Indian Incense and mankind's first experiences with fire go hand-in-hand. It
is obvious when man discovered fire by burning wood, he would not have
missed that certain woods had more pleasing aromas and indeed varying
emotional effects. Traditional Incense artifacts which are thousands of years old,
have been found throughout the world, and appear to be a part of every
human culture. The connection between incense and religion and even
medicine is always there and it would be impossible to separate them.
Incense is designed to spread fragrance, creating an atmosphere or
setting a tranquil pace for whatever activity is intended. Fine incense
burning in any room with gentle lighting can produce the setting that
subtly calls the psyche to relax, lighten and flow with the moment.
Whether that space is a bedroom or a temple, the effect is the same. Ingredients of Incense
Since Vedic times, fragrance has always been a dominant factor in Hindu religious rituals. There are thousands of incenses made in India, which are available in all shapes and sizes. There are cone shaped incenses, gummy log types, powders, raw woods, resins, wood chips, pastes, and even liquids or oils.
Ingredients of incense can be classified into the following categories on the basis of five elements and their Ayurvedic relationship to plants. The relationship is shown below :
- Earth (Roots) : Turmeric, Ginger, Costus Root, Valerian, Spikenard etc.
- Fire (flower) : Clove
- Air (leaves) : Patchouli
- Ether (Fruits) : Star Anise
- Water (Stems and Branches) : Sandalwood, Aloeswood, Cedarwood, Cassia, Myrrh, Borneol etc.