Some intriguing facts about burning incense sticks you must know

Are you fascinated by the aroma emitted while incense sticks are burnt? The practice of burning incense sticks has a rich history and tradition associated with it. It has been used across various cultures since ancient times.

Being in the business of dealing with premium quality incense sticks since long, we at Incensemania thought it would be a good idea to enlighten you about some intriguing facts about burning incense sticks.

Burning incense sticks: an integral part of all spiritual and cultural ceremonies

Be it worshipping, any auspicious occasion, a wedding, a funeral or just good housekeeping the practice of burning incense sticks forms an integral part of them all. 

The scents of traditional incenses like musk, nag champa, jasmine, and sandalwood create a truly magical ambience. But apart from just smelling good, the following are some interesting facts that you must know:

Incense interesting facts:

When you think of incense most of us do not realize that there are 2 different types direct and indirect burning.

Indirect burning 

Under this method there is no direct combustion. In fact the fragrance is released in a totally different manner. It gets released by a separate heat source, which is provided by something underneath which may be coal or embers. 

The reason why the indirect method is used is that such incense are usually in a more raw form. Generally in case of Frankincense and myrrh such types of indirect methods have been used traditionally since long. 

Direct burning

This is the more widely method of emitting fragrances. It is the practice most of us are more familiar with. The incense is bound to other types of flammable substances which are (water based) oil and rolled around a bamboo core using compression and water. 

It is because of this way in which the incense sticks are prepared that they can burn smoothly and continuously for long periods of time. These incense sticks are burnt by keeping them on incense stick holders. 

Unconventional uses of burning incense sticksIncense sticks can be used as bug repellents.

We generally think the use of incense for emission of pleasant fragrances. But incense sticks can also be used as bug repellents too. 

In fact some Buddhist monks who meditate outside make use of such type of incense sticks and infuse them with citronella which is oil derived from lemon grass. They do this to ward off fly and mosquitoes.

Certain incense sticks can also act as brain boosters

Our sense of smell has an influence on the way our brain functions. When you smell pleasant, it has a soothing effect on your brain and helps you to calm down. 

There have been scientific studies which claim that incense can boost the brain’s alpha waves and increases our mind’s ability to disassociate from our bodies. It is this finding which is why incense sticks are widely used while one is meditating.

In conclusion we can say that effects of incense sticks are much far reaching than just merely creating a good fragrance.