Incense are plant materials that are burned to release their fragrant aromas.
They come packaged in sticks, cones, and powders in fragrances from sandalwood to jasmine topalo santo.
While the research on their health benefits is limited, there are still plenty of reasons to use incense.
Here are 12 easy ways to incorporate the smell-good tool into your routine.
“Frankincense is great for meditation,” Biziou adds.
To connect to your memories
Have a smell that makes you feel particularly sentimental or thoughtful?
Burn that incense for a trip back in time.
“Therefore, it also can evoke memories of the past.”
Jasmine and rose, according to Biziou, are two that are great for connecting to love.
“Use lavender or sandalwood to evoke a state of meditation and peace,” Biziou suggests.
“Many indigenous cultures believe that burning incense sends our prayers directly up to Spirit,” Biziou notes.
Light them as you start working, meditating, or journaling and continue until they burn out.
Fragrance is a much more gentle timekeeper that a clock or phone.
To practice mindfulness
Stimulating the senses is a great way toengage in the present moment.
Simply find a scent you enjoy and tune into the smell fully.
Try those out in your incense burner the next time you want to get in the mood.
To get grounded
And lastly, Biziou notes that cedar and vetiver are excellent scents for grounding.
Feeling overwhelmed or anxious?
Light either of those scents and take some deep breaths for a greater sense of calm in the moment.
Here are some do’s and don’ts from Biziou.
So, find an aroma (or four or five) that you really love, and burn away.
