Incense
Benefits of Using Incense
1. Relax and unwind
Light some Incense, curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea, a book
Frankincense, Sandalwood
2. Reducing Anxiety and Stress
A step up from relaxing – reduce body activities like heart rate and breathing. Also, encourage your mind to stop worrying and racing from one thing to another. Go for the purest and best quality Sandalwoods for this. Lavender and Rosemary are other great choices here too.
3. Meditation
Incense is used widely in many religious practices to deepen attention, heighten senses and uplift one’s own spirit when practicing meditation. Traditionally, the passing of time was also measured by the burning of set length incense sticks.
Sandalwoods and Lotus are used most frequently for meditation – but you chose what suits you best. One that transports you to the place you need to be, without taking over your thoughts.
4. Spirituality
The burning of Incense can act as a doorway to spirituality, formal or informal, recognised religion or secular. Incense is and has been for thousands of years in daily use in many religions of the world – Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.
5. Sleep Aid
Insomnia is an increasing affliction, especially in our modern, always on and interrupt orientated society. Lavender is especially associated with an aid to sleep, as are Vetiver and Chamomile. Having an Incense stick burning when falling asleep is far safer than using a candle with its naked flame.
6. Purification
Certain floral based ingredients have antibacterial properties – such as the Nag Champas. Plus, Incense is an easy, quick and accessible way to cover unwanted household smells like cooking, pets, damp clothes etc. Cedar, Myrrh and Citrus scents will ‘cleanse’ the air, leaving behind a freshness and new beginning.
7. Therapeutic
The effect of good aromas, generated from Incense sticks has been shown to raise serotonin in the brain. As an alternative to taking drugs, nonpharmacological methods of raising brain serotonin may not only improve mood but does so without side-effects or dangers of addiction.
Serotonin is considered a natural mood stabilizer and helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion. Serotonin also helps reduce depression, regulate anxiety and reduce headaches.
In summary, Serotonin is good and Incense helps it flow! Rose is highest on our list of recommendations for this attribute; try it blended alongside a good Aloeswood stick too.
8. During Yoga Seession
Help focus the mind and ready the body by creating the right aromatic atmosphere. Doing such a natural and healthy activity you’ll want to avoid anything artificial, toxic or just plain distracting.
9. Love and Sensuality
Fragrances such as Jasmine, Vanilla and Rose to create a ‘get it on’ mood. The mind is a powerful thing, readily activated by these aphrodisiac scents. Also, try Cinnamon to drive passion and loving moments.