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How to use incense sticks? How to choose incense sticks to attract love and wealth How to use incense sticks
The ancient science of aromatherapy has knowledge of how aromas affect the human condition: psychological and physical. During the excavations of ancient civilizations, vessels for incense were found for a reason - incense was valued by the Egyptians, the Romans, and the Greeks like gold and like spices.
And in the Middle Ages, when the plague mowed down people indiscriminately, it was effectively fought with the help of fumigation of the air. Aromatic pine fires were kindled all over the city, giving off acrid smoke. Any of the aromatic plants known at that time was used against the plague, because they were the best antiseptics available at that time.
Modern civilization has given us daily fumigation with fumes and chemicals, and the modern lifestyle has given us stress and haste along with lack of movement and poor diet. As a result, we also get ailments, obesity, accumulation of toxic substances in the body, and a real possibility of developing severe chronic diseases.
Aromatherapy makes it possible to slow down this process. Aromas are quickly introduced into the circulatory system, improving blood circulation, normalizing the human condition and balancing the processes occurring in the body, thereby increasing the resistance to harmful external influences.
There are many methods of using aromatherapy, but incense sticks are considered one of the most popular.
Incense sticks (incense) are inexpensive and very easy to use.
Harm of aroma sticks
Not so long ago, Danish scientists announced that they had established a link between an increased risk of lung cancer and the constant use of incense sticks. It turns out that systematic long-term inhalation of incense almost doubles the risk of lung cancer.
And with irregular use of incense, you can inhale them calmly: the likelihood of cancer does not increase.
The development of cancer is influenced by organic carcinogens contained in smoke: carbonyl compounds, benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
indian incense
In their homeland, Indian incense sticks are burned during temple festivals and meditations. The fragrant base is applied to a bamboo stick, which is then soaked for several days in essential oil, resulting in a double fragrance. It is thanks to this technology that Indian sticks have a pronounced smell, they immediately fill the room with aroma.
The most popular essential oils in Indian sticks are sandalwood, patchouli (excites passion) and eucalyptus (helps with colds).
Indian incense is the most popular on the Russian market. Their packaging may be nondescript, but the quality of the oil is high, whether it is natural or synthetic.
Thai incense is offered in brighter packaging, but they are more expensive and of lower quality.
Nepalese incense
Nepalese incense sticks are baseless, they consist of several minerals and herbs that are pressed for a long time. It is not necessary to burn them to the ground: only the tip is set on fire for about two minutes, after which the stick is extinguished. Composed of pressed grass, Nepalese sticks have a rich, long-lasting aroma.
The most commonly used in Nepalese sticks are lotus, red and white sandalwood, pine and cedar.
The aroma of sandalwood helps with fear, anxiety, insomnia, calms the nerves, and also treats a bad cold and eliminates nausea.
Jasmine treats runny nose and asthmatic cough. Lavender stick eliminates insomnia and nervousness. Geranium incense soothes, relieves fears.
Tibetan incense
These are the most sought after incense and have a special place in the aromatherapy tradition.
Herbs for them are collected by hand in the Himalayas and at a strictly defined time.
Tibetan incense sticks contain up to 40 components. The sticks are pressed, like the Nepalese ones. When burning, they gradually change the smell, but they are intended not only for flavoring. They are used both in acupuncture for cauterization of points, and in massage, ground into powder and added to cream.
Chinese incense
These are most often baseless floral and sandalwood incense. They can also be in the form of thin spirals twisted in several circles. Burning clockwise, they create an "energy pillar", as they say in China.
They can also be in the form of small baskets, boats, kegs.
How are aroma sticks used?
Smell plays an important role in our life. They can relax and excite, cause headaches and focus attention, cheer up and poison our lives. To properly use the power of odors, you need to know their properties.
Incense sticks are the most convenient type of incense to use. This popularity is ensured by convenience, ease of use and low cost. The base impregnated with aroma filler is applied to a wooden chip. Usually the base is made from coal or masala (a mixture of fine dust or crushed plants).
Black aroma sticks are made of charcoal. When burning, they smell only of aroma filler. And in brown and beige sticks, a masala base is used, whose smell will be mixed with the aroma when burned.
Pay attention to the quality of the filler. The smell of a synthetic fragrance is not as pleasant and healthy as the smell of a natural one. Do not burn several sticks at the same time - they can have the exact opposite effect.
In order not to get drowsiness instead of the expected increased working capacity, you need to figure out which smells contribute to what.
