Powder incense, what are they and how to use them?

When I was a kid, I visited my friend's house. I witnessed a ritual at his home. On a table, there was pottery. Inside that pottery, there was burning charcoal. Then, one adult opened a jar and scooped a small amount of powder from the jar, which was then released slowly into the pottery. Instantly, I saw smoke drift in the air, and after a short moment, I could smell a woody scent throughout the room. That powder was incense powder. I later learned that burning the incense powders released the fragrant molecules in the air as smoke. The smoke has a pharmacological effect. Some people use this method to treat respiratory illnesses and muscle tension as well as some "luck and fortune" to the place. It is difficult to fully explain the positive impact. That is why you often hear burning incense powders bring positive energy.

Powder Incense:

When we grind plant material into powder, we have one incense powder. If we do the same with different plants, we have different incense powders. The plant material includes but is not limited to, Frankincense, Myrrh, Opoponax labdanum, benzoin, cinnamon, cedarwood, sandalwood, agarwood, and palo santo wood.

Powder incense is a finely ground form of incense typically made from a blend of aromatic herbs, fragrances, resins, and sometimes agarwood. Unlike traditional incense sticks or cones, powder incense is loose, allowing for versatility in how it is used. It is often sprinkled over a continuous heat source, such as incense charcoal, to release its fragrance as smoke. This method of burning allows the scent to fill a space with a rich, inviting aroma, often used for meditation, relaxation, or enhancing the atmosphere of a room.

Some people have tried burning powder incense—hoping to fill the room with a calming scent—but quickly found it does not work. Some even sprinkle the incense powder on a burner, trying to light it, but the flame sputters and dies. So what could go wrong?

Not all Incense material burnt freely.

I have tried to burn many incense powders in a continuous heat source, such as charcoal or an electric burner. Some resins can be difficult to burn independently or require careful handling to achieve the desired effect.

For example, benzoin resin burns quickly and produces a biting smoke when used alone, making it less pleasant unless mixed with other ingredients like sandalwood or cinnamon. Benzoin is also prone to burning unevenly or too fast if not properly prepared or combined with other substances. Resins such as myrrh and frankincense can lose their fragrance if exposed to humidity or cold temperatures, which hampers their ability to release their aroma effectively during burning.

I will list some other plant materials (resin and wood included) where burning can be challenging due to their characteristics or natural composition.

1. Copal: This resin, derived from trees in the Buresara family, is well known in traditional ceremonies in Central America. However, like benzoin, copal can be quite challenging to burn evenly due to its tendency to melt and create a sticky residue before fully combusting. It often requires higher temperatures or careful preparation on hot charcoal.

2. Dragon’s Blood: Derived from the resin of various plants, including Dracaena and Daemonorops species, dragon’s blood is another example that can be tricky to burn. It burns quite intensely but quickly forms a dense and somewhat acrid smoke if not mixed properly with a slower-burning material like sandalwood or frankincense.

3. Sandalwood Chips: While sandalwood is a classic incense material, its wood chips can be challenging to burn directly due to their density and moisture retention. It is often recommended to use finely ground sandalwood mixed with other ingredients or heated on charcoal to release its fragrance slowly.

4. Cedar Wood: Cedar wood, often used in the form of small chips or shavings, can sometimes burn unevenly or too quickly if exposed directly to flame or high heat. Like sandalwood, it is often used as part of a blend to maintain a steady release of scent.

5. Galbanum Resin: This resin is known for its intense green, woody aroma but can be difficult to burn due to its sticky and thick texture. It is generally used in powdered form or combined with other resins and wood powders to facilitate a more even burn.

Why do you use Powder incense?

It helps you burn the incense properly and make your own incense.

How to burn Powder Incense

Materials You Will Need:

• Powder incense: This can be from ground aromatic herbs, resins, wood and other fragrant ingredients. Agarwood powder incense is popular due to its distinct, sweet spicy wood scent.
  
  

• Incense charcoal disc: A continuous heat source, providing the ideal condition for burning the incense powders.

• Incense burner or heat-resistant dish: This can be a traditional bowl or any heat-safe container designed to hold burning charcoal and powders.

• Tongs or tweezers: For handling hot charcoal discs.
  
  

• Lighter or matches: To light the charcoal disc.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Incense Burner: Begin by placing an incense charcoal disc in the centre of a heat-resistant dish or traditional incense burner. Make sure the burner is on a stable, non-flammable surface to prevent any accidents.

2. Light the Charcoal: Using tongs, carefully hold the charcoal disc and light its edge with a lighter or match. Continue holding the flame until the charcoal starts to burning and a small layer of ash forms on its surface. This indicates that the charcoal is properly ignited and will provide a continuous heat source.
   

    

3. Allow the Charcoal to Settle: Wait for about one to two minutes to let the charcoal turn completely grey and hot. This waiting period ensures that the charcoal is evenly heated, which is essential for the even burning of the powder incense. The hot, even surface of the charcoal disc makes it possible for the incense powder to burn freely. Notice the hot charcoal is burried under the white ash to keep the temperature optimim

4. Add a mica plate: As mentioned above, some resin melts when burns and it could "extingusish" the charcoal fire. To prevent that, you can use Mica plate. A standard one like this should work. But if you have a large charcoal, you may want a bigger mica plate.
   
