The Incense Sticks: Its Uses And Various Types!

Introduction:

Incense sticks, also most commonly referred to as ‘agarbattis,’ are aromatic and fragranced sticks used from the old or ancient periods by people worldwide. The incense sticks’ growth and evolution could be from the burning of aromatic, fragrant woods in the primitive period. As humankind expanded and gained civilization and became more holy/religious, this fragranced agarbatti played a vital role in everyday rituals.

How Are Incense Sticks Made?

Incense Sticks Manufacturers produce a right incense stick or an agarbatti from all-natural ingredients or components such as clove, camphor, saffron, sandalwood, Kasturi manjal, sweet-smelling flowers including rose, jasmine, green jasmine, oils of fragranced flowers, and also aromatic woods. Another principal constituent used in incense sticks is medicinal herbs, that assists in producing a soothing atmosphere. The binding substances such as Gum Arabic and Charcoal have oxidizers that aid in burning the agarbatti.

The incense sticks burn evenly and steadily when the ingredients are compounded in the proper proportion. Specifically, every constituent plays a significant role. Excess water in the incense or agarbatti mixtures will occur in uneven burning of the incense stick. The accurate proportion of oxidizer must be used in gum bound incense. As excess oxidizer will burn and consume the incense stick too soon or quickly, providing less fragrance.

Types Of Incense Sticks:

Incense sticks are created or manufactured from fifteen base/core fragrances. Every fragrance has its own oscillation and aroma. Below we will discuss all the core fragrances used for the creation or in the making of incense sticks:

• Musk Incense Sticks: Its aroma or smell encourages your body to relax and supports power development. It affects and impacts the magnetic forces/energies around you. 

• Amber Incense Sticks: Its aroma or smell is heavenly and is usually termed as the “Nectar of Gods.” Its fragrance is utilized to heal or treat several diseases in aromatherapy. Also, it is believed that it attracts true love to your life!

• Cinnamon Incense Sticks: It was utilized and adopted in Egypt in ancient/old times for healing objectives as a stimulant. Its fragrance improves and promotes concentration. Yogis used it to assist in meditation. It also corrects the digestive system and combats eating dysfunctions or disorders.

• Cedar Incense Sticks: Cedarwood is aromatic and was utilized to build temples. For instance, King Solomon’s temple was constructed from cedarwood. It fosters prosperity and wealth. Its fragrance is also used to treat nervous ailments.

• Patchouli Incense Sticks: Its fragrance or smell pleases the gods and angels. It notifies the senses and improves sensuality. Its aroma increases crystal clear thinking and supports resolving conflicts.

• Pino Incense Sticks: Its fragrance or smell has magical powers. It has medicinal uses in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It’s the essence of nature.

• Copal: It eliminates all the negative vibrations from the surroundings. It is utilized in spiritual or holy ceremonies for thousands of years. It purifies our actions and leads good luck to the household.

• Jasmine: It is the fragrance or scent of the moon goddess Diana. It boosts feelings of joy and euphoria. It forms an atmosphere of love and blessings around us when burned. It’s burned or utilized in temples and shrines.

• Lotus: It is a sacred plant of Hindus. It symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi, as she is always seated on a lotus flower. Lotus denotes the supreme reality, and its fragrance or smell delivers prosperity. It offers spiritual vibrations during prayers.

• Myrrh: It is a heavenly fragrance. It was presented to baby Jesus. Egyptians utilized it on the altar while praying to God Sun. Even it forces out negative thoughts and conveys peace of mind.

• Rose: Ideal for eliminating anger and jealousy from our nature. It is ruled by Venus (the planet of love). It fosters love and affection around us.

• Frankincense: It is the most real and the purest form of incense. It was initially used in churches. Its fragrance enhances our mood by upholding sadness and depression. It was bestowed to baby Jesus along with myrrh and gold. Also, it is ruled by the sun.

• Sandalwood: Its fragrance or smell boosts our spirits. It is mainly utilized to achieve a state of meditation. Uranus rules it.

• Three Kings: It supports or channelizes the energy in us. It is specifically helpful for students to assist in exam preparations.

• Violet: Its fragrance or smell encourages harmony in nature. It forms an atmosphere of positive energy around us. It must be burned in homes and offices to promote goodwill.

Cultural Beliefs To The Use of Incense Sticks/Agarbattis:

The purpose of burning an agarbatti is to clean or purify the bad air. The holy smoke blocks unwanted lousy energy and evil spirits from entering the home. It is utilized for a fragrance that symbolically recommends the deity’s presence and the love of divinity. 

The usage of incense sticks is indicated in the Old Testament, the Vedas, and other ancient books. Agarbattis were generally used in various worship places such as churches, mosques, monasteries, and temples. Incense was internationally utilized in countries including Egypt, China, Greece, Japan, and India.

Scientific Reasons To The Use of Incense Sticks/Agarbattis:

Since volatile oils, which form an indispensable ingredient of the raw materials utilized in the manufacture of incense sticks/agarbatti, kill or destroy airborne bacteria when used in a congregation. The deodorized environment and the pleasing smell relieve the nerve and provide an atmosphere pleasant for concentration, meditation, and prayers. Ayurveda directs the usage of incense in sick rooms, essentially due to its antiseptic nature that allows it to purify the air. The smell and smoke released by the incense sticks or agarbattis confer good health and well-being when inhaled by a sick person because of the therapeutic properties.

Fragranced incense sticks play an essential or vital role in improving psychological dysfunctions or disorders in human beings. People undergoing depression feel better because of the pleasant smell. The pleasant scent uplifts the mood and makes people more alive by decreasing stress and anxiety. Incense sticks lessen the body odor or the foul smell of the body. It also soothes or relieves body aches and pain.