Incense is a fragrant mixture of herbs and other natural materials that is burned to release a pleasant aroma. Incense making is an ancient art that has been practiced for thousands of years, and it’s relatively easy to make your own incense at home using herbs and other natural ingredients.
If you’re a witchy type, then you know that the more you work with your ingredients, the more of your energy you can infuse into the working. Store-bought incense is fine, but forming a relationship with your herbs as you work with them adds a little oomph to the magick. If you have ADHD or any other issues around focus, crafting with your hands will give you a focal point for your intentions, hopefully minimizing distractions. My favorite herbs to use for incense are basil, catnip, hyssop, lavender, rosemary, and thyme.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make incense from herbs:
Gather your ingredients: You will need a variety of herbs and other natural materials such as flowers, resins, woods, and essential oils. Some popular herbs for incense include lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary, and cedar.
Grind the herbs: Using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder, grind the herbs into a fine powder. This will help the herbs to burn more easily and release their fragrance.
Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground herbs with any other natural ingredients you want to use, such as resins or essential oils. The ratio of herbs to other ingredients will depend on personal preference, but a good starting point is to use equal parts of herbs and other ingredients.
Add the binding agent: To hold the ingredients together, you will need a binding agent, such as gum Arabic or cornstarch. Mix in about 1 teaspoon of binding agent for every cup of herbs and other ingredients.
Form the incense: Now that your ingredients are mixed and bound, you can form the incense. You can roll the mixture into small balls or press it into molds to make different shapes. You can also make stick incense by rolling the mixture into a long rope and cutting it into small pieces.
Dry the incense: Allow your incense to dry for about 24 hours, or until it hardens.
Store the incense: Once the incense is dry, you can store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Burn the incense: When you’re ready to use your incense, light a charcoal disk and place it in a heat-proof container. Then, place a small piece of the incense on top of the disk. As the incense burns, the fragrance will be released into the air.
Note: Some herbs may not be safe for burning, it’s important to be sure to use non-toxic, safe herbs. Please keep in mind that burning incense should be done in a well-ventilated room, with safety precautions.
Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and find the perfect fragrance for your home or spiritual practice.
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