   
   

5. Add Powder Incense on the mica plate: Now that the charcoal is ready, gently sprinkle a small amount of the incense powder over the mica plate which is on top of the charcoal disc. You can use a spoon or simply pinch the powder between your fingers. Make sure not to cover the entire surface of the charcoal, as the powder needs space to receive continuous heat. Typically, a thin layer of incense powder is sufficient.

6. Experience the Fragrance: As the powder incense is heated on the mica plate, it releases its unique fragrance into the air. The heat transforms the aromatic ingredients—herbs, resins, and other fragrant elements—into fragrant smoke, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. Be mindful of the amount of powder you use, as it can burn quickly if too much is added at once.

7. Adjust as Needed: You can continue adding small amounts of powder incense as needed to keep the scent going. Powder incense allows for customisation, so you can blend different incense powders to create your own unique aroma. For instance, mixing agarwood powder with sandalwood powder can enhance the depth of the scent, creating a rich, warm atmosphere.

Additional Tips:

• Blend Freely: Powder incense is ideal for those who enjoy experimenting. You can combine different powders to create a custom blend that suits your mood or environment. You can pack the powder more densely for a stronger scent or use it loosely for a lighter fragrance.

• Proper Ventilation: Ensure that the room is well-ventilated to allow the smoke to disperse evenly and avoid creating a dense, overpowering atmosphere.

• Incense Burners and Safety: Always use a proper incense burner or heat-resistant dish to hold the charcoal. Make sure to place it away from flammable objects, and keep the burner on a stable surface.

How to Make Incense from Powder Incense Using Water, Joss Powder, and Shoyeido Toh Makkoh

Making incense from powder incense without adding oils (fragrant oils or essential oils) can be achieved by using a binding agent like Joss powder or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh, which are traditional and natural binders. This method will allow you to create incense sticks or cones that burn consistently without needing oils.

Materials You Will Need:

• Powder incense: This can be a pre-made blend or a mix of powdered herbs, resins, and other incense ingredients.

• Joss powder or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh: These are binding agents derived from natural sources. Joss powder is commonly made from the bark of the Litsea glutinosa tree, while Shoyeido Toh Makkoh is made from the Machilus Thunbergii tree.
  

• Water: Used to mix and bind the incense ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the ingredients.

• Measuring spoons or scale: To measure out the ingredients accurately.

• Moulds or shaping tools: If you are making cones or sticks. Alternatively, you can shape them by hand.

• Drying rack or a flat surface with parchment paper.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure the Ingredients: Start by measuring the powder incense, Joss powder or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh, and water. A general ratio for making incense sticks or cones is 3:1:1—three parts powder incense, one part Joss powder (or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh), and one part water. However, this ratio can vary slightly based on the consistency you desire.

   Example Measurement:

   • 3 tablespoons of powder incense

   • 1 tablespoon of Joss powder (or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh)

   • 1 tablespoon of water

2. Mix the Powder Incense and Binder: In a mixing bowl, combine the powder incense with the Joss powder or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh. Ensure that the powders are thoroughly blended. The Joss powder (or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh) acts as a binder and will help the mixture stick together when water is added.

3. Add Water Gradually: Slowly add water to the dry mixture, a little at a time, while mixing continuously. The goal is to achieve a dough-like consistency that is not too sticky but holds together when pressed. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a few drops of water at a time until you reach the desired texture. If it becomes too sticky, add a little more water. If it is too lose, add more Joss powder

   Tip: The mixture should feel similar to clay or dough, easily moulded without breaking apart.

4. Form the Incense Sticks or Cones:

   • For Incense Sticks: Take small portions of the dough and roll them between your palms into thin, even sticks. You can also use a stick mould if you have one to achieve uniform thickness.

   • For Incense Cones: Pinch off small pieces of the dough and roll them into small balls. Then, gently shape the balls into cones by pressing and tapering one end.

   Tip: Ensure that the sticks or cones are not too thick, as this can hinder the burning process.

5. Dry the Incense: Place the formed incense sticks or cones on a drying rack or a flat surface lined with parchment paper. Let them dry in a cool, shaded area for about 1 to 2 days or until they are completely hardened. It is important to dry them thoroughly to ensure that they burn evenly.

   Note: Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the incense to crack or dry too quickly.

6. Test and Refine: Once dried, test a few pieces by burning them. Light the tip, and allow the flame to catch before gently blowing it out. The incense should emit a steady stream of fragrant smoke. If you find that the incense is not burning well, consider adjusting the ratio of Joss powder or Shoyeido Toh Makkoh to provide better cohesion in the mixture.

Additional Tips:

• Adjusting the Ratio: The amount of binder required may depend on the type of powder incense you are using. Resins like frankincense or myrrh may need more binder, while finely ground herbs may require less.

• Custom Blends: You can experiment with different combinations of powders to create custom blends. Just ensure that the powders are finely ground to mix evenly with the binder.

• Storage: Store your finished incense in an airtight container to maintain its fragrance until you are ready to use it.