Incense: shopping guide, smells and rituals

How to buy

· The best ones have a humid aspect, indicating more lasting essences.
· There are good national incenses based on herbs and charcoal.
· Prefer to buy them in oriental temples, yoga centers or health food stores.
· Avoid those containing lead, gum arabic or rosin as they are toxic.
· People with bronchitis, asthma or allergies should stay away from incense.

odors and utilities

· Rosemary: stimulates the body.
· Camphor: it is antibacterial, refreshing and relaxing.
· Clove and Cinnamon: they activate the mind and are stimulating.
· Jasmine: It has an aphrodisiac aroma and is also an antidepressant.
· Orange and lemon: stimulate the appetite and cheer up.
· Lavender: it’s calming.
· Myrrh: purifies and soothes.
· Frankincense: it has a sedative effect and improves breathing.
· Pink: it is calming, aphrodisiac and antidepressant.
· Sandalwood: it is an aphrodisiac and serves for meditation, favoring relaxation.

religious use

In Catholicism: for being one of the gifts brought by the three Wise Men to Jesus, it is considered an important tool for contact with the Sacred.

In Buddhism: symbol of generosity and detachment, it is offered as a gift in religious rituals.

In Islam: It is a common custom among Muslims to light incense every Friday, which is their holy day. A surah (chapter of the Koran) is recited and God is asked to purify the house.

cleaning ritual

To leave your home free of any bad energy, you can do the following ritual: open the windows, letting in new energy.

Then light the incense of your choice and always turn it clockwise. Mentalize what you want and walk around the house perfuming all environments. Finally, let it finish burning next to a window.