Incense For Happiness: Our Top 5 Scents For Pure Joy

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Since ancient living Incense has been burnt to remove negativity from a space or person. Its fragrant smoke can encourage joy, spirituality, and peace into our heart space and home. Read on to learn our 'top 5 scents for pure joy', perfect for getting your groove back once again! 

1. What is Incense? 2. What Else is Incense Used For? 3. Natural Incense: An Ancient Ritual Enhanced by Modern Science Natural incense is our favourite type of incense... But why? So, what is natural incense? What are these so-called natural substances that make 'natural incense'? Why Incense Sticks 'May' Be Harmful... 4. Our Top 5 Incense Scents For Happiness Sage Geranium Vanilla Rose Frankincense 5. Other Incense Scents for Happiness 6. How to Burn Incense For Happiness 7. Other Ways to Improve Happiness Enjoy The Outdoors Positive Affirmations Exercise  8. The Final Word

Incense is an ancient and sacred tool involving the burning of aromatic substances (or a substance) to produce a pleasant and cleansing fragrant smoke. There are many types of incense: incense sticks, cones, coils, and our favourite natural incense, a combination of essential oils, resins, and botanicals.

 Burning incense is not only great for removing bad odours, but it can promote serenity, ease neurological symptoms, reduce physical tension, decrease stress, and uplift moods.

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• Fragrance: One of the most popular incense uses is for home cleansing and odour reduction. There is a great variety of incense scents and plants, all of which can leave a space smelling uniquely clean, fresh, and purified. Many people burn incense in their homes; you may also find it in spaces such as holistic shops, places of worship, spas, and salons.
• Spiritual Enlightenment: Incense has long been respected for its magical abilities. One of the most well-known powers incense possesses is its innate ability to increase our spiritual awareness. Incense can naturally balance the seven aligning Chakras, thus inspiring wisdom, focus, creativity, spiritual clarity, and inner grounding. This also makes it a great tool for meditation, affirmation, and manifestation practices.
• Negativity Cleansing: Incense is a brilliant way to purify the air, fighting lingering negative energies affecting your well-being. Since ancient times, witches and spiritual-like beings have burnt natural substances such as herbs, resins, flowers, spices, weeds, and essential oils, mostly sage and henbane. This was a great way to ward off unwanted spirits.
• Worship: Incense was a tool used regularly in ancient religious worship and sacred rituals.The Ancient Egyptians burnt incense during the mummification process as it was a way of sanctifying the body and its soul, thus ensuring safe passage to the 'other side'. Nowadays, people of many faiths and religions burn incense before and during their worship. This ensures their space is thoroughly cleansed of negativity, thus connecting them closer to their God or Gods.
• Yoga: Incense is popularly used in yoga and pilates practices thanks to its natural ability to promote deep concentration and muscle relief. Incense can also re-balance the body's energy centres, allowing for other aspects of your being to align. Yoga involves a deep connection to the mind, as well as to the body and breath.

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Natural incense is the most time-honoured type of incense, simply because it involves the burning of natural, earthly substances, all without chemicals additives. Its healing effects are stronger and purer (compared to other types of incense) due to its unadulterated, natural ingredients. This is also how our ancient ancestors would have burnt incense.

There are a few types of incense that 'can' be deemed as natural (though rare in production), this includes natural bamboo incense sticks and loose incense. Though this is true, we believe that burning essential oils, resins, and botanicals is the most ancient and innate way of using incense to cleanse and heal energy.

You can burn essential oils, resins, and botanicals separately (best recommended on an oil warmer with water or carrier oil) but all together is when the real magic happens.

Though in some ways things have progressed for the better, we are unfortunately exposed to more toxins, chemicals, and artificial contaminants than ever before. So why not go back to our roots whilst maintaining the principles of well-being according to modern science?

Botanicals are simply dried plant matter such as flowers, herbs, fruits, stems, bark, and leaves. And it doesn't get more natural than that.

Resin comes from the sap of trees - aromatic resins like Frankincense and Myrrh are sourced from trees such as Commiphora and Boswellia. Aromatic resins are fragrant and become solidified and rock-like when dried after extraction. When burnt, aromatic resins produce a beautiful balsamic and earthy aroma.

