Incense Definition – What Is It?

The aromatic smoke that rises from the burning of incense is a common sight at many high-end retail stores and in the home. In addition to its pleasant smell, the burning of incense has been used for various spiritual and religious purposes throughout history.

Incense is a mixture of resins, essential oils and other materials that create scented smoke when burned. The word comes from the Latin word worn incendere, meaning “to burn.” The odor of incense comes from the material’s natural oils, which are released when it is heated.

There are several reasons to use incense, including the ability to boost creativity, cleanse a space and drive away negative energy. The fragrant smell can also help to calm a person and focus the mind, making it ideal for meditation.

Incense is generally made from a variety of plant and other natural ingredients that are glued together using a non-flammable binder. The incense is then shaped into a stick, cone or coil form and can be used to scent rooms or other spaces. Incense sticks and coils are most often used in private homes while cone incense is preferred for larger rooms that may be shared with others.

Many people use incense simply for its pleasant aroma and don’t attach any religious or spiritual significance to it. It can be useful for reducing stress and anxiety, which is why it is often used in yoga and meditation. Moreover, the soothing fragrance can help you get better sleep as it relaxes your body and mind.

However, incense does come with some potential health concerns. The particulate matter that is emitted when incense is burned can be harmful to the lungs. The irritants in the smoke can trigger respiratory diseases such as asthma, and can cause inflammation in the body. The pollutants can also lead to heart problems. A 2020 study found that long-term incense-smoke exposure was associated with higher levels of hypersensitive disorders and blood pressure in pregnant women.

In addition, if the incense is burned near a fireplace or other flame source, the smoke can ignite flammable material nearby. This is why you should never burn incense around candles or other flammable items. You can avoid this risk by using incense in a well-ventilated room or outside, where the smoke won’t linger.