Incense Binders: The Scent Binder - Odourless Natural Joss Powder- The Secret of Making Great Incense

The natural glue tree - Litsea GlutinosaThe Natural Glue Tree - Litsea Glutinosa

Litsea Glutinosa, often called the “natural glue tree,” is a powerful incense-making tool. Its timber is versatile and used in small constructions and building projects, especially for general house framing. In Vietnam, Litsea Glutinosa’s processed bark and leaves are valued for creating a natural adhesive, perfect for restoring ancient wood temples.

When the bark and leaves are ground into powder and mixed with water, they form a sticky, adhesive paste. This paste is an ideal binder for incense spices, ensuring they form a cohesive incense blend. Artisanal incense makers have relied on this odourless natural glue for decades, finding it a perfect solution for binding incense ingredients like herbs, resins, and woods.

For optimal results, a common ratio is to use 1.2g of this natural glue for every 10g of incense spices. Additionally, ki powder, also known as tabu no ki or makko powder, is another natural binder option, praised for its adhesive properties and minimal scent interference. This ensures the mixture binds well without overpowering the scent.

Below is a short video of Litsea Glutinosa from Phar Macognogy, showcasing its uses and benefits.

How to Use Natural Incense

When crafting a small batch of 100g of incense, only 10g (up to 12g) of the Scent Binder is needed. Combine the ingredients in a container and add water slowly until the mixture is moist and kneadable. Once ready, use an incense extruder to shape your incense sticks or cone incense, ensuring they dry evenly and burn smoothly.

People use Litsea for many things. Its timber can be used in small constructions and building projects. In some parts of the world, people use this wood for general house framing.

In Vietnam, Litsea Glutinosa is also used. Its processed bark and leaves could be used to make a natural adhesive that can bind wood to restore some ancient wood temples.

When we grind the bark and leaves of this tree into powder and mix them with water, they become a sticky paste. This paste is a perfect solution for binding all incense spices together. Incense powder is a common ingredient in incense making, playing a crucial role in formulating incense sticks and cones.

Even better, this paste is odourless, and artisanal incense makers have used this natural glue to bind all their incense together for many decades.

One popular ratio is: For every 10 g of incense spice, use 1.2g of this natural glue to bind it.

Below is a short video of Litsea Glutinosa from Phar Macognogy

How to use

If you make a small batch of 100g of incense, you only need 10g (12g max) of the Scent Binder. This binder can also be used to create backflow cones, known for their unique feature of releasing smoke downward.

Mix them in a container and add water slowly until it is moist enough.

You can put the mix in the incense extruder for your incense craft when it is kneadable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not using high-quality ingredients. Incense houses, which preserve traditional incense recipes, emphasize the importance of using the best materials and proper techniques to achieve the desired results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making incense, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating a new blend or experimenting with different ingredients. However, there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure that your incense turns out well.

• Using too much water: Adding too much water can make the incense too wet and difficult to shape. This can also lead to a weaker scent and a less even burn. Always add water slowly and in small amounts to achieve the right consistency.

• Not using a binder: A binder, such as a mako powder or xanthan gum, is essential for holding the incense ingredients together and ensuring a smooth, even burn. Without a binder, the incense may not hold its shape or burn properly.

• Not grinding the ingredients finely enough: Finely ground ingredients burn evenly and consistently release their fragrance. If the ingredients are not ground finely enough, the incense may not burn well or produce a weak scent.

• Not using high-quality ingredients: High-quality ingredients are crucial for creating good incense. Look for ingredients that are fresh, fragrant, and of high quality to ensure the best results.

• Not storing the incense properly: Incense should be stored in a cool, dry place to preserve its fragrance and prevent it from becoming stale. Proper storage ensures that your incense remains fresh and effective.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your incense making skills and create beautiful, fragrant incense that burns evenly and smells wonderful.

Summary

Making incense is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little practice and patience, you can create your own unique incense blends using a variety of natural ingredients. Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing atmosphere, improve your focus, or simply enjoy a pleasant scent, incense can be a powerful tool.

By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can create your own incense sticks, cones, or pellets using a variety of ingredients, including essential oils, herbs, and spices. Remember to always use high-quality ingredients, follow proper safety precautions, and experiment with different blends to find the one that works best for you.

Whether you’re a seasoned incense maker or just starting out, we hope this article has provided you with the information and inspiration you need to create your own unique incense blends. Happy incense making!