Incense For Sleep: Go From Arrgh to Zzz In 5 Scents

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Is counting sheep just not cutting it anymore? If the answer is no then this is the article for you! Whether you are experiencing a lack of sleep, frequent nightmares, unusual sleep patterns, or even too much sleep, it can leave you feeling drained, depressed, and out of touch with your body. Luckily, this article discusses 'Incense For Sleep: Go From Arrgh to Zzz In 5 Scents'.

1. What Is Incense? Natural Incense Incense Sticks 2. The Best Incense for Sleep: Our Top 5 Lavender Chamomile  Jasmine Bergamot  Frankincense 3. Other Scents for Sleep Valerian Sage Sandalwood 4. When to Burn Your Sleep Incense 5. The Bottom Line

Incense is a popular ancient cleansing tool - it involves burning one or more aromatic substances or materials to heal energy, rid bad odours, and increase spirituality.

Religious and spiritual practices often burn incense for its soothing and clarifying effects. Nowadays, incense is frequently used in meditation, yoga, home cleansing, and reiki practices. And more and more types of people are including it into their regime.

In ancient times, people didn't have the tools, technology, and advancements we have today. So they foraged for their own medicinal and aromatic herbs and resins. And through this, the ancient Egyptians and Grecians discovered the wildly healing effects from burning natural substances. They burnt petals, flowers, bark, stems, resins, essential oils, fruits, and leaves.

Essential oils, botanicals, and aromatic resins became a regular part of ancient living - they were commonly enjoyed for their spiritual-enhancing qualities. For example, they would fumigate their temples with incense smoke to cleanse and deliver thanks to their gods. They would also bless bodies before mummification with essential oil and resins. These substances were seen as properous, bringing forever fortune and protection. Shortly after this, these substances became popular within ancient cosmetics, medicine, perfumery, and culinary.

Nowadays, this ancient type of incense burning has other names. We call it 'Natural incense'.

Nowadays, chemicals and harmful additives are often added to incense. However, we believe incense should be taken back to its ancient and natural roots.

Eventhough natural incense is the less sought-after incense type, it is the most authentic, best-smelling, and most healing. Natural incense has a variety of different, unique scents, all catering to our Chakra alignment needs and fragrance wants...

Incense sticks were first founded in 200 CE, in areas of China and India. Ancient monks were the first to include it in their works.

Incense sticks consist of a bamboo base, a combination of charcoal dust, fragrances, and other binding materials. They are a great way to keep things easy and fast, however, they aren't as effective or kind on the body as say natural and loose incense are.

Burning incense sticks can be harmless if done on rare occasions, once a week for 30 minutes at the most, and when treated correctly, they emit plumes of powerful, cleansing smoke and rich aroma.

Refreshing and relaxing Lavender incense is the perfect remedy for assisting a beautiful night's rest. Its unique, soothing, herbaceous, yet floral aroma, can leave you feeling tranquil, joyful, relaxed, and cosy. It has the magical ability to reduce stress-induced symptoms such as an overactive mind, body tension, irritation, and anxiety, all affecting your sleep quality.

Our sense of smell has a large impact on our autonomic and central nervous system - a recent study suggests that Lavender aromatherapy can be useful for those struggling with depression and insomnia.

Those more susceptible to sleep issues, such as students, people with hereditary sleep problems, children, and people working in high-pressure jobs, may see a huge difference in their quality of sleep when burning Lavender incense.

If Lavender incense isn't enough, try placing the herb itself under your pillow (in a cloth bag) or place a diluted dab of its essential oil onto your wrists. 

• Lavender essential oil and hair loss: Scientists have discovered that diluted Lavender essential oil can help with many different hair issues including hair loss, dandruff, and hair thinning.

• Antioxidant: The Lavender herb and its oil were traditionally used in medicine, mainly by holistic healing circles. It can help reduce inflammation in the body and recover cell damage.

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Another great incense and herb for sleep is the calming and sweet-smelling Chamomile. It is a natural soul and body-warming herb, which is why its popularity remains during the colder seasons. 

Not only is it the cosiest scent round, but Chamomile has natural protective and soothing energy, perfect for assisting ease and comfort during meditations, study, work, relaxation, rest, and worship.

Chamomile was a revered botanical and medicine within ancient China - Thanks to its powerful ability to cleanse the body from negativity, toxins, aches, and pains, its medicinal uses remain prominent today.

The pleasant fragrance of Chamomile incense may also have a positive impact on our central and autonomic nervous system. Because of this, it can help to naturally reduce symptoms coinciding with anxiety and depression, for example, insomnia and tension.

The most common and effective ways to use Chamomile for sleep are: burning it as incense, drinking its herbal tea, and using Chamomile-based cosmetics. All of these help you to absorb Chamomile's healing properties.

• Chamomile essential oil and skin: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce acne and bites, and also heal wounds. It is also naturally purifying so can help to improve the appearance of scars, rashes, and other skin imperfections. However, if using Chamomile essential oil for skin, it is always important to dilute it in a carrier oil, such as Jojoba.

