Incense Benefits: Our Top 20

Our sense of smell is powerful, influencing both our physical and mental well-being, as well as our spirituality. One way to harness this power is through the use of incense, which has the magical ability to heal both inner and outer wounds. But what are the other benefits of Incense? Read on as we delve into - "Incense Benefits: Our Top 20".

  1. What is Incense?
  2. What Are The Most Popular Types of Incense? 
  3. How to Burn Natural Incense
  4. Incense Benefits: Our Top 20
    1. Soothes Feeling of Anxiousness
    2. Strengthens Spiritual Clarity
    3. Enhances Focus
    4. Reduces Feelings of Tiredness & Lack of Energy
    5. Removes Unpleasant Aromas
    6. Aligns the Seven Main Chakras
    7. Relieves Stress & Tension
    8. Improves Insomnia & Other Sleep Related Issues
    9. Enhances Dreams and Spiritual Visions
    10. Deters Pests
  6. So, Why is Incense So Beloved?
  7. The Bottom Line

What is Incense?

Incense is a sacred tool used for aromatherapy and healing purposes, with origins dating back as early as the thriving ancient civilisations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, approximately 6000 years ago.
 
This popular tool involves burning aromatic biotic material, usually plant life, to create a pleasantly fragrant and cleansing smoke. Furthermore, incense is commonly used for fumigating temples (and other sacred spaces), refreshing the aroma of one's home, aligning the seven main Chakras, and keeping spirits/energy high.
 
There are many types of incense, some more cleansing than others. However, with modern influence, some incense types are associated with their harsh chemical additives. Luckily, we have the solution - read on to learn more.

What Are The Most Popular Types of Incense?

Sticks

Incense sticks (or joss sticks) are the most popular incense type, originating from India and southern Asia as early as 3300 BC. 
 
Incense sticks are formed of herbal, aromatic wood powders, plant extract, and other additives - this is firmly set around a thin wooden stick (usually made from bamboo). The tip where the powder rests is the end in which is burnt, releasing a robust and fragrant smoke.
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Even though incense sticks are loved by many, they are also known for their harsh smoke and chemical additives, which can be harmful to our health. However, it's worth noting that with rare use in well-ventilated, open spaces, incense sticks have little to no negative effect.
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Cones

Incense cones were created in the 19th century in Japan as a coreless solution to incense burning. German pharmacists around this time favoured incense cones for their natural disinfecting qualities.
 
Unlike incense sticks, cones don't have a wooden core - they consist of the wood powder and extract mix moulded into a cone shape. Incense cones also produce a much more robust smoke compared with sticks.
 
Much like incense sticks, cones can be harmful if overused, so we recommend burning them, at most, once a week (do this in a well-ventilated, spacious room).
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Natural

Natural incense is deemed the most natural and ancient 'incense type', with its ingredients naturally sourced from plant extracts. It involves burning essential oils, resins, water, and botanicals on a ceramic oil warmer, forming a cleansing smoke with natural healing benefits.

Natural incense is deemed the least harsh of the incense types - its smoke is described as fresh and pleasant, unlike the harshness of sticks and cones.

There are many different natural incense scents to choose from. In addition, you can always mix and match them, meaning you can never get bored.

How to Burn Natural Incense

Essential oil can be extremely flammable if not burnt correctly, so, follow our step-by-step guide on how to burn 'Natural Incense'.
You Will Need:
  • 1 tall ceramic oil warmer
  •  A pourable jug of water
  • 1 Tea Light candle
  • Your natural incense
  • 1 long lighter or match stick

Step 1:

Firstly, place your ceramic oil warmer on a heatproof surface, away from children, pets, and anything which could cause hazards. But, ensure there is nothing on or around your warmer. 

Step 2:

Next, fill three-quarters (3/4) of the height of the bowl-like surface of your oil warmer with water. However, ensuring the rest of your warmer doesn't get wet.

Step 3:

Now place an unlit Tea Light candle into the hole of your oil warmer (below where the oil and water goes) - there should be a ledge to place it on.

Step 4:

Then, carefully sprinkle or place your botanicals and resins onto the water. Beforehand, ensure your resin and botanicals are broken down into small pieces before use. 

