Incense Stick Fragrance

The incense sticks have been an intricate part of Asian as well as European culture from many centuries. It all began when man burnt down aromatic woods and from then it clicked upon him to start making incense sticks. As mankind evolved, these incense sticks started gaining popularity in different rituals and religious events. The birth of incense stick was seen in ancient civilizations as in India, Egypt, Greece, China, and Japan. In India, incense sticks are used extensively in havans, weddings, pujas, etc. In China, the first incense sticks are believed to be associated with Daoism. The Old Testament, the Vedas and other ancient books have also recorded the use of incense sticks.

An incense stick is made from camphor, clove, saffron, and sweet smelling fragrance such as rose, jasmine, coconut, musk, strawberry, oils of fragrant flowers and aromatic woods. Medicinal herbs may also be used to create a soothing atmosphere. Binding materials such as charcoal or Arabic gum have oxidizers and are used in burning of the stick. Incense stick can also be made from natural fragrances such as Patchouli, cedar wood, sandalwood as well from artificial fragrances such as cannabis, opium, watermelon. It originates from the dhoop tree whose chips give out great fragrances. Right proportion of all the ingredients keep the fragrance going on and the stick burns evenly. Excess of any ingredient may cause the fragrance to be hampered to the stick to be burnt quickly and unevenly. These sticks can be made at home as well. Just the essential ingredients have to be present in right amount.

Incense sticks have some therapeutic properties as well. The medicinal herbs used in the incense sticks cure nervous problems, depression, constipation, sleeplessness etc, The saffron and sandalwood used in it help in improving blood circulation, curing skin diseases, easing asthmatic breathing and cough, alleviating fever and inflammation. It also reduces body odor and gives relief from body aches and pain

The fragrant sticks are also seen to be related to the moods of the people. The psychological disorders in the human being can also be eliminated and the condition can be improved. The fragrance uplifts the mood and increases agility thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Once the body is free of anxiety and stress, meditation also becomes possible. Hence, in temples excessive use of incense sticks can be seen for this purpose apart from pleasing the God. Use of a specific kind of incense stick also helps promote longevity.

Thus incense sticks have a lot of advantages. And their use never seems to die out. However, today, because of ever increasing pollution, handmade, smoke free and recycled sticks are in much demand in addition to the conventional sticks.

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