The Ultimate Guide to Incense: Benefits, Uses, and How to Choose the Right One
Incense has been a part of my daily routine for years, and I love how it transforms a space with just a single stick or cone. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day, deepen your meditation practice, or simply enjoy a beautiful fragrance in your home, incense can be a game-changer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the benefits of incense, how I use it, and how to pick the right one for your needs.
Why I Love Incense (And Why You Might Too!)
-
Relaxation & Stress Relief
Some scents just melt the stress away. Lavender and sandalwood are my go-to choices when I need to unwind—they help ease tension and create a sense of peace. -
Enhancing Meditation & Spiritual Practices
I always light incense before a meditation session. Scents like frankincense, myrrh, and Dragon’s Blood really help me feel more grounded and centered. -
Purifying the Air
Natural resins and essential oil-based incense can help freshen up a space by neutralizing unwanted odors and even reducing airborne bacteria. Plus, it just smells amazing! -
Boosting Focus & Creativity
When I need to concentrate, I burn citrus or peppermint incense. It helps sharpen my mind and keeps me energized throughout the day. -
Aiding Sleep & Relaxation
Burning incense before bed has become part of my nighttime ritual. Chamomile and sandalwood are my go-to choices for creating a calming atmosphere that helps me drift off to sleep.
Types of Incense I Use & Recommend
Incense comes in different forms, each offering a unique experience:
- Incense Sticks – Classic and easy to use. Just light one, and you’re set.
- Incense Cones – Burn faster and create a more intense fragrance. Perfect when I want a stronger scent in less time.
- Resin Incense – This one requires a charcoal burner, but the scent payoff is incredible and feels super traditional.
- Powdered Incense – A fun way to customize scents. I sprinkle a little onto a charcoal disc when I want something unique.
- Coil Incense – Long-lasting and great for deep meditation sessions or ceremonies.
How to Choose the Right Incense
-
Decide on Your Goal
- Need to relax? Go for lavender, sandalwood, or jasmine.
- Meditating? Frankincense, myrrh, or Dragon’s Blood are great choices.
- Boosting energy? Try citrus, peppermint, or lemongrass.
- Preparing for sleep? Chamomile, vanilla, or patchouli are perfect
-
Check the Ingredients
I always recommend natural, non-toxic incense made with pure essential oils and resins. Avoid synthetic fragrances if you can. -
Pick the Right Form
If you love a slow burn, go for sticks or coils. If you want something more intense, cones or resin incense are the way to go.
My Tips for Burning Incense Safely
- Always use a proper holder or burner to avoid accidents.
- Keep it away from anything flammable (curtains, papers, etc.).
- Make sure your space is well-ventilated—a little air circulation helps prevent smoke buildup.
- When you’re done, extinguish it properly by dipping the tip in water or pressing it into sand.
Final Thoughts
Adding incense to my routine has made a huge difference in my mood, focus, and overall well-being. Whether you’re new to incense or already love it, experimenting with different scents can help you create the perfect atmosphere in your home.
If you're looking for high-quality, natural incense, check out my collection at Shaanti Scents and find your new favorite scent!