Step 5:

Once the previous steps ore completed, place a few drops (or the recommended amount) of the essential oil into the water and botanical mix, ensuring you don't touch the oil. If you get any oil on your hands, do not touch your eyes and immediately clean your hands with soapy water until the oil has gone.

Step 6:

Next, with a long lighter or match stick, light the Tea Light candle and enjoy for 10-25 minutes or until the oil has evaporated.

Step 7:

Once finished, leave your oil and warmer to cool for 30-45 minutes (or until cool) before touching.

Incense Benefits: Our Top 20 

When burning any incense type, it is always important to follow safety guidelines on how best to burn it (free from hazards).

Read on as we discuss 'Incense Benefits: Our Top 20'.

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1. Soothes Feelings of Anxiousness

Our sense of smell impacts our nervous system as it is the first cranial nerve (nerves connecting to the brain). Consequently , by burning pleasant-fragranced incense we can improve feelings of anxiety.
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Incensole acetate is a natural compound within some incense scents, including Benzoin and Frankincense. It is known to have positive effects on the central nervous system, in turn helping to ease feelings of anxiousness. 
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There are numerous wonderful incense scents with natural anxiety-relieving properties, leading to a growing interest in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is also increasingly recognised for its ability to improve mood, reduce stress, dispel negativity, and alleviate discomfort.
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Our favourite scents for soothing anxiety:

  • Frankincense
  • Lavender 
  • Coconut
  • Benzoin

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.2. Strengthens Spiritual Clarity

Whatever spirituality means to you, there seems to be one common theme: spirituality can always be strengthened.
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.The spiritual mind, also known as the clarified mind, can be purified and strengthened using ancient tools and universal knowledge. For instance, incense serves as a perfect example of this practice.

Burning incense has been utilised for spiritual purposes for over 5000 years, flourishing in ancient civilisations such as ancient Egypt, the Indus Valley, and Mesopotamia. In these societies, it was discovered that burning plants and using the smoke to fumigate temples strengthened their connection to spiritual realms and entities, thereby enhancing their spiritual clarity. Meanwhile, this knowledge has been passed on through to modern spiritual teachings.

Our favourite scents for strengthening spiritual clarity:

  • Frankincense
  • Agarwood
  • Lotus
  • Myrrh

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.3.  Enhances Focus (on Tasks or Otherwise)

Certain essential oil scents have been studied and proven to enhance cognitive functions, such as thinking, problem-solving, and memory. This being said, natural incense and other types of incense that use essential oils in their production are also known to have similar cognitive-strengthening effects.

Not only does burning incense help improve cognition, but its positive impact on our neurological system allows a person to indulge in tasks and activities (examples include: studying, working, organising, and creating) with more concentration and less intrusive thinking.

Our favourite scents for enhancing focus:

  • Sandalwood
  • Frankincense
  • Rosemary
  • Patchouli

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.4. Reduces Feelings of Tiredness & Lack of Energy

When experiencing an energy lull, it can feel somewhat impossible to regain it back to its full potential, leaving you feeling lethargic, low in mood, and even stressed. Luckily, there are various ways to boost our energy, some more conventional than others. 
 
Burning energising incense has been proven to alleviate tiredness and fatigue. One study published in 2017 concluded the benefits of essential oil for exercise-induced fatigue - another published in 2022 presented the positive impact of aromatherapy for fatigue. Both studies show the significant influence of natural incense (and other essential oil-based types) on low energy and tiredness.
 
In addition, burning incense can help to dispel negativity that may be affecting your energy, leaving you feeling positive, joyful, motivated, and focused.
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Our favourite scents for reducing feelings of tiredness & lack of energy:

  • Benzoin
  • Sweet Orange
  • Lemongrass
  • Peppermint

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 5. Removes Unpleasant Aromas

Whether you want to eliminate unpleasant aromas such as body odour, rotting food, pet smell (or other), or you want to freshen the fragrance of your home, burning incense is the perfect solution.
 
According to a hedonic tone scale (measuring the positive impact incense has), incense was rated as highly pleasant. Luckily, there is a wide variety of scents and incense fragrances around, allowing you to discover what 'floats your boat'.
 
