Essentially, incense is a blend of fragrant ingredients that, when set alight, fills the air with a heavenly perfume. Historically, frankincense or another type of dried tree resin has been the base of this scented concoction. In the past, just two trees—the Arabian Boswellia Sacra and the Indian Boswellia Papyrifera provided the raw materials for resin incense.
Resin covered wood from the Boswellia tree was probably thrown into a fire and the fragrant resin discovered because of the smoke’s unique scent. It’s not surprising that these trees didn’t give their name to the word “incense.” Combining the Old French word “Franc,” meaning “noble” or “pure,” and the ecclesiastical Latin word “incensum,” meaning “something burnt,” yields the modern English word “frankincense.” Frankincense is the English name for this substance.
Modern incense isn’t often created from tree resin. Additionally, it is made with a number of aromatic ingredients like rose petals, birch bark, olibanum resin, and pine resin. Common additives include essential oils. Although the practise of burning incense may have been established in the Middle East, incense is today most commonly produced in India, Nepal, and Japan.
There are many positive outcomes from incense burning.
Get rid of all your bad vibes
When you need to get in the mood for something, whether it’s a new project, a ritual, or even a yoga session, lighting some Spiritual incense beforehand can do the trick. Burning sage or copal can be a ceremony of cleansing, clearing off negative energy.
To sharpen one’s focus during meditative practise.
Some odours, like peppermint and lemon, are said to help people focus and concentrate better on their tasks at hand.
To make room in your emotional core
Medicinal scents may be just what the doctor prescribed if you feel your heart chakra is closed. Jasmine and rose, are two of the best flowers for connecting with one’s amorous feelings.
As a means of aiding your chillaxing and calming
Numerous studies have shown that some odours, particularly iavender, can have a calming effect on your nervous systems. “Use sandalwood or lavender to help you relax and focus your mind.
Make a link to your religion or spirituality
Incense use in religious and spiritual contexts has become more or less the norm across the globe, from Catholic cathedrals to Native American ceremonies.”
It is often held among indigenous peoples that prayers offered while incense is being burned go straight to the ears of the Spirit.
To set in motion a new behavioural routine
Lighting incense as you get ready for bed at night or as you get ready for the day in the morning may help you start off on the right foot or conclude the day on a positive note if you are the type of person who thrives on a feeling of routine.
How to Get Mindfulness Skills through Practice
Activities that stimulate the senses are a great way to bring one’s attention to the present moment. Identify a scent that makes you happy, and focus solely on that scent for a while.
In order to centre oneself
Lastly, expert recommends using cedar or vetiver if you want to feel more rooted. Are you frequently overcome with apprehension or stress? Light one of these odours and take some deep breaths to increase your sense of calm in the now and now.
