If you’re like me, you might find yourself overwhelmed by an abundance of herbs from your garden. But don’t worry, there are plenty of creative ways to use them up! For instance, have you considered making herbal incense? Not only does it help utilize those excess herbs, but it also adds a pleasant aroma to your home. Plus, it makes for a thoughtful gift or party favor. Who hasn’t experienced the uplifting feeling that comes from being surrounded by nature’s beauty?
By burning small batches of herbs indoors, you can recreate that sense of serenity and calm in the comfort of your own home. Incense has been used in various cultures and spiritual practices for thousands of years. In many faiths, it plays a significant role in ceremonies and rituals, serving as a symbol of purification and reverence. Take, for example, the Catholic tradition of burning incense during mass to consecrate the sanctuary.
Similarly, some Native American communities use sage to ‘smudge’ during cleansing ceremonies. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful atmosphere or simply want to find new ways to enjoy your herbs, burning incense can be a wonderful way to do so. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment or expertise – just some basic supplies and a little creativity!
In this article, we’ll explore the top herbs for burning and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own herb incense bundle using the plants you’ve grown.
What Is Herbal Incense?
Incense refers to any substance that releases a fragrant smoke when burned, typically filling a space with a pleasant aroma. One natural source of incense is dried herbs, which can be harvested from your own garden or foraged from the wild. Unlike artificial options, these plant-based incense alternatives offer a more authentic and less chemical-laden scent experience.
For me, there’s no better way to enjoy this sensory delight than by burning herb bundles on my woodstove during the winter months. The combination of earthy herbal fragrances and the comforting crackle of the fire creates a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation and contemplation – perfect for flipping through seed catalogs or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
What Herbs Work Well In Incense
While it’s common to associate herbs with warm weather and outdoor gardens, many varieties thrive in indoor containers, allowing you to cultivate a sense of continuity throughout the year. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, potting up your favorite herbs indoors can provide a soothing distraction from the chill outside.
Not only will this hobby keep your mind engaged during the long winter nights, but it also gives you something to look forward to when the growing season returns.
Lavender
The aromatic properties of lavender are not limited to its fresh foliage alone. The dried flower buds of this herb also emit a light and refreshing scent when burned. This natural fragrance has been revered for centuries for its calming effects, making it a popular choice for promoting relaxation and inducing a restful sleep. Furthermore, the therapeutic benefits of lavender have been touted as effective in alleviating symptoms of insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
Roses
When it comes to incense, roses offer a unique versatility. Not only can they be used alone, but they’re also an excellent addition to blends with other herbs. There are two ways to incorporate rose into your incense routine: either trim the stem like you would for a cut flower or remove the petals and combine them with other dried botanicals. The result is a delicate fragrance that’s subtly influenced by the rose variety, potentially evoking citrus or licorice notes.
Even in their dried state, rose petals retain a light, airy scent that can add depth and sophistication to your incense blends.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a versatile tropical plant that can thrive in various settings, including pots or greenhouses. Its unique aroma alone makes it a worthwhile addition to any garden, while its culinary uses are equally impressive. When used in cooking, lemongrass has the added benefit of burning well and combining harmoniously with strong herbs like sage and rosemary.
Cedar
Cedar is often misunderstood as an herb, but it’s actually a highly aromatic evergreen tree. The tiny needles release a potent fragrance when crushed, making them a prized addition to any arrangement. In fact, cedars are renowned for their unique volatile oils, which infuse the air with a distinct aroma. When burned, these leaves crackle and pop, creating an immersive sensory experience that’s hard to replicate with other materials.
For this reason, cedar is a popular choice among aromatherapy enthusiasts and fragrance connoisseurs alike. Simply remove the leaves from the stem and integrate them into your herbal bundle for an added layer of depth and complexity.
Rosemary
There’s something invigorating about the scent of rosemary – it has a remarkable ability to energize and motivate me to tackle tasks head-on. But what I find particularly interesting is that this herb also thrives in blends with other herbs, creating a synergistic effect that enhances its natural aroma. However, it’s worth noting that rosemary can be quite sensitive to cold temperatures, which means it may require protection during the winter months.
