Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma.[1] Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonial reasons. It may also be used as a simple deodorant or insect repellent.[2][3][4][5]
Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils.[6] The forms taken by incense differ with the underlying culture, and have changed with advances in technology and increasing number of uses.[7]
Incense can generally be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning." Indirect-burning incense (or "non-combustible incense") is not capable of burning on its own, and requires a separate heat source. Direct-burning incense (or "combustible incense") is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and releases a smoky fragrance. Direct-burning incense is either a paste formed around a bamboo stick, or a paste that is extruded into a stick or cone shape.
- ^ "Incense". merriam-webster.com. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
- ^ Gina Hyams; Susie Cushner (2004). Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore. Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0-8118-3993-8.
- ^ Maria Lis-Balchin (2006). Aromatherapy science: a guide for healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical Press. ISBN 978-0-85369-578-3.
- ^ Malcolm Harper (2010). Inclusive Value Chains: A Pathway Out of Poverty. World Scientific. p. 247. ISBN 9789814295000. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
- ^ Carl Neal (2003). Incense: Crafting & Use of Magickal Scents. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN 978-0-7387-0336-7.
- ^ Cunningham's Encyclopedia of magical herbs. Llewellyn Worldwide. 2000. ISBN 978-0-87542-122-3.
- ^ "Making Incense by David Oller". baieido-usa.com. Retrieved 2018-06-16.