Japanese ones. Incense sticks from Tibet enjoy the reputation of being of very good quality.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, bamboo sticks are used as a support. These are rolled up by hand on sloping tables from a base paste consisting of wood powder, vegetable glue and a little water. The carrier rods are colored. Each color represents a specific scent. For example, red bamboo sticks contain sandalwood. Incense sticks are burned in Vietnam to worship one's ancestors. They are often seen in house or ancestral shrines. But they are also ignited on curbs, in flower beds and in other places.
What is the difference between an incense stick and loose incense on a screen?
Compared to smoking loose incense on charcoal or a sieve, sticks are easier to use. Incense sticks are economical to use and the fragrance compositions are easier to produce. Incense sticks with a wooden holder develop more smoke. Due to the smoldering wood, they do not have a pure scent.
What are the benefits of an incense stick?
Incense sticks are said to free rooms from negative energies. The goal is a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. In China, the chopsticks are therefore also used in Feng Shui. Incense sticks are also used in aromatherapy. Incense sticks are also often used in wellness areas. Their use in an anteroom of a sauna and/or relaxation room can therefore be useful.
Which incense sticks to use for what?
The effect of sandalwood is stimulating and calming at the same time. And can help with negative emotions such as anger, tension and nervousness. In Buddhist temples, sandalwood is burned in honor of various gods.
Vanilla , frankincense and cedar are taken to cleanse rooms with negative energy, creating a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere.
Jasmine , Lavender , Nag Champa and Rose contribute to the harmony of body, mind and soul. For example, they have been used in Ayurvedic aromatherapy for ages.
Amber and patchouli create clarity, calm and can promote concentration. They are also primarily used for prayer and meditation.
These incense sticks are suitable for meditation
A touch of amber , jasmine and sandalwood with deep and long breaths let you relax and settle down.
Who has the choice...
The different scents can always have a new effect on our body.
Sandalwood helps you to be more relaxed, amber to let go, jasmine creates a better mood , cedar and sage can help you to have more energy. Lemongrass provides more inspiration.
Everyone has their personal favourites.
So just try out the different incense sticks and discover the respective effects.