Essential oil is the liquid and oil that has been extracted from a plant, and this is usually done through methods such as cold pressing or steam distillation. Essential oils are used for all sorts of purposes including, culinary, cosmetics, and most popularly aromatherapy. Our favourite thing about essential oils is that they are incredibly fragrant and potent whilst maintaining the plant matter's innate healing properties.

Burning incense sticks is a great solution for when you want a quick and easy incense option. Incense sticks come in all sorts of scents and blends, which create beautiful unique aromas. When burnt now and then (once a week) incense sticks can have great healing and spiritual effects.

However, incense sticks commonly have chemicals and toxins added to them which can be harmful to the body. It is important to research the incense stick product you want, but in the meantime, you can read here to learn more about why some incense can be harmful and why natural incense is the way to go.

Sage is a fragrant herb enriched with cleansing properties.

Its natural oil can reduce negativity affecting your sense of happiness, confidence, and stress - a study from 2006 suggests that burning Sage natural incense can help to improve moods and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Sage's herbaceous aroma, and light floral and earthy notes, combined with its natural healing essence and medicinal properties, are known to positively influence the neurological system and improve brain function. Not only can this have a great impact on our focus, happiness, and drive, but it can also balance the Manipura Chakra, dictating our ego, motivation, and overall mental well-being. 

Sage was - and still is - commonly used amongst the Native Americans to increase clarity and relaxation.

• Natural Antioxidant: Sage contains compounds that act as an antioxidant within the body. This can help reduce cell damage, fight free radicals, and protect you from certain illnesses. Sage also contains healing vitamins such as A and C, which can nutritionally benefit when ingested.
• Oral Health: You may find Sage as a prominent ingredient in your natural oral care, and this is down to its anti-bacterial properties. It can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth, perfect for healing ulcers, cold sores, cuts, sore gums, and throat pain. Sage chewing gum, toothpaste, or sage tea can all aid and improve oral health.

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Geranium incense has a sweet and floral fragrance, along with subtle spiced and earthy notes - this combination naturally uplifts energy, inspires creative thoughts, and improves moods. It is also great for increasing feelings of happiness, gratitude, and contentment, especially when burned alongside some deep mindfulness meditation. 

 Though the Victorians believed Geranium to be a symbol of foolishness, many ancient civilisations saw these vibrant flowers to be sacred and soul-healing. In folklore, Geranium flowers are a symbol of joy, prosperity, protection, and good health, and this gives a true testimony to this plant's wonderful healing properties.

Geranium incense can create a calming, tranquil space - a study from 2012, on the effects of Geranium essential oil on women giving birth for the first time, presented that Geranium has anxiety-relieving effects. Geranium incense can also help to ease feelings of depression and stress, whilst helping to improve concentration and motivation.

• Skin Purifying: Geranium essential oil has natural antioxidising properties which can reduce inflammation in the skin. This may help with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and some skin wounds. Geranium essential oil is also known to help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars. 
• Natural Bug Repellent: Looking to keep those pesky bugs at bay? Well, look no further... Geranium incense is a natural and effective solution for deterring mosquitos, moths, ants, and flies out and away from your home.

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Not only is Vanilla a common flavour in some of the most popular, beloved deserts across the globe, but its fragrant essential oil and incense can rejuvenate and brighten low, dampened energy. It truly is one of our favourite sweet, summery scents. 

Vanilla incense is popularly used in yoga, reiki, meditation, and pilates practices -this is mainly due to its mood-boosting and motivation-inducing effects. However, we believe that Vanilla's muscle-soothing properties are what make it the perfect scent for enhancing these practices. It is known to naturally ease tension, headaches, and body pains. 

Vanilla also has brain-stimulating qualities that can help to keep the mind focused, inspired, and clear from negativity - this has a great impact on our happiness and well-being.

• Natural Aphrodisiac: Vanilla is not only great for increasing feelings of happiness, but it can also connect you closer to your heart's deep energy. Many sex and relationship professionals describe Vanilla as a 'sensual scent' that can increase libido and sexual desire. Ways to use Vanilla to increase sex drive include: drinking Vanilla herbal tea, using Vanilla essential oil as massage oil (with a carrier oil), adding Vanilla pods as flavouring in foods and drinks, and most effectively burning its natural incense.
• Anti-inflammatory: The vanilla bean has natural anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed, these beans can help with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. We are unsure of the effects of Vanilla incense on these diseases, however, evidence suggests that Vanilla essential oil is naturally antioxidising.