This allows you to enjoy its refreshing fragrance at its best, whether fresh or dried.
Sage
Sage, a staple in many ceremonial practices, is renowned for its ability to purify and cleanse spaces of negative energy. Its distinctive aroma, reminiscent of a warm desert breeze, makes it a popular choice for smudging rituals. When burned, sage combines harmoniously with other herbs like rosemary and thyme, creating a unique and invigorating scent. For traditional smudging purposes, white sage is the preferred variety, while culinary sage can be used as an alternative for incense purposes.
Eucalyptus
While Eucalyptus is originally from Australia and Tasmania, it has adapted to thrive in warmer climates across the United States. Its versatility doesn’t stop there – it can also be successfully cultivated as a potted plant, allowing you to bring its refreshing scent indoors during the winter months or place it outside during the summer.
This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a natural remedy to alleviate congestion caused by colds and other respiratory issues, making it a wonderful addition to any home.
Hyssop
Hyssop, an herb steeped in ancient history and symbolism, boasts a distinctive aroma that can evoke strong emotions. While its pungent scent may not be everyone’s cup of tea, for many, it holds a soothing quality reminiscent of purification rituals from biblical times. As a medicinal herb, hyssop is often employed as a cough suppressant, underscoring the importance of exploring this intriguing plant further.
Mugwort
Mugwort, a native Eurasian plant, is surprisingly widespread throughout the United States. Its propensity to spread rapidly, similar to mint, has led some to regard it as an invasive species. However, this trait also makes it easily accessible for foraging in many areas, potentially eliminating the need to cultivate it in your own herb garden.
Historically, burning mugwort was believed to boost one’s dream intensity. While its efficacy remains uncertain, I find the aroma soothing.
For an even more calming effect, consider blending it with lavender.
Plants to Avoid
While some herbs in your garden may evoke pleasant aromas, others can have an unpleasant scent when burned as incense. Take mint and lemon balm, for instance – their fresh fragrance is a delight when sniffed in the garden, but they emit an overpowering stench when lit on fire. To preserve their pleasant properties, consider using them instead for making herbal salts, candles, or brewing tea.
How to Make Herbal Incense
Materials
To prepare your cannabis for use, you’ll need a few basic tools. Start by gathering some cotton or hemp strings – these will come in handy when trimming and shaping your bud. Next, grab a pair of scissors to help tidy up any loose leaves or stems. A lighter is also necessary for igniting your weed, while a heat-proof container can be used to carefully burn off excess plant material.
Steps
Gather your herbal materials, including any flowers suitable for drying like statice, baby’s breath, and yarrow. You can also incorporate cedar branches and pine needles into your blend. Cut each stem to roughly seven inches in length, removing about two inches of leaves from the end of each stem. Measure out a piece of cotton or hemp twine, aiming for a length of around two feet.
Create a bundle by grouping approximately 10 stem ends together, securing them with a knot one inch above the cut end. Ensure everything is snug and evenly aligned, as this will help the incense burn slowly and consistently when it’s dry. Wrap your twine around the herbal bundle, keeping the wrapping tight but not too tight – it’s okay to gently push the stems together. When you reach the end of the string, cross over and come back up, creating a crisscross pattern.
Finally, secure the string with a knot at the very end of your bundle. To dry your herb blend, place it in a cool, dry location – I often use paper lunch sacks with small holes to hang them from the ceiling, keeping dust and flies at bay. Allow the herbal incense to dry for at least three weeks or longer, ensuring it’s thoroughly dry before burning. When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade incense, light one end with a match or lighter until you get a flame going.
Let it burn for a few seconds before blowing out the fire and allowing the herbs to smolder. Once the incense is burning steadily, transfer it to a heatproof container and take in the soothing aromas.
It’s Your Turn
While traditional air fresheners can be detrimental to our well-being due to their chemical composition, a more natural alternative lies in using herbal incense. This approach not only fills your space with inviting aromas but also ensures that you’re surrounded by sustainably grown, all-natural herbs. By cultivating your own herb combinations for incense, you have the freedom to choose exactly which scents and blends bring you joy.
We’d love to hear about your favorite herbal incense blends in the comments!