The robust and fragrant smoke of incense can cleanse and purify the air, leaving your home smelling brand new.
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Our favourite scents for removing unpleasant aromas:

  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Rose
  • Jasmine 

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6. Aligns the Seven Main Chakras

The concept of Chakras comes from historical Hindu and Buddhist teachings - however, Chakras have remained relevant in many modern religious and spiritual practices. They are energy centres located throughout the length of the body, forming an energy system dictating our personality, neurological system, and other body, mind, and spiritual functions. The seven main Chakras begin from the base of the spine and end at the Crown of our head.
 
When our energy centres are misaligned, we often experience side effects (those relating to the Chakra unbalanced), perhaps why Chakra alignment is deemed extremely important. So, how does incense benefit these Chakras? 
 
Incense is known for its cleansing effects - not only does it cleanse the air, but it can cleanse disturbed energy within us. Consequently, incense is highly beneficial in helping to mend misalignments affecting our Chakra balance. However, each Chakra has certain incense scents that are more successful in aligning them. 
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Our favourite scents for aligning the seven main Chakras:

Click links to find out more

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7. Relieves Stress & Tension

 Essential oils have been used for aromatherapy purposes since 3500 BC (and maybe even earlier), whether thats as perfume, applied for topical therapy, or burnt as incense. Their benefits exceed, with evidence suggesting that certain scents can help to improve feelings of stress, and tension that coincides. When topically applying essential oil for stress, ensure to consult with a healthcare professional before hand. Essential oils should always be diluted before use.

One study, published in 2021, concluded the mood-enhancing benefits of citrus EOs on nurses in a clinical setting, especially those experiencing stress (and other neurological issues). 

Burning incense during times of stress, grief, and sadness is a popular act, especially within religion. Our sense of smell is wildly impactful, with evidence suggesting its powerful impact on our neurological system, in turn healing feelings of stress and tension.

Our favourite scents for relieving stress & tension:

  • Sweet Orange
  • Lilac
  • Rosemary
  • Palo Santo 

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8. Improves Insomnia & Other Sleep Related Issues

Some essential oil scents are proven to be an effective pharmaceutical solution to sleep issues, mild to moderate.
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One study published in 2021 concluded that aromatherapy, especially with the scent of Lavender, can positively impact a person's objective and subjective sleep quality. It also concluded that the essential oil used in this study helped reduce alpha activity upon the release of aroma, which can improve feelings of drowsiness and daydreaming, affecting a person's ability to sleep.
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Some people enjoy burning sleep-improving incense scents in the evening and before going to bed - This can help to relax the body, mind, and spirit, ultimately preparing you for a good night's rest. However, you should avoid focus-enhancing scents and embrace soothing/relaxing ones.
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Our favourite scents for sleep:

  • Lavender 
  • Chamomile
  • Valerian
  • Jasmine

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9. Enhances Dreams & Spiritual Visions

Oneiric activity, or lucid dreaming, is energetically charged through burning incense and other plant rituals. Many faiths, religions, and especially the spiritual community burn incense for these dream-enhancing effects.
 
'Plant work' is deemed a sacred ritual within the spiritual world - plants have medicinal and energy-healing properties that can enhance meditations and even aid spiritual visions. Also, some people believe that plants are conscious or even divine, which perhaps is another reason why spiritual leaders include plant work in their teachings.
 
Historically, many Indigenous people, including Shamans, have used plants and incense to strengthen their "Third Eye", in turn developing their spiritual experiences. These spiritual experiences can include visions of the past, future, and divine entities.

 

Our favourite scents for enhancing dreams & spiritual visions:

  • Mugwort
  • Sage
  • Frankincense
  • Peppermint

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10. Deters Pests

When pests invade your home, sometimes it feels like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place - do I keep them around, or do I use those nasty chemicals?Luckily, natural incense is a friendly solution to keeping pests at bay without leaving harsh chemicals lurking in the air.
 
