How to Make Incense

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Burning incense is an ancient practice of smoldering plant material to produce a beautiful, fragrant scent. Incense is used around the globe and it comes in many different forms. Sage is a common ingredient alongside other scented herbs and flowers such as lavender, thyme, and rosemary. You can make your own incense easily at home in the form of sticks, a bundle, or a loose powder.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making Incense Sticks

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    Choose specialty incense sticks that are plain and unscented. Make sure the incense sticks can fit into the dish. If the incense sticks are slightly too long for the dish, use scissors to trim down the bamboo end of each stick. [1]
    • A shallow, plastic dish is ideal.
    • The shorter the incense sticks are, the more quickly they will burn.
    • It's important to use specialty incense sticks rather than just plain bamboo sticks. Ordinary bamboo sticks will not work.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Measure out 20 ml (0.68  fl oz) of DPG and 10 ml (0.34  fl oz) of fragrance or essential oil into the dish. Mix the ingredients well with a spoon. [2]
    • DGP helps the incense sticks to burn properly and to reduce the release of black smoke. It is safe to use in your home and you can purchase it online. If you don't use DPG, there will be a strong burning smell when you light the incense.
    • You can use any fragrance or essential oil that you like or a combination of several different oils. Sandalwood is a popular choice for incense sticks.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Make sure that the incense sticks are fully submerged in the DPG and oil mixture. If you place more than 10 incense sticks in the dish at a time, the sticks will not infuse properly. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Tightly wrap the dish with plastic wrap so that that the liquid doesn't evaporate. Leave the dish in a cool, dark place. The sticks will infuse with the incense over the next day. [4]
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    Wear rubber gloves and carefully remove each incense stick from the dish. Spread the sticks out on a cooling rack and leave them to dry, which may take up to a few days depending on the humidity. [5]
    • Don't tightly pack the incense sticks on the cooling rack as there needs to be room around each one for the air to circulate.
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    Soak the next 10 incense sticks in the liquid for 24 hours. There should be enough liquid left in the dish to use, however, add more DPG and oil if there isn't. Then dry the incense sticks and repeat the process with the final batch. [6]
    • Store the incense sticks in a ziplock bag or a glass jar until they are ready to use. [7]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Prop the plain bamboo end of the incense stick into the groove in the holder so that it hangs over the tray. Light the tip of the incense stick and then blow out the flame. The incense stick will slowly burn and release its aroma. [8]
    • Each incense stick will last approximately 1-2 hours depending on the length.
    • If the incense stick doesn't burn or smolder well, this may be because it is still slightly damp. Let the other incense sticks dry for a longer period of time. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Incense Bundles

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    Choose fresh flowers and herbs that you enjoy the scent of or pick a more traditional combination of lavender, rose, thyme, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Make sure that all of the plants are facing the same direction, with stems at one end and leaves or flowers at the opposite end. [10]
    • Try to choose flowers and herbs that dry well and that haven't been grown with pesticides or chemicals.
    • You can also include cuttings from cedar or pine trees.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Use a ruler and scissors to measure and cut a piece of cotton twine that is approximately 4 in (10 cm) long. Knot the twine tightly around the middle of the bouquet to hold it together. [11]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Hold the bouquet of flowers and herbs in one hand and use your other hand to line up the sage leaves around the bouquet. Make sure that the outside of the bouquet is fully covered by the sage leaves. [12]
    • Use more or fewer sage leaves as required.
    • Sage is the most traditional and popular ingredient to use in an incense bundle. However, if you do not have sage, it's fine to make your incense bundle without it. [13]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Cut and measure a piece of cotton twine that is approximately 8 times as long as the bundle you have made. Use the twine to tie a knot 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) from the bottom of the stems. Make one end of the knotted twine only 2 in (5.1 cm) long, while the other end is the remainder. [14]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Use the long end of the twine to wrap around the bundle. Wrap the twine as tightly, as the herbs and flowers will shrink slightly as they dry. Once you reach the other end of the bundle, wind the twine back down the bundle in the opposite direction. [15]
    • This will create a criss-cross formation with the twine.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Once you have wrapped the whole bundle, wrap the remaining twine around the stems at the end of the bundle. Tuck in any loose ends under the wrapped twine. [16]
    • The wrapped twine at the end of the bundle creates a handle that you can hold as the incense burns.
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    Hang the incense bundle in a cool, dry, and dark location. Make sure that the incense bundle is completely dry before you burn it. [17]
    • The amount of time that it will take for the bundle to dry depends on the humidity. [18]
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Hold the bundle by the twine handle. Set the opposite end of the bundle alight. Blow out the flames and place the bundle into a heatproof dish. The smoldering bundle will release the aroma of the incense. [19]
    • It is easiest to hold the bundle horizontally rather than vertically as you are lighting it. [20]
    • To put the incense out, simply snuff it on the heatproof dish. If you use water to stop the incense burning, it will be very difficult to light again.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making Loose Incense