Relax - jasmine, myrrh, rose, lotus, sandalwood.
Stress removes the smell of jasmine, it also helps to mobilize hidden reserves. Enhances sensuality.
The sweet and tart smell of lotus relieves fatigue.
Aromatherapy in horoscopes
Aries are most prone to colds, viruses, headaches and eye diseases. They are recommended the aroma of lemon, which tones and has an antiviral effect, relieves nausea, relieves headaches and strengthens the immune system.
Aries can also use incense, pine, sandalwood, vanilla and patchouli sticks.
Taurus has a chance to live life to a ripe old age without disease, but their tendency to abuse work, feelings, emotions, a lot of bad habits, causes the body's energy to decline. In such situations, they are found by ailments - diseases of the neck, throat, nose.
The aroma of Taurus is jasmine, which promotes relaxation, relieves stress, improves body defenses. Recommended and sticks with scents of cedar, lilac, pine, bergamot, lily of the valley.
Gemini suffer from boredom and nerves. Hence the insomnia, allergies, breakdowns, joint diseases. For therapy, sandalwood is used, which relieves depression, insomnia, headache, cold. The taste for life is returned with the aromas of orange, vanilla, ylang-ylang, cinnamon.
Cancer is the most susceptible to depression. All ailments come from the nerves and through self-hypnosis, which contributes to diseases of the stomach, intestines, and urinary system. In such a situation, it is best to use the smell of myrrh, which helps to get out of depression, cope with insomnia, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Useful aromas of lavender, juniper, bergamot, ylang-ylang, lemon, pine.
The lion is resistant to diseases and resists them well. The most vulnerable place in Leo is the heart. Less worries, loads and stresses are needed. The main aroma is considered to be a rose, which improves blood circulation and relieves tension.
Virgos are attentive to their health, but due to anxiety and unrest, the intestines can become a problematic place. The scent of sandalwood is good for soothing. In case of poor health, eucalyptus will have an anti-inflammatory effect. You can use orange, cedar, lemongrass, myrrh.
Anything can make Libra sick. You can tidy up the nervous system with the aroma of ylang-ylang. It will relieve headaches, cramps and nervous tics. Use more mint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, cedar.
Scorpios can manage health on their own, but this will require energy and strength. The aroma of patchouli gives strength, energy, determination, vivacity. The smells of magnolia, lemon, pine are good.
If life is interesting to Sagittarius, then they can live it without illness. They will need good mood and do not overwork, otherwise diseases of the cardiac system, nerves, liver may occur. For prevention, the aroma of cinnamon is suitable, which uplifts the mood, calms the nerves, and gives self-confidence. Also use incense sticks with almond, patchouli, rosemary, frankincense scents.
Capricorn has the ability to resist disease. He tends to think of chronic diseases. Suffer skin, joints, blood circulation. Lavender-scented incense sticks are the best. They will give strength to resist the painful condition. For Capricorns, aromas of bergamot, cloves, pine, sage, sandalwood are effective.
Due to unwillingness to be treated, chronic diseases occur in Aquarius. It is better for them not to allow illnesses at all, which means that they need to maintain vigor and optimism. Raises the mood and improves the well-being of Aquarius incense, whose smell does not allow you to become depressed and disappointed. Hyacinth, ylang-ylang and eucalyptus also contribute to this.
Pisces are most predisposed to schizophrenia. This is due to the peculiarity of the nature of Pisces, which feels like a victim in any circumstances. They need to pay attention to colds, often giving complications to the nose and legs. The festive and bright smell of orange cheers up and helps to take a more positive look at what is happening. Incense sticks with the smells of myrrh, vanilla, bergamot, lemon are suitable for fish.
14 incense for relaxation and recharging
1. Bergamot tones, gives strength, improves memory and attention.
2. Jasmine has an anti-stress, relaxing effect, mobilizes the body's reserves. Enhances sensuality, is considered a "feminine" fragrance.
3. Ylang-ylang is a good antidepressant, it causes a feeling of self-confidence. Relieves cramps, nervous tics, headaches. Excellent aphrodisiac "male smell", increases male potency.
4. Lavender relieves fatigue, insomnia, strengthens the immune system. Stimulates blood circulation, eliminates mental lethargy, irritability and states of causeless fear.
