Incense is often used to purify energy in rooms, or to purify the energy stored in objects. Incense smoke can help get rid of negative energy and fill the space with positive vibrations. This can be achieved by burning incense in a special censer or vase of incense and conducting a purification ceremony. Incense can also help purify an individual’s energy, either by inhaling smoke or applying a drop of essential oil to the body.
What are incense
Incense is usually special mixtures of herbs, there are also incense or essential oils. Incense is burned to cleanse, heal and strengthen energy. Incense can be used in various spiritual and religious practices, such as meditation, Indian ceremonies, Eastern and Western rituals. Incense can have different compositions and smells, depending on their purpose and the tradition in which they are used. Among the most popular incense are: white sage, palo santo, thyme, myrrh, cinnamon, clove, lavender and rose.
The most popular incense
- White sage (Salvia apiana) is a plant of the family Paleaceae, which grows in the tropical regions of North America. White sage is valued for its healing properties and cleansing effect.
- Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is a tree of the plasma family that grows in South America. Its name means “sacred tree” in Spanish. Palo Santo is valued for its characteristic, spicy scent and cleansing effect. Its wood and leaves are often used in spiritual and religious practices such as Indian ceremonies and purification rituals.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a plant from the family Thymusaceae, which grows in tropical regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Thyme is valued for its healing and taste properties. Its leaves and flowers are often used in cooking, as well as in natural medicine. Thyme is also popular as an ingredient in incense and essential oils, due to its cleansing and disinfecting effects.
- Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is a tree from the myristic family, which grows in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Myrrh is valued for its healing properties and cleansing effect. In the Bible, myrrh is mentioned as one of the three gifts that the wise men brought to Bethlehem to the newborn Jesus.
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a tree from the laurel family, which grows in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Cinnamon is valued for its healing and taste properties. Its bark and leaves are often used in cooking, as well as in natural medicine. Cinnamon is popular as an ingredient in incense and essential oils, due to its cleansing and strengthening effects.
- Carnation (Eugenia caryophyllata) is a plant of the clove family, which grows in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Carnation is valued for its characteristic, spicy smell and taste. Its bark and leaves are often used in cooking, as well as in natural medicine. Clove is popular as an ingredient in incense and essential oils, due to its cleansing and strengthening effects.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a plant from the family Lamiaceae, which grows in tropical regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Lavender is valued for its healing properties and sedative effect. Its flowers are often used in cosmetics, as well as in natural medicine. Lavender is popular as an ingredient in incense and essential oils, due to its cleansing and calming effects.
- Rose (Rosa spp.) is a plant from the Rosaceae family, which grows in tropical regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. The rose is valued for its beautiful smell and appearance. Its flowers are often used in cosmetics, as well as in natural medicine. Rose is also popular as an ingredient in incense and essential oils, due to its cleansing and strengthening effects.