Different scents work best for repelling each specific pest, so we have concocted a table to explain:
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Peppermint: Mosquitos/Fleas/Moths/Fruit Flies/Ants/ Spiders

Rosemary: Mosquitos/Ticks/Fleas/Wasps/Cockroaches

Lemongrass: Mosquitos/Ticks/Fleas/Moths/Ants

Tea Tree: Ticks/Ants/Spiders/Wasps/Bed Bugs

Lavender: Ticks/Fleas/Flies/Fruit Flies/Ants/Spiders

Geranium: Ticks/Mosquitos/Fleas/Flies/Moths/Cockroaches

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11. Uplifts Moods, Bringing Positivity & Happiness

For over 6000 years, incense has been utilised for its positivity and happiness-enhancing qualities, with many religious and spiritual relics burning plants and essential oils during joyous ceremonies and rituals. It is an influential tool, sparking fond memories, balancing unruly emotions, and bringing about good fortune and prosperity.

Incensole acetate is a compound found in some incense scents, which is proven to have a beneficial impact on a person's mood and well-being and, in turn, promotes a positive mindset and balanced thinking.

Burning natural incense during mindfulness meditation is a great way to improve an individual's mood. It can allow a person to calm their mind and focus on inhaling the healing and soothing incense aroma.

Our favourite scents for uplifting moods, bringing positivity & happiness:

  • Geranium
  • Frankincense
  • Cinnamon
  • Sweet Orange

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12. Cleanses Disturbed Energy (Removes Bad Spirits)

From the 1400s to the 1700s, witchcraft was scrutinised, with tens of thousands of women prosecuted for witchcraft, whether they were innocent or not. However, witchcraft wasn't just rituals of curses and evil chants. These so-called 'witches' took pride in their concoctions, creating healing herbal remedies and cleansing disturbed energy with bundles of burning sage and other incense.

The indigenous people of America and Canada burnt bundles of Sage - or 'smudging'. Smudging was included in their ceremonies and rituals to purify the air and, in turn, remove any bad spirits, negativity, and unruly energies present.

Burning plants (and incense) have been a part of cleansing spiritual practices as early as 3600 BC. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, Grecians, and the people of Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, burnt incense to cleanse the energy of their temples, cities, and homes. The Egyptians were also known for cleansing bodies during mummification - this would remove any negativity that may affect the safe passage of their soul.

Incense is still used for energy-cleansing purposes, with many spiritually inclined people burning it before meditations, prayer, and other rituals.

Our favourite scents for cleansing disturbed energy:

  • Sage bundles
  • Myrrh
  • Juniper
  • Palo Santo

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13. Purifies The Surrounding Air

Some types of essential oil have natural antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds which can distribute when burnt - this is also the case for aromatic resins and botanicals. So, that being said, burning natural incense can be beneficial in removing harmful bacteria in your space, keeping the air around you fresh and purified.
 
Not only can incense remove bacteria in the air, but it improves the fragrance of your home, leaving your furniture smelling clean and the air refined. So, why not burn some natural incense scents during your spring cleaning to guarantee extra cleanliness?
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Our favourite scents for purifying the surrounding air:

  • Peppermint
  • Lemon
  • Jasmine
  • Benzoin

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14. Improves Tranquility (During Meditations or Otherwise)

Some incense scents are known for their soothing, fragrant essence and natural tension-relieving properties. Therefore, can aid a peaceful environment, ultimately improving inner tranquillity and meditational vibrations. 

Around 2000 BC, incense became revolutionary within thriving ancient civilisations thanks to its multi-purposeful qualities. From removing smelly odours to enhancing meditations, incense quickly and unknowingly became a global sensation. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese both burnt incense to improve the tranquillity of their worship spaces - however, neither civilisation knew about the other. Perhaps being evidence enough that incense is a divinely orchestrated tool?

Though its popularity has remained undisputed within the spiritual community, more and more people burn incense in their day-to-day busy lives, helping them to unwind, relax, and breathe in tranquillity.

Our favourite scents for improving tranquility:

  • Amber
  • Sandalwood
  • Chamomile
  • Rose 

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15. Supports Hormonal Imbalance

Some essential oil scents are proven to have hormone balancing properties - when burnt as incense, these properties diffuse into the space. However, if you are pregnant, consult with a healthcare professional before use.
 
