Incense is plant material that releases scent when it smoulders. The two big traditions are Japanese incense, pressed without a core for little smoke, and Indian incense, rolled on a bamboo stick for a fuller scent. This guide helps you choose a type, a scent and a safe way to burn it.
Types of incense
| Type | What it is | Smoke | Burn time | Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese sticks | Pressed, no bamboo core | Little | Short to medium | A holder with a small hole or a bowl of ash |
| Indian sticks | Paste on a bamboo stick | More | Medium to long | A tray-style ash catcher |
| Cones | Pressed cone | More, concentrated | Short | A heat-proof dish |
| Backflow cones | Cone with a hollow center | Smoke flows downward | Short | A backflow burner |
| Resin | Raw frankincense, myrrh, copal | A lot | As long as you add resin | Charcoal disc and heat-proof bowl with sand |
| Bundles and wood | White sage, palo santo | A lot, in bursts | Minutes | A fire-safe bowl |
Burn times vary by brand and stick length, so check the pack.
Choosing a scent
Wood and resin scents such as sandalwood and frankincense are traditional for meditation. Florals are for a cozy evening, and fresh, green scents suit mornings and work. See Incense scents and their traditional meanings.
Which incense should you burn?
Answer three questions and get four scents to try.
Open the incense finderSafety first
Always ventilate, use a stable heat-proof holder and never leave burning incense alone. Smoke is an irritant, so be careful around children, pets and anyone with asthma. Read How to burn incense safely.
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