INCENSE - Everything You Need to Know!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INCENSE
The word 'incense' is derived from the Latin 'incensum' - to set on fire. Incense, whether stick, resin, cone or herb, is smouldered to release its fragrance through aromatic smoke.
Our passion for Incense is as old as written history. The use of cedar as incense was recorded in the "Epic of Gilgamesh", a Sumerian flood story that predates Noah. At sunrise, noon and sunset each day the ancient Egyptians burned resins and 'Kyphi', a blend of aromatic herbs, wine and fruit, as ritual incense offerings to the sun god Ra; whereas the Greeks burnt Juniper, Cedar or Myrrh to mask the stench of burning flesh during animal sacrifices to their gods. When Jesus was born, the three wise men are said to have brought offerings of Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold - which may have been referring to fragrant golden Ambergris. Incense was a valuable commodity, and burning it was like a personal sacrifice of one's wealth.
Nearly all religions, from Buddhism to Islam to Catholicism, have embraced incense - think of the burning of Frankincense during religious ceremonies; the smouldering of Sandalwood for meditation. Native Americans burnt desert sage 'Smudge Sticks' to cleanse and purify. Indian Ayurvedic medicine has long prescribed the burning of incense to treat physical or mental ailments. In Japan, precious pieces of Aloeswood were treated as family heirlooms or state treasures.
Today incense is still used for ritual purposes. But it can also be used for so much more: to relax, to scent, to deodorise. To spark creativity, to encourage sensuality, or to lift the spirits. The choice is yours.
NATURAL vs ARTIFICIAL INCENSE
Most people would be surprised to learn of the inferior materials used in the majority of cheaper modern incense. It has become custom for manufacturers of cheap incense to use ingredients such as coal powder, grease

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