The Best Incense For Relaxation

The word "incense" originates from the Latin word "incensum" which means "something burned," reflecting the versatile nature of incense. Typically, incense involves the burning of plant matter and aromatic powders, sometimes set around a wooden core. Some types of incense are more natural and have fewer additives or preservatives.

The most common forms of incense are sticks, cones, and coils, but our favourite is the "natural" type. Keep reading to learn more.

Cones are a coreless alternative to incense sticks,  thus meaning they do not have a base that the incense material is set around. Manufacturers create this incense by shaping the wood powders/essential oil paste into a firmly-compressed cone shape.

Cones usually produce more smoke and a stronger aroma than sticks do, however, they burn quicker. They can also become occasionally harmful if burnt regularly. This said, we recommend burning incense cones, at most, once a week in a well-ventilated and spacious room.

Incense coils burn the longest out of all the incense types, and similarly to cones, they are not formed around a core. The wood powders and aromatic pastes are usually moulded into a coil shape and left to dry for up to a week before use.

Though incense coils have a long-lasting burning time they can become harmful to the lungs if overused. This said, burning natural incense is the best solution for safe and harmless incense use. Read on to learn more...

Natural incense is the most ancient type of incense with ingredients including natural botanicals, resins, and essential oils. Unlike other types of incense, natural incense has a fresh and inviting aroma that is deemed less smoky and robust.

Natural incense is free from added chemicals; it only contains the natural extracts listed above. Evidence suggests this makes it a more gentle incense type for our bodies and minds.

To learn more about natural incense, click here - natural-incense-benefits.

Lavender incense is often burnt in aromatherapeutic practices due to its prominent soothing qualities, especially those that improve sleep and relaxation. It has a pleasantly herbaceous, sweet, and fragrant essence, coinciding with subtle floral notes, making it a popular choice as a natural air freshener and in perfumery. Its fragrance is also often described as 'homely', bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort, perhaps another reason why people find it so relaxing.

Jasmine is a member of the olive family and is a plant well-known for its stunningly floral fragrance, as well as its delicate white flowers. 

Regarding relaxation, Jasmine truly shines - it has been described as the 'queen plant of tranquillity', with people claiming its natural powers in promoting abundance and gratitude. Jasmine incense and oil are frequently burnt in aromatherapy settings (such as spas, shops, places of worship, and yoga studios) for the calming effects they dispel.

When Jasmine's Incense smoke comes in contact with the central nervous system, it stimulates positive emotions - when one is in a positive state, stress and tension naturally reduce - making it the perfect scent for relaxation.

Lemongrass is a fragrant tropical grass, however, unlike the fresh field type we are used to. It is also labelled as a herb as it is commonly used for culinary purposes, with its culinary origins being from Southeast Asia (alongside Turmeric and Cinnamon).

Lemongrass was popular in hoodoo (a set of ancient spiritual practices within African America). It was known for its ability to deter negative energy and bring peace, thus proving its prominence for relaxation since ancient living.

Thanks to its naturally refreshing aroma and other healing properties, along with its strong citrus essence, Lemongrass has become a well-sought-after ingredient within the aromatherapy world. Lemongrass incense is also often described as "cleansing" perhaps due to its antibacterial properties.

Burning Lemongrass incense before bedtime is a great way to promote tiredness and calmness.

3. Cinnamon

Chamomile is a fragrant, daisy-like flowering plant known for its soothing and sedative properties - its incense has similar tranquil effects.
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Chamomile-dried flowers are a popular ingredient in herbal teas. Its stomach-soothing, muscle-easing, and sleep-improving qualities make for the perfect medicinal remedy. These qualities are also why Chamomile had prominence in multiple ancient and traditional medicinal systems.

Chamomile incense also reflects these qualities, however, it also produces an earthy and herbaceous fragrance, perfect for grounding our energy and promoting relaxation.

Chamomile incense is great for relieving tension and creating a feeling of emotional ease. Many people find the essence of Chamomile to be warming and cosy, making it a perfect choice for a cold, dark, or rainy night.

Rose incense has a floral, sweet, and illuminating fragrance, just as beautiful as the flower itself, which perhaps is why it is so commonly associated with love and romance. 

Apart from its Heart chakra-strengthening abilities, Rose incense positively impacts stress and anxiety, allowing us to relax and unwind. Contradictory, Rose incense is also known to help improve focus. However, this only proves its versatility and sacredness. All these attributes make it an excellent tool for deep meditation.

Pine incense emits a wild, fresh, and woodsy fragrance, well-known for its ability to align the Root Chakra. Moreover, it creates a deep sense of calm and relaxation, whether internally or within a space.

Sandalwood is a rare and highly valued aromatic wood, obtained from a group of shrubs notoriously difficult to cultivate. Its incense is a sacred commodity, treasured for its glorious fragrance and relaxation-enhancing properties.

Sandalwood incense has a warming, woodsy aroma that is both inviting and soothing. These qualities can naturally help relax our body and mind and protect us from negativity.

Many spiritual practitioners burn Sandalwood during prayer or meditation to help alleviate stress and tension affecting their energy relief.

Patchouli incense emits a musky yet refreshing fragrance that is grounding and soothing.

As a member of the mint family, it is no surprise that this herb and its extract are popular for incense cleansing. It is naturally antibacterial and deodorising, perfect for cleansing the air from unpleasant aromas and negativity.

Another attribute Patchouli incense has, thanks again to its cleansing properties, is that it is immensely relaxing. It can help keep your space feeling tranquil and at ease, whilst also ensuring you feel the same.

Vanilla is a popular summery spice. Unlike other hot and exotic spices, it has a sweet fragrance and taste, with a comforting essence that often evokes joyful memories and feelings of love.

While most people think of Vanilla in relation to baked goods and ice cream, Vanilla incense is also gaining popularity, and it's easy to see why. Burning Vanilla incense creates a peaceful, tranquil space. It has powerful calming and mind-soothing properties, helping us to relax after a long, hard day.

 Vanilla incense can also enhance our imagination and happiness, thus making it great for removing creative blocks affecting our spirit and our tranquillity.

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How to Use Incense to Relax

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