In many cultures, incense is used in religious ceremonies.The process to make incense sticks is fairly simple and can be very rewarding for those interested in creating their own scent.
Step 1: A pack of incense sticks can be purchased.
You can buy them online or at specialty shops.They are usually cheap, under $3-4 for an entire pack.The coating on the outside is important to absorb the scent.Don't try to use a regular bamboo stick.
Step 2: You can find your favorite essential oils.
Many large supermarkets sell essential oils in the health section that can be used in incense sticks.You can buy a few to mix and match, or just use one for a stronger flavor.There are some common scents for incense.
Step 3: In a small, shallow dish, mix 20 drops of your essential oils for each stick you're making.
If you only want one at a time, you should stick to batches of no more than 4-5 each.If you want to do 5 sticks at once, you need 100 drops of essential oil.If you want to mix scents, start with a few drops at a time.There aren't many combinations that will smell bad, but you should still try.
Step 4: Turn the dish over and put your sticks in it.
If the sticks don't fit, transfer your essential oils to a sheet of aluminum foil that is partially folded into a V to prevent leaks.The stick should be soaked up with the essential oils.
Step 5: Press the sticks in the oil until they are all absorbed.
You may need to move things around a bit to make sure it's all coated.When the oil is no longer in the pan, you can move on.
Step 6: To dry the incense, place it in a mug.
Before they can be burned, the sticks have to be dried out.Even if you can't burn them yet, the sticks will emit a wonderful smell as they dry, meaning they will work for a day.
Step 7: If you want an extra-strength stick, mix your scent with Di-propylene Glycol and soak overnight in test-tubes.
The chemical is easy to purchase online in the same stores where blank sticks are sold.Still using 20 drops per stick, mix it with DPG in a long, thin tube, enough that at least 1/3's of the stick is "underwater."Put the stick in a mixture and let it sit for 24 hours, then dry it.A "Refresher Oil Base" can be used, as they both thin out and spread your scent.
Step 8: Take 1-2% of the scent you want to mix into your incense.
Try to use only a few different scents, then add more as you get more comfortable.While making incense is not hard, there is some trial and error with the mixing, as different scents require more or less water and makko later on.Pre-powdered scents are easier to work with than the ones you can buy whole.
Step 9: Writing notes if you plan to make incense often is a good way to keep track of how much scent you use.
Make sure you keep a record of all the powdered ingredients you use, as the amount of water and binding agent depends on them.If you need to scale up, 1-2% for each ingredient is fine.Like a mixed drink, incense recipes are described in parts.If the recipe calls for 2 parts sandalwood, 1 part rosemary, you could do 2 cups of both.
Step 10: You can mix and grind all of your scent with a mortar and pestle.
If you're using fresh ingredients instead of pre-powdered, you want to get everything into as fine a powder as you can.Some of the scent compounds from your ingredients can be released from an electric coffee grinder.The wood is the most difficult to get fine and should be grinded first.If you're struggling, break the "no electric grinder rule" as the wood is robust and won't lose much scent.For 30 minutes, freeze and chew gum.When frozen, it's easier to smash into pieces.
Step 11: Allow the powder to sit for a while to help the scent blend.
One last time, mix everything together after the individual ingredients are combined.Let it sit.This isn't necessary, but it will make your incense smell better.
Step 12: Take a percentage of your dry ingredients to figure out how much makko you need to add.
Makko needs to be a certain percentage of the total mixture in order to burn well.If you only use herbs and spices, you will only need 10% to 25% makko.Depending on how many parts were added, you will need up to 80% more makko.The mixes need 80%.
Step 13: Take the makko percentage and divide it by the amount of spices you want to add.
If you have 10 ounces of powder, with a small amount of resin in it, you would add 4 ounces.You can use any amount of powder and makko.It is difficult to remove makko, but you can always add more.If you are unsure, start at the lower end.
Step 14: A small portion of your mixture should be set aside.
Set aside 10% of your mixture.If you accidentally add too much water in the next step, you will have to re-thicken the incense.
Step 15: Slowly add warm distilled water to your incense and mix it with a paste.
The makko forms a clay when it absorbs the water.It should hold its shape.Add a few drops of water, mix it in, and then add more until it forms a wet, but not slimy, ball.The mixture will hold its form without cracks if you have the perfect texture.If you add too much water, pour what you can out of the bowl and use your remaining powder to dry things out a bit.
Step 16: You shouldKnead the dough under your hand.
Kneading requires constant pressure.Press the "dough" into the counter with the heel of your hand.Then press the dough again after folding the disk over.For several minutes, mix up the area you are kneading by rotating the dough every now and then.After kneading the dough, place it under a damp towel.The next morning, add a bit more water and knead again.
Step 17: Pinch off a chunk of dough and roll it out.
Use your palms to roll the chunk into a long rope, like you were making a clay snake, about the size of 1/3 of your incense sticks.Use your fingers to flatten the dough.When done, it should be a few millimeters thick.You can leave the rolled up incense as the "snakes" if you aren't using incense sticks.Cut the edges with a knife and let them dry without a stick.
Step 18: Place an incense stick on the dough, then roll the whole thing up to cover the rest of the stick.
You can buy blank bamboo sticks online for cheap.The incense dough can be rolled around the bamboo stick with your fingers.It shouldn't be as thick as a standard pencil.
Step 19: The sticks should be placed on a small board lined with wax paper to dry.
If you want to speed things up even more, place the board in a paper bag and tie it shut.It's important to make sure the incense dries out evenly.
Step 20: You're ready to burn after 4-5 days when the dough holds its shape and is dry to the touch.
You're ready to use it once the incense is no longer malleable.It will take five days if you live in a humid environment.It might take 1-2 days in a dry climate.The more water and makko you use, the longer it will take to dry.
Step 21: Track how your experiments burn.
The ration of makko and water to scent takes some time to get right.To make sure you always learn your lessons, write down the ratios you use as you test out the following recipes, or your own: If you have a hard time lighting the incense, you likely need more makko next time.If the sticks burn very quickly, add less makko next time.
Step 22: If you want a "classic" incense smell, try a few recipes.
Sandalwood is a popular incense scent.To get these classic smells burning quickly, you should use the following ratios.
Step 23: There is a vanilla-based incense that you can try.
There is a recipe that can be easily adapted.Try it with some clove or cinnamon for a spiced taste, or mix it in with wood scents like cedar to make a rustic incense.
Step 24: Try a few of them.
A bit of myrrh can be added to increase the old-world incense feel of the mixture, as well as pine in place of cedar.
Step 25: You can make a "Christmas Incense" recipe.
This recipe can be adapted to include cinnamon chips or cloves, and mixes well with vanilla as well.While it calls for fresh pine needs and leaves, powders and dried leaves work as well, though they might not be as strong.
Step 26: This incense recipe is for lovers.
Few can resist the in-the-mood scent that combines the herbal, floral, and strong notes of lavender.It works every time.There are lavender flowers, Rosemary leaves, rose petals, and red sandalwood powder.