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Lay all of your flowers and herbs out in front of you. Use a measuring spoon to determine the amount of each ingredient. You don't need to cut the ingredients, as they will be ground up soon. [21]
    • Make sure that all of your ingredients are fresh.
    • You can use either white sage or garden sage.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Grind the ingredients into a fine powder. Place all of the ingredients into a mortar. Use the pestle to grind and crush the flowers and herbs. Continue grinding the ingredients until there are no large fragments left. [22]
    • Alternatively, you can use an electric grinder rather than a mortar and pestle.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Place 1 tsp of red sandalwood powder and 3-4 drops of essential oils directly into the mortar and use the pestle to combine them with the other ingredients. Use any combination of lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, or peppermint essential oils. You don't need to grind the ingredients as such, but rather just make sure that the powdered flowers and herbs are thoroughly mixed with the sandalwood powder and essential oils. [23]
    • If you used an electric grinder, place the powdered flowers and herbs, red sandalwood powder, and essential oils into a glass bowl. Combine the ingredients with a whisk.
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    Place the incense into an airtight, glass container. Keep the container out of the sun and open it only when you want to use the incense. [24]
    • This will help to preserve the scent and color of your incense. [25]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Incense
    Spread a thin layer of sand on the bottom of the heatproof dish. Then place the charcoal disk on top of the sand. Light the charcoal disk, place a small sprinkle of the loose incense on top of the disk, and enjoy the aroma of your own homemade, loose incense. [26]
    • Alternatively, use a small cauldron rather than a heatproof dish. You can also use salt rather than sand to layer the heatproof dish or cauldron.
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      Warnings

      • Burn incense wisely to avoid possible harm by using it in a well-ventilated room, and by keeping it away from pets, people with lung conditions, and pregnant women.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Always pay attention to incense as it is burning to make sure that it doesn't become a fire hazard. [27]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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      Things You'll Need

      Making Incense Sticks

      • Plain, bamboo incense sticks
      • Long, lipped dish
      • DPG
      • Fragrance or essential oil
      • Measuring spoon
      • Spoon
      • Plastic wrap
      • Rubber gloves
      • Cooling rack
      • Ziplock bag or glass jar
      • Incense stick holder

      Making Incense Bundles

      • Fresh flowers and herbs
      • Sage
      • Cotton twine
      • Ruler
      • Scissors
      • Lighter
      • Heatproof dish

      Making Loose Incense

      • Lavender
      • Rosemary
      • Thyme
      • Sage
      • Peppermint
      • Measuring spoon
      • Mortar and pestle or electric grinder
      • Sandalwood powder
      • Essential oils
      • Glass bowl
      • Whisk
      • Glass container
      • Heatproof dish or small cauldron
      • Sand or salt
      • Charcoal disk

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-make-incense-sticks/
      2. ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-make-incense-sticks/
      3. ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-make-incense-sticks/
      4. ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-make-incense-sticks/
      5. ↑ https://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/holistic-medicine-how-to/making-incense-sticks-a-general-procedure/
      6. ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-make-incense-sticks/
      7. ↑ https://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/holistic-medicine-how-to/making-incense-sticks-a-general-procedure/
      8. ↑ https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-make-incense-sticks/
      9. ↑ https://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/holistic-medicine-how-to/making-incense-sticks-a-general-procedure/
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      4. ↑ https://helloglow.co/how-to-make-your-own-rosemary-sage-smudge-sticks/
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      9. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/live-grow/how-to-make-your-own-herbal-incense-bundles
      10. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-dried-herb-incense-229051
      11. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/live-grow/how-to-make-your-own-herbal-incense-bundles
      12. ↑ https://frugallysustainable.com/how-to-make-your-own-loose-incense-four-thieves-medicinal-incense-recipe/
      13. ↑ https://frugallysustainable.com/how-to-make-your-own-loose-incense-four-thieves-medicinal-incense-recipe/
      14. ↑ https://frugallysustainable.com/how-to-make-your-own-loose-incense-four-thieves-medicinal-incense-recipe/
      15. ↑ https://frugallysustainable.com/how-to-make-your-own-loose-incense-four-thieves-medicinal-incense-recipe/
      16. ↑ https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/making-herbal-incense-zmaz91djzgoe
      17. ↑ https://frugallysustainable.com/how-to-make-your-own-loose-incense-four-thieves-medicinal-incense-recipe/
      18. ↑ https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/making-herbal-incense-zmaz91djzgoe

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make incense sticks, you’ll need unscented incense sticks; a shallow, plastic dish; dipropylene glycol or DPG, and some fragrance or essential oil. When you have your supplies, place 20 milliliters of the DGP in the dish to help the sticks burn properly. Then add 10 milliliters of your chosen fragrance or essential oil. If you’re not sure what scent to use, go for sandalwood, which is a popular choice for incense. Once your mixture is ready, place 10 incense sticks in the dish at a time so they can fully infuse. Cover the dish with plastic wrap so the liquid doesn’t evaporate and let the sticks soak for 24 hours. After time is up, air-dry the sticks on a cooling rack for another 24 hours. Remember to put on rubber gloves when you’re removing the sticks from the dish to avoid getting the liquid on you! For more information, including how to make incense bundles, keep reading.

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