• Antioxidant: Chamomile has antioxidant properties that can help reduce cold and flu-like symptoms. 

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Breathing in the fresh, floral, and sweet aroma of natural Jasmine incense can soothe the senses, brighten the spirit, and bring peace and serenity to you and your surrounding environment. It is also great for balancing the Third Eye Chakra, which can positively impact our sleep and encourage more pleasant and creative dreaming.

Jasmine was a medicinal botanical in ancient China, greatly impacting its use as an herbal remedy and aromatherapy oil nowadays. It can reduce symptoms coinciding with anxiety and depression, and naturally heal inflammation, insomnia, and mood swings. Though Jasmine is a powerful relaxer, it can also uplift and energise when needed.

Witches and other spiritual people burnt and still burn Jasmine as incense - it can help to keep unwanted spirits away, improve the energy of a space, and heal inner wounds. They also believe it enhances and purifies dreams, perfect for those struggling with frequent nightmares or lack of REM sleep.

Tip: Try keeping a combination of Jasmine petals and stems in a cloth bag under your pillow - this will aid a beautiful night's rest.

• Anti-bacterial: Jasmine can kill germs and unhealthy bacteria festering. This makes diluted Jasmine essential oil great for cleaning purposes.

• Jasmine and Sex: Jasmine can open your Heart Chakra to love and passion in all forms. This can attract romance into your life and increase libido.

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Fresh, citrusy, and lightly spiced Bergamot incense is naturally soothing and perfect for cooling the air during hot summer days. It is also one of our favourite scents for healing sleep irregularities and chronic stress.

Studies suggest Bergamot, whether consumed, applied, or burnt, is great for reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, mostly symptoms coinciding. This can positively affect your overall quality of life by improving memory, restlessness, insomnia, happiness, stress, and concentration.

Many spiritually inclined people burn Bergamot to align the seven Chakras, attract abundance, and keep negativity at bay. It's commonly used in yoga and Pilates sessions for its powerful energising, whilst simultaneously relaxing, abilities.

Bergamot is the perfect ingredient for incense blends. It complements perfectly with scents such as Lavender, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Ginger, and Pine.

• Bergamot essential oil and skin: Bergamot essential oil, when properly diluted, can help with complexion issues such as acne, scarring, and rashes, as well as speed wound recovery and reduce itchiness.

• Joint pain: Bergamot has antioxidant properties and is known to help reduce joint and muscle aches.

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Natural Frankincense incense has a fresh, earthly, sweet, peppery, and somewhat balsamic fragrance - this combination of scented notes can keep energy grounded, promote gratitude, and enhance positivity. Frankincense resin is also known to naturally reduce stress, improve insomnia, and decrease consistent nightmares.

Frankincense is a sacred and ancient aromatic resin known for its enticing scent and healing abilities...

The ancient Egyptians burnt Frankincense to deliver messages to their gods; they also burnt Frankincense to fumigate temples, blessing those within its walls. Not only that but the most powerful and sacred people were cleansed with Frankincense incense and oil before mummification. It was seen as a symbol of wealth, power, and protection.

• Oral health: Frankincense resin and its essential oil are commonly used in oral cosmetics for their antibacterial effects. Frankincense can also help reduce pain caused by toothache, mouth ulcers, and infected gums.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Frankincense is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and tackle illness thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

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Valerian root is wildly popular for reducing insomnia and anxiety. Though it is a brilliant stress and neurological healer, Valerian is often described as having a somewhat unpleasant smell, however, others disagree.

Sage was traditionally burned to cleanse a space of evil spirits and negative energy. But did you know that it can also heal aches and reduce restlessness? Burning Sage before bedtime can purify the air releasing calming and sleep-inducing energy.

This sweet, fragrant wood is not only uplifting and heart-healing but can relieve stress on the central nervous system, thus having a great impact on your quality of sleep. Sandalwood has earthly energy that can leave you feeling grounded and connected to your higher consciousness.

Burning Incense for sleep right before bedtime can help to keep the calm energy circulating as you drift off. We recommend burning your incense in the room you are relaxing in before going to bed, or in the room you are going to sleep in. Make sure to blow it out before going to sleep.

You may find meditating is a great way to promote a peaceful slumber. If a good night's rest is your goal, we recommend burning your incense whilst meditating and repeating sleep affirmations. The cleansing effects of your incense will enhance your meditation perfectly and are the ideal preparation for a positive and long night's rest.

Morning time is an important part of your day. Whether you are getting ready for work, or school, running errands, or even just getting through the day, it is always a good idea to start your day with affirmations and intent. Burning incense for sleep in the morning can relax the body and mind instantly, also continuing throughout the day and night time, thus preparing you for a healthy slumber.

Burning incense for sleeping whilst working or studying can ease stress and tension which may benefit you later in the day. It can keep you feeling soothed and relaxed, preparing you for a fresh and beautiful sleep.

There are all sorts of amazing scents for improving the quality of sleep, so it was too difficult to pick just 5. From Lavender's herbaceous and cooling fragrance to Jasmine's seductive and vibrant energy, all these wonderful scents also have incredible sleep-enhancing properties and so much more.