Incense

Burning incense at the Longhua Temple
Smoke from incense stick

Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma.[1] Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonial reasons. It may also be used as a simple deodorant or insect repellent.[2][3][4][5]

Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils.[6] The forms taken by incense differ with the underlying culture, and have changed with advances in technology and increasing number of uses.[7]

Incense can generally be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning." Indirect-burning incense (or "non-combustible incense") is not capable of burning on its own, and requires a separate heat source. Direct-burning incense (or "combustible incense") is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and releases a smoky fragrance. Direct-burning incense is either a paste formed around a bamboo stick, or a paste that is extruded into a stick or cone shape.

  1. ^ "Incense". merriam-webster.com. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  2. ^ Gina Hyams; Susie Cushner (2004). Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore. Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0-8118-3993-8.
  3. ^ Maria Lis-Balchin (2006). Aromatherapy science: a guide for healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical Press. ISBN 978-0-85369-578-3.
  4. ^ Malcolm Harper (2010). Inclusive Value Chains: A Pathway Out of Poverty. World Scientific. p. 247. ISBN 9789814295000. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  5. ^ Carl Neal (2003). Incense: Crafting & Use of Magickal Scents. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN 978-0-7387-0336-7.
  6. ^ Cunningham's Encyclopedia of magical herbs. Llewellyn Worldwide. 2000. ISBN 978-0-87542-122-3.
  7. ^ "Making Incense by David Oller". baieido-usa.com. Retrieved 2018-06-16.

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