Phytoestrogens are a natural plant-based compound found within some essential oil scents - evidence suggests they can help balance low oestrogen and improve menopausal systems such as hot sweats and mood changes.
 
Apart from burning hormone-balancing essential oils as incense, you can apply a small diluted amount of the oil on your wrists and ankles. These body parts contain pulse points that can easily absorb the essential oil.
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Our favourite scents for supporting hormonal balance:

  • Lotus
  • Rose
  • Ylang Ylang
  • Clary Sage

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16. Enhances Creativity & Imagination

Incense is a fantastic solution for inspiring creativity and enhancing imagination which, in turn, strengthens the Sacral Chakra. Our sense of smell is instinctively powerful, so by burning vibrant and fragrant incense, our creative mind sparks colour, curiosity, passion, and discipline.

The Sacral Chakra is the second energy centre within the Chakra system, above the Root and below the Solar Plexus. When this Chakra is out of balance, a lack of sexual desire and creative expression coincides. Consiquently, burning Sacral-balancing incense is one of the most popular tools used in Hinduism for aligning this unruly Chakra.

Our favourite scents for enhancing creativity:

  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon
  • Myrrh
  • Ginger

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17. Elevates Prayer & Worship

For centuries, incense has been an integral tool in enhancing the divine energy of religious and spiritual spaces. From ancient civilisation to modern spiritual communities, incense has always played a crucial part in worship, enhancing prayers and meditations.

Ancient relics burnt incense within sacred spaces such as temples, churches, and pagan sites - this elevated the spiritual energy, allowing connection to divine entities during prayer and rituals.

Nowadays, incense has remained popular with religion, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism, where it remains burnt within almost all pujas. 

Our favourite scents for elevating prayer & worship:

  • Frankincense
  • Myrrh
  • Jasmine
  • Amber

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18. Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory Solution

Cytokines are small proteins within the body, crucial for the development of immune system cells. These proteins can be regulated with essential oil extracted from herbs, ultimately reducing inflammation within the body.
 
Essential oils have been used for anti-inflammatory purposes within traditional Chinese medicine since 200 BCE. Though they would typically apply or consume them for their benefits, evidence has shown that they would also burn essential oils to reduce inflammation.
 
There are many unique pharmaceutical properties within naturally derived essential oils, resins, and botanicals, especially those organic and without additives. Consiquently, burning these extracts as incense can distribute their anti-inflammatory and well-being benefits into your space.
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Our favourite scents for an inflammatory solution:

  • Eucalyptus 
  • Myrrh
  • Frankincense
  • Geranium

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19. Increases Sex Drive & Libido

Aromatherapy has been around since 3500 BC as a means of healing and revitalising. Though it is commonly associated with its tranquil benefits, more and more people are turning to essential oils and incense to enhance their sex drive. 
 
Since ancient times, herbs and fragrances have been utilised for their aphrodisiac effects - Pheromones have also been proven to be positively impacted by essential oil. This being said, by burning essential oil-based incense, you can spark feelings of passion and desire. Perhaps even Aphrodite will approve?
 
Incense can also positively impact the Sacral Chakra, located two fingertips below the navel. In addition, the Sacral Chakra dictates our sexual drive - by burning incense scents healing to this Chakra, you can become more sexually liberated.
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Our favourite scents for sex drive & libido:

  • Neroli  
  • Saffron
  • Rose
  • Jasmine

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20. Improves Brain Function

Essential oils can substantially benefit neurological disorders and symptoms that coincide. 
 
Some symptoms coinciding with depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with brain function, including a lack of focus, brain fog, vision issues, memory loss, mobility disorders, and behavioural issues. Therefore, by burning essential oil-based incense, we can regulate our nervous system, which in turn improves overall brain function.
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Our favourite scents for brain function:

  • Saffron
  • Peppermint
  • Rosemary
  • Juniper

The Bottom Line

There are countless benefits of using incense. Despite its first documentation around 6000 years ago, incense continues to revolutionise due to its numerous advantages. So, why not light up some natural incense and experience peace, joy, Chakra balance, and much more?

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