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Rose incense is commonly burnt for manifesting, mainly for its natural ability to attract love, sex, and money. But it is so much more than just a powerful aphrodisiac and money magnet.

Rose has heart and soul healing properties which can help to relieve feelings of sadness, grief, loneliness, irritability, and unworthiness. Rose essential oil can act as a soothing remedy for depression and anxiety, as well as for symptoms that coincide such as tension, nausea, irritability, stress, and lack of motivation.

We recommend burning natural Rose incense, applying Rose essential oil-based cosmetics, and drinking Rose herbal teas for the best 'happiness-enhancing' results.

• Skin Care: Rosehip (from the wild Rose bush Rosa Rubiginosa) is enriched in nutrients and vitamins A and C. This can help to rejuvenate the skin's complexion and heal scars, wounds, acne, and rashes. Damask Rose oil can help to keep the skin well moisturised and the skin barrier protected.
• Muscle pain: Due to Rose essential oil's natural anti-inflammatory properties, when applied topically it can ease and relax muscle tensions whilst reducing coinciding pain. There are Rose massage oils, herbal teas, and moisturisers all brilliant for relieving muscle tension and pain. Burning natural Rose incense can also have a positive impact on the muscles. 

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Frankincense is a sacred and heart-healing aromatic resin. Its earthy, musky, and pine-like aroma will leave you feeling grounded and truly connected to your surroundings.

This natural resin is long known to spiritually enhance - the ancient Egyptians would burn Frankincense to connect them to other spiritual realms and entities, whilst also uplifting energy. Many spiritually inclined practitioners burn Frankincense when meditating and manifesting as it can unblock the Sacral Chakra, thus allowing for immense spiritual growth. 

Natural Frankincense incense also has the power to uplift moods, deter negativity, and ease tension. Aromatherapy is a great way to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and Frankincense is a perfect scent to use. It can help to keep joyful energy flowing through your heart space, as well as assist in the healing of inner wounds.

• Gut Health: Frankincense can help to reduce stomach inflammation and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms such as stomach pain and abdominal bloating. Its soothing effects may help with other symptoms such as fatigue and nausea.
• Oral Health: Because of Frankincense's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it can help to limit harmful bacteria within the mouth. This may help with gum disease, plaque, mouth ulcers, and cuts.

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Woodsy and earthly Sandalwood incense has a warm, cosy essence that can help reverse feelings of sadness and discomfort. It can also help to increase sex drive, reduce stress, and keep joyous energy circulating through your home or space.

Herbaceous Lavender is known for its calm, soothing energy. Evidence also suggests that Lavender can help to improve symptoms of depression, mood swings, and anxiety. Lavender incense can also be used to improve sleep and reduce nightmares.

On how to burn natural incense safely, visit here.

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STEP 2 - Light your Incense: 

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STEP 3 - Enjoy: 

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STEP 4 - Blow out: 

Blow your incense out and leave it to cool for 30 minutes before touching and disposing.

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Stepping out into nature is one of the most healing things you can do for your mind, body, and soul, and it all comes for free. The cooling fresh air, the sound of birds and bees, and the smells of fresh herbs and heavy rain can all help to improve feelings of depression, stress, anxiety, and unhappiness.

Affirmation chanting involves repeating a word or phrase, in the mirror or to yourself. This act should be done at least 5-20 times a day so you begin to resonate with the words being said. If speaking the words doesn't help, try writing them down. Affirmations can help to positively impact your brain chemistry, helping you to start truly believing and trusting the phrase you are repeating.

Affirmation example: 'I have everything I need to be happy'.

Exercise is one of the most popular things to do to improve happiness and overall health. Exercise releases endorphins into the body, a chemical that leaves you feeling energised, joyful, and fulfilled. Exercise can also improve mental health and symptoms coinciding with depression, such as a lack of concentration, mood swings, stress, and anxiety. And it doesn't need to be anything too strenuous - a brisk walk counts as exercise! 

While incense certainly cannot fix all your problems, it can help you to feel more present and relaxed at that moment. Incense has also been proven countless times that it can energise, enhance focus, and improve happiness. Burning incense allows you to be mindful and engaged with your deepest emotions, ultimately encouraging feelings of pure joy.