5. Frankincense inspires, awakens interest in life.
6. Lemon tones, strengthens the immune system, has an antiviral effect. Relieves headaches, dizziness, nausea.
7. Lotus relieves fatigue, promotes spiritual development.
8. Myrrh is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Helps with insomnia, relieves stress.
9. Opium tones, invigorates, sharpens the mind and fires the heart.
10. Patchouli antiviral. Nourishes, refreshes, gives strength and determination. Strong erotic stimulant.
11. Rose helps with depression, insomnia, stress and nervous tension. Relieves fear, nightmares. Improves blood circulation.
12. Sandalwood relaxes, calms the nerves. Helps with depression, insomnia, nervous hiccups, throat irritation, runny nose, nausea, heartburn. It is a mild aphrodisiac, increases sensuality.
13. Pine activates respiration, has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates the process of rehabilitation after long-term illnesses.
14. Eucalyptus purifies the air, kills bacteria. Powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent.
One of the main principles of the art of aromatherapy is: "Do no harm!". That is why it is important to use each fragrant element of a pleasant ritual strictly for its intended purpose, and they are no exception, the huge variety of which is simply amazing.
The science of aromatherapy is ancient and mysterious. It is in this industry that aromas and the features of their influence on a person, his psychological and physical condition are studied. Even during excavations of ancient civilizations, archaeologists discovered many vessels and bowls intended for storing and using incense. Such items were no less valuable than gold among the Romans, the Greeks, and the Egyptians.
During the rampage of the plague epidemic in the Middle Ages, the air was fumigated by various means. In some cases, these methods have indeed been effective. It is interesting to know that the plague was fought with all possible and known at that time aromatic means and plants. But today, when we breathe dirt, soot and chemicals, we consider aromatherapy to be something secondary.
The most popular type of therapy are incense sticks. Their popularity lies in their ease of use and affordable price. In order for the smell to be pleasant and useful, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the filler. It is strongly not recommended to burn several sticks at the same time.
In India and China, incense sticks are made from bamboo. At the first stage of production, bamboo straw is immersed in an aromatic mixture and then - in aromatic oil - finely chopped fragrant herbs. If you buy synthetic products, then apart from a strong smell, there will be no effect, and, as you know, obsessive odors cause headaches and general
unsatisfactory condition. To light a stick, light it and gently blow it out. It is better to place it on a special stand, since ash will form and crumble during smoldering.
Unfamiliar incense should be used with extreme caution. It is always important to remember such a thing as individual intolerance. That is, if your friends or relatives do not have an allergic reaction to one or another type of incense, this is not a guarantee that it will be ideal for another person.
Some put forward versions that light-colored incense sticks are made from exclusively natural and safe
materials, but black sticks are harmful chemicals. This is an incompetent opinion and an erroneous judgment. The color of the sticks is not a criterion for their quality. Primary attention should be paid to the composition of the product: synthetic components will provide only a strong smell, but natural elements guarantee an excellent product.
Incense sticks heal the body and soul - so they say in the East. Aromatherapy relaxes, relieves stress and tension. It is convenient that for a relaxation session you do not need to buy an aroma lamp and essential oils - you just set fire to a stick and inhale the aromas.
But is it always beneficial? Always, if you use incense correctly.
Choosing a flavor
The aroma of sticks, like perfume, is individual. The effect depends on the correctness of its choice:
- Aromas of lotus, sandalwood, jasmine relax well after a working day. We recommend using them with constant mental or physical stress.
- Rose scented incense sticks awaken sensuality. In the East, they are often fumigated in rooms before intimacy. Vanilla sticks are also considered an aphrodisiac.
- The smell of lemon has a beneficial effect on the immune system. It is advisable to use such aroma sticks if you have frequent headaches, nausea.
- Coniferous aromas kill microbes and bacteria, invigorate, improve mood. They are used to prevent colds.
- Lavender calms and soothes. This fragrance helps to cope with emotions, overcome stressful situations.
- Lotus is one of the most effective scents in aromatherapy. It is useful for chronic fatigue, insomnia, stress, and the initial stages of depression.
What are incense sticks?
The most popular are aroma oils produced in Tibet, Nepal, China and India.
Sandalwood - a fragrance of spirituality, depth and sensuality
sacred aroma of meditation, brings you closer to the divine, reveals from the inside, restores the aura, relieves stress and depression, gives a feeling of well-being, aphrodisiac, increases sensuality, excites passion, cools after meditation, cleanses the room
Sandalwood famous for its woody, resinous, rich aroma, with a misty musky undertone. The fragrance of sandalwood is not strong, not flashy, without harsh notes, but very persistent. It has practically no analogue in nature. This is a classic, erotic, expensive fragrance. In India, everything that is most beautiful, expensive, the best is called a word. "chanda", those. "sandal".
