How To

How to Make Incense

I Did This Rate: (14 Ratings)

It's easier to buy it already made, but you can make your own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Preparing the Incense

Step1
Put on your gloves.
Step2
Put 1 tsp. gum arabic in about 8 oz. warm water and mix thoroughly. This is the mucilage. It should absorb enough water to become a thick paste. If it's too dry, add more water a little at a time.
Step3
Note that if you plan on making incense sticks, the consistency should be like oatmeal. For cones, it should be a bit thicker, like pudding.
Step4
Cover the mucilage with a hot, wet dishcloth and set it aside.
Step5
Make the incense base by blending 6 tbsp. powdered sandalwood, 2 tbsp. ground benzoin and 1 tbsp. ground orrisroot.
Step6
Use an eyedropper to add 6 drops of the essential oil(s) of your choice in any combination.
Step7
Mix the oils in thoroughly with your hands.
Step8
Add 1 1/2 tbsp. myrrh, 2 tbsp. sandalwood, 1/2 tbsp. eucalyptus and 3 drops lemon oil to form a fine, powdery mixture.
Step9
Use a kitchen scale to weigh the incense.
Step10
Add 10 percent of that weight in saltpeter (potassium nitrate). For example, if you have 10 oz. incense, add 1 oz. saltpeter.
Step11
Mix the saltpeter in completely.
Step12
Check the mucilage. It may have thickened as it sat. If that's the case, stir in a little bit of water.
Step13
Add the mucilage a little at a time. Keep adding it until the powder is thoroughly dampened.

Making Cones

Step1
Realize that the texture should be doughlike for cone incense. If it's too thick, it will take too long to dry. If it's too thin, the cones won't hold their shape.
Step2
Shape the mixture into cones on a piece of waxed paper.
Step3
Let your incense dry for at least five days in a warm, dry place.

Making Sticks

Step1
Add thinner mucilage to make stick incense. The mixture should be thin enough to dip, but thick enough to keep a stick dipped into it standing.
Step2
Dip the sticks into the mixture. It will take several dippings to get the right thickness. You'll need to let each layer dry a few minutes before adding the next one.
Step3
Poke the ends of the sticks into a Styrofoam block to hold them upright.
Step4
Let your incense dry for at least five days in a warm, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

  • Store the sticks in 3-by-12-inch poly bags.
  • Saltpeter should not make up more than 10 percent of the incense. Too much causes it to burn too quickly, and too little may mean it won't burn at all.
  • Always wear gloves when making incense.

Comments  

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jack789 said

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 In place of the gum arabic tragacanth, Agar Agar can be used as a mucilaage. Although a little pricey it is easier to find at a health food store.

Also be brave and resourceful, go to your spice and tea rack to find ingredients for your incense blends. Things like cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, and cardamom seeds are common in scared incense of the world.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

on 11/22/2005 I make incense by using ground cinnamon and adding to it enough applesauce to make a dough. I roll it out to make sticks. Let it dry for a few days. It burns slowly and has a scent of fresh apple pie.

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