From a brief moment of fragrance in the living room to a regular part of your meditation, yoga or relaxation routine: good incense creates atmosphere in a calm, natural way. Browse the range above and read below to find out what to look out for when choosing incense, a holder or a burner.
Which incense is right for you?
Choosing the right incense usually starts with the scent. Some people look for a recognisable classic such as Nag Champa, whilst others prefer white sage incense, palo santo, sandalwood or a more resinous scent featuring myrrh or olibanum. Church incense is also popular with those seeking a warm, deep and classic scent experience. You can also choose to smudge with smudge sticks as an alternative to incense. There isn’t one single type that’s best for everyone. It all depends on your preference, the space and the moment. If you’re curious about the background and steps involved in a cleansing ritual, read energetic cleansing with sage and palo santo.
In a small room, a subtle fragrance is often more pleasant, whilst a warmer or richer fragrance can really come into its own in a larger space. If you’re torn between several options, it’s a good idea to try a few different fragrances first. That way, it’s easier to find out what really suits you before you order a larger quantity.
What should you look for in good incense?
You can recognise good incense not only by the scent coming from the packaging, but above all by how the scent develops as it burns. A fine incense has a balanced scent – neither too sharp nor unnecessarily heavy. Many people therefore deliberately choose incense with as natural a composition as possible, for example containing resins, herbs, wood powders and fragrant oils. This often lends itself better to a calm, pure olfactory experience.
If you’re ordering incense online, always check the product description, the shape of the incense and how long it burns for. Also note whether a scent is subtle or intense. This will help you choose more quickly something suitable for everyday use, a moment of meditation or a specific atmosphere in your home. If you’re starting out with smudging, take a look at Using a smudge stick: benefits and spiritual effects for clear tips.
Types of incense and the right burner
Incense comes in various forms. Incense sticks are the best known and easiest to use. Incense cones often release a fuller scent more quickly. For backflow incense, you need special cones and a suitable backflow burner, so that the smoke flows downwards. If you use incense resin, incense granules or incense powder, you’ll usually need an incense burner, a suitable burner and, sometimes, charcoal. Incense blocks, on the other hand, often require their own holder or warmer.
Good incense burners Incense holders are not only practical, but also essential for safe use. The right holder catches the ash, keeps your incense stable and allows you to enjoy the scent more peacefully. You should therefore always check that your holder is suitable for the shape you choose, particularly with cones, resins, granules and cubes.
Burning incense at home
Incense is best enjoyed in a well-ventilated room. Place the holder firmly on a heat-resistant surface and keep it at a safe distance from curtains and other flammable materials. It is better to burn incense mindfully and in moderation rather than for long periods at a time. This ensures the scent remains more pleasant and prevents the room from becoming too overpowering.
If you’re sensitive to scents or are using incense in a small room, opt for a short burning time and a milder scent profile. A gradual build-up is usually more pleasant than an immediate strong scent. This way, you can make incense a lovely part of your daily atmosphere or ritual. If you’d like to expand your ritual, take a look at our products for energy cleansing.