Frankincense and Incense

Incense represents a fascinating combination of tradition and modern wellness. Burning incense has been part of religious ceremonies and healing rituals since time immemorial. In Egypt, Mesopotamia and India, incense was used to create a sacred atmosphere and it was prized for its beneficial properties. As the trade routes expanded, the practice spread to Europe, where it earned a place in church rituals and with the aristocracy.

Today, burning incense at home is connected with the creation of peace and harmony thanks to its wonderful aromatherapeutic effects. It can improve your mood, bring harmony to your soul and, last but not least, clean the air of microbes and unwanted odours. These days, when we are focusing more and more on mental wellbeing, incense and incense burners have become a modern method for bringing positive energy into our homes and minds.

Frankincense – what is it?

Frankincense is a precious aromatic resin that is obtained from trees from the genus Boswellia (also known as the frankincense tree). When heated up, it releases aromatic substances that produce a calming and harmonising aroma. Nowadays the terms frankincense and incense are often used interchangeably, though frankincense is just one kind of incense.

Frankincense most often comes from Oman or Ethiopia and it is prized for its rich earthy, smoky fragrance with delicate spicy and citrus tones. Omani frankincense from the area of Dhofar is especially intense and luxurious. Indian frankincense comes from an Indian species of the frankincense tree, Boswellia serrata.

It is available either in pure form or as a burning blend. For example, another aromatic resin, myrrh, complements frankincense perfectly: it is characterised by its rich, earthy fragrance with sweet undertones. Typical incense blend aromas are the sweet tones of sandalwood, citrus accents, cinnamon, cloves or the floral fragrances of lavender and jasmine. 

Burning sage, juniper or wood

Apart from frankincense, there are also other ways to burn incense – herbal incenses, spices or rare wood (oud, sandalwood). Their delicate smoke and fragrance can change the atmosphere of a space and bring positive associations to everyday life.

Not sure about which incense to choose? Each brings a different energy to your space and gives your environment a new touch.

White sage

Burning white sage has the ability to clean negative energy from spaces and to create a peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for spiritual rituals and meditation.

Sandalwood

Incense with sandalwood is characterised by its deep sweet, woody relaxing fragrance, which helps during meditation and relaxation. Use it to create a harmonious atmosphere.

Artemisia

Burning artemisia has powerful cleansing characteristics and it is wonderful for removing negative energy.

Juniper

Incense with juniper offers a fresh and clean fragrance. It helps during spiritual cleansing and acts as a natural repellent.

Lavender

This incense brings the delicate fragrance of lavender, which contributes to relaxation and calms you before you go to sleep. 

How to use incense and frankincense

Are you just starting to burn incense and you want to enjoy the effects without any complicated preparation? Incense sticks, wood or bundles are the simplest way. Just light one, blow it out and place it on a heat-resistant incense burner.

Incense – using with a burner or aroma lamp

Do you know any other ways to burn incense? You can try an incense burner, which works as an aroma lamp with a metal sieve. You pour the incense on the sieve and light a tea light under it.

For an intense experience, we recommend burning on charcoal. You’ll need a censer, sand or salt, tweezers and self-igniting charcoal. Hold the charcoal with the tweezers and light it from the bottom. Heat it for about 20 seconds, until the charcoal stops sparking, and then place it in the censer. After another minute, sprinkle the incense on the charcoal and its aroma will start spreading through the space.

Attention: Ensure your safety; don’t leave smoking incense unattended and make sure there is sufficient ventilation.

Choose incense, sandalwood or sage for burning! Perfect for beginners, an incense set contains everything you need – various types of incense, bowls, holders and stands. It also makes a perfect gift. Discover the magic of incense burning with Notino and create an atmosphere at home that will inspire you!