In Hinduism, sandalwood is an integral part of religious services and rituals, is used in meditation, "transfers" the believer from the material world to the subtle world, brings him closer to the divine, clears the mind, helps to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment, helps to open the "third eye" , directs consciousness inward.
The smell of sandalwood is considered sacred, in Indian culture there has always been a clear connection between sandalwood fragrance and religious life.
According to Indian mythology, Paradise is filled with the aroma of sandalwood, the gods love it, so it was “offered” to the gods during puja (worship) - they used incense sticks with the smell of sandalwood, added sandalwood oil to smoking lamps. Holy places were cleansed with it, they smoked it in houses to drive away evil spirits. Interestingly, the smell of sandal attracts snakes. In Indian illustrations, one can find the image of sandalwood entwined with snakes.
It is believed that the smell of sandalwood allows the soul of the deceased to reach God, as well as calm the mourners and humble them with the inevitable.
In addition, sandalwood fragrance has excellent antiseptic properties, cleansing the room and killing bacteria and germs.
The scent of sandalwood one of the classic aromatherapy fragrances. This is a complex philosophical smell. It has the following effect:
- on a psycho-emotional level- relieves anxiety, stress, depression, a state of fear, relaxes and warms, makes it possible to open up from the inside, removes barriers, releases the imagination, opens the springs of creativity, helps to adapt to changes, protects against impulsive actions that are not related to the nature of Good and Light, removes obsessive thoughts, gives a sense of well-being, eliminates tearfulness, helps to adequately meet unpleasant life surprises, in stressful situations and conflicts
- at the medical level- normalizes heart rate, nervous system, relieves irritability, gives sound sleep, treats sexual disorders caused by psychological problems, relieves sexual tension, helps to realize any love desires and fantasies, makes sexual intercourse exquisite, increases sensuality, helps with neurotic loss voice, difficulty swallowing, menopausal problems, nervous hiccups, skin inflammation, irritation of the throat and nasopharynx, relieves tension after intense mental activity
- on a magical level- excites passion, "spiritual smell" used for meditation and harmony, personifying the balance of day and night, cold and heat, male and female, spiritual depth, develops intuition, restores the aura, gives clear dreams, helps to concentrate during meditation and "cools » after meditation
To use incense sticks in our country at the beginning at the end of the 20th century, just with the advent of new trends in oriental culture (feng shui, yoga, etc.). The product is used for various rituals, relaxation, treatment, rituals of magic and simply as a means for flavoring the air.What are incense sticks?
The incense stick is a base made of natural wood in the form of a stick of small diameter, which is impregnated with an odorous mixture, namely, essential oils. To feel the incense, the aroma stick must be set on fire. Outgoing aromas are designed to create a unique mood, sharpen feelings and change the state of a person at the physical level.There are many legends that such incense was used only by sorcerers, so in many eastern countries they were banned in the Middle Ages. In fact, modern scientific research has refuted the notion of an otherworldly or magical power aromatic agents. The impact on the body is carried out through the influence of essential oil, which exudes a smell when burned.
Why are incense sticks so popular among other aromatherapy products? The secret is simple - ease and ease of use, low cost, the ability to combine with any style of interior. Plus, they are easy to make at home.
Types and purpose
Sticks from India
Made from bamboo. This is the most popular type, as it has the most pronounced aroma.The fact is that during the production process, the Indians initially apply an odorous mixture to the base and only then soak the sticks in essential oils. This makes it possible to obtain a double flavor.
At home, sticks are used for meditation, temple rites. The most popular oils are: eucalyptus, patchouli, sandalwood.
Aroma sticks from Nepal
The production technology is different: herbs and minerals are used. The collected raw materials are subjected to long-term pressing, resulting in the shape of a stick.A feature of these sticks is that they need to be set on fire for a maximum of 3 minutes. This time is enough to fully fill the room with aromas. The scent is strong and lasts quite a long time.
Nepalese use red or white sandalwood, jasmine, lotus, pine, geranium, cedar as the main material. At home, products are used for relaxation, treatment.
Aroma sticks from Tibet
They are made according to the type of Nepalese products, but one stick can contain up to 4 dozen herbs that are harvested by hand, and in the Himalayas. Tibetans adhere to special rules: herbs are harvested at a certain time, not only manual collection, but all subsequent work, up to packaging. For this reason, such aroma sticks have a high cost.The remains after burning the stick can also be used, for example, for massages or acupuncture treatments. Another plus is that in the process of smoldering the sticks change their smell. Such sticks can be ground to a powder and then added to your favorite cream or ointment.
Products from China
Always have the shape of a spiral, boat, barrel or basket. Such funds act identically to sticks. The shape is thought out on the basis of Chinese philosophy - incandescent spirals resemble vital coils, thanks to which any problem and question can be resolved. Burning occurs exclusively in a clockwise direction.Today you can find a lot of fake aroma sticks that are produced far from the indicated countries. Their danger lies in the fact that they do not contain natural raw materials, but synthetic ones, which harm the body. It is easy to distinguish them: for example, straight sticks are never made in China, and many unfortunate manufacturers produce just such, indicating that these products are from China.
See in our video how incense sticks are made:
What smells of aroma sticks are there?
The smell of an incense stick directly depends on the raw materials used. For example, almond sticks smell like almonds, mint sticks smell like mint, sandalwood sticks smell like sandalwood, and so on. It can be sweet, tart, bitter, sour and other flavors.Each fragrance has its own properties:
- Herb mint, savory, oregano, lavender, myrrh, jasmine and almond. These products have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, act as adaptogens.
- Tea tree, marjoram, chamomile, sandalwood, lemon balm, geranium and frankincense have sedative properties. Smells neutralize depression, soothe, restore sleep, eliminate fatigue.
- But with the help of cinnamon, orange, lemon, rosemary, cedar, fennel, magnolia and camphor, on the contrary, you can find vigor and recharge your batteries. These smells have a positive effect on brain function.
How to use?
To light an incense stick, it is enough to use matches. But there are also special rules:- Take care of fire safety. Do not place aroma sticks near flammable objects.
- The tip of the stick should be set on fire. Immediately after it ignites, blow it out a little, as it should smolder, not burn.
- Remember that ash will fall off the product, which can burn through the tablecloth, paper and other surfaces. Therefore, it is advisable to substitute a fireproof object under the stick.
- Do not light several aroma sticks at the same time, especially different ones. Remember that even one stick can fill the room with the smell as much as possible.
- If there is no window in the room or you do not have the opportunity to ventilate the room, then it is better not to use aroma products.
- Do not buy too cheap analogues, they will bring harm instead of good.
- It is undesirable to use such products daily.
Useful properties of aroma sticks
Undoubtedly, there are benefits from the use of aromatic devices. They have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which will disinfect the home.When the plague "walked" around the world, the inhabitants of cities and villages kindled coniferous fires. Their acrid smoke acted as a bactericidal agent. Incense sticks work in a similar way. Therefore, their use in colds is fully justified.
Incense is also useful for human health, especially for nervous system. Some herbs can kill insects, such as eucalyptus, mint and lemon. If you are afraid of the evil eye and damage, then it is recommended to use juniper, tangerine, incense and lotus.
Is there any harm?
If used incorrectly, aroma products can harm the body, especially if used more than 2 times a week.Scientists conducted studies, as a result of which it turned out that smoldering smoke leads to lung cancer, because it is this organ that filters harmful substances coming from the air.
Many people have an allergic reaction to certain herbs, which is manifested by severe headaches, watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy skin. Therefore, at the slightest discomfort, refuse to fumigate the room.
Pay special attention to the quality indicators of sticks - purchase them in specialized stores. Remember: a quality product in a dry state should not have sharp aromas, and low-quality fakes contain synthetic harmful impurities with a pronounced odor.
How to make incense sticks with your own hands?
If you want to save on the purchase of a product or want to be sure of its quality, then make them yourself. For this you will need:- buy a natural bamboo base or ordinary barbecue skewers (maximum length - 30 cm, minimum - 15);
- choose the right essential oil;
- pick up a beautiful vase or bottle (to match the interior);
- prepare refined oil and alcohol.
Pour the resulting mixture into a beautiful container and insert the bamboo base. As the stick is soaked with an odorous mixture, the room will be filled with a pleasant aroma. The advantage of such a wand is that you do not need to set fire to it. Consequently, the aroma will be gentle and your lungs will not suffer.
Another option for making incense sticks without the need to set them on fire is presented in this video:
Now you know everything about aroma sticks, it remains only to choose the necessary aroma. Employees of specialized stores will help you to do this. On your own, you can also determine the smell, but on an intuitive level: if the aroma gives pleasure, there is no discomfort, then this smell is yours.
