How to make your own incense sticks using natural ingredients and essential oils
There's something enchanting about filling your space with the captivating scents of incense. One of the most remarkable aspects of using incense sticks is their ability to quickly lighten and purify the environment. These fragrant wonders not only cleanse the air but also have a profound impact on our well-being. Their healing aromas uplift our spirits, alleviate anxiety, and create a sense of tranquility. Are you in love with incense sticks as much as we are? If your answer is yes then you are in the right place.
In this blog, we will take you on a delightful journey into the world of DIY incense sticks, empowering you to explore your creativity and create unique aromas that resonate with your senses. From understanding the basics of incense-making to exploring different methods and techniques, we'll provide step-by-step instructions and insightful tips to help you master this ancient art. Whether you're a seasoned incense lover or a curious beginner, this blog is here to inspire and guide you on your aromatic journey.
Don’t worry if you are not a very crafty person. Explore our range of 100% natural, non-toxic, charcoal-free premium incense sticks that have been handcrafted for you using the best herbs, natural ingredients, and essential oils.
Discover the joy of selecting aromatic ingredients, experimenting with various blends, and witnessing your handmade incense sticks come to life. Not only will you enjoy the therapeutic process of crafting these delightful sticks, but you'll also relish the satisfaction of knowing that each swirl of smoke carries your personal touch.
DIY incense sticks
Making your own DIY incense sticks can be a fun and creative process. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to making incense sticks in 2 ways from the comfort of your home. The first method is to make incense sticks from scratch using natural ingredients and the second method is by using infusing essential oil fragrances to pre-rolled fragrance-free incense sticks.
Method 1: Make your own incense sticks from scratch
Things you'll need:
- Natural aromatic ingredients such as dried herbs & spices, resins, or woods (e.g., sandalwood, frankincense, lavender, cinnamon, etc.)
- Makko powder or natural binder (available at specialty stores or online stores)
- Water
- Bamboo skewers or sticks
- Mortar and pestle or a blender
- Bowl for mixing
- Measuring spoons
- Essential oils (for added fragrance)
- Wax paper or a drying rack
Instructions:
Step 1: Begin by grinding your aromatic ingredients into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a blender. Ensure they are thoroughly dry to avoid clumping.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the powdered aromatic ingredients with the makko powder or natural binder. Use a ratio of 3 parts aromatic ingredients to 1 part binder. You can adjust the ratio based on the desired strength of the incense.
Step 3: Gradually add water to the mixture, a few drops at a time, and combine well until you achieve a dough-like consistency. The mixture should be damp but not too wet.
Step 4: Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil(s) to enhance the fragrance of your incense and knead well.
Explore the best Essential oil fragrances. All our essential oils are 100% natural, pure, and toxic-free.
Step 5: Take a small portion of the dough/mixture and roll it on top of the bamboo stick to cover it on all sides except for one end of the stick. Press and roll the mixture to ensure it sticks to the stick tightly.
Step 6: Place the formed incense sticks on wax paper or a drying rack, allowing them to air dry for 24-48 hours until they harden.
Step 7: Once completely dried, your DIY incense sticks are ready to be lit and enjoyed.
Method 2: Make a variety of incense stick fragrances using readymade fragrance-free incense sticks and essential oils
Things You’ll need
- Plain, fragrance-less incense sticks
- Essential oils of your choice (e.g., lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, rose, etc.)
- Dish or container
- Oil Dropper
- Wax paper or a drying rack
Instructions:
Step 1: Start by selecting the essential oils you want to use for your DIY incense fragrances. You can choose a single oil or create a blend by combining different oils to achieve your desired scent.
Step 2: Place a few drops of the chosen essential oil(s) into a small dish or container. If using multiple oils, you can experiment with different ratios to find the desired fragrance strength.
Step 3: Take a plain incense stick and hold it at the bamboo stick end. Carefully dip the opposite end into the essential oil(s) in the dish, ensuring that the oil coats the stick about an inch or so.
You could also use an oil dropper to add drops of the essential oil blend over the incense sticks from top to bottom
Step 4: Allow the oil to saturate the incense stick for a few moments, ensuring it absorbs the fragrance.
Step 5: Once the desired amount of fragrance has been incorporated, place it on wax paper or a drying rack to dry. This will allow the excess oil to evaporate and the incense to harden.
Step 6: Repeat the process for each incense stick, using different oils or blends to create a variety of scents. If you have blended enough essential oils in a large container then the incense sticks can be dipped in batches of 15 to 20 sticks at a time too.
Step 7: Allow the incense sticks to dry completely, which typically takes 24-48 hours.
Step 8: Once dry, your DIY incense sticks infused with custom fragrances are ready to be lit and enjoyed.
Most popular essential oils to use in the incense-making process
Consider adding Sandalwood oil to your incense for a subtle and light scent. There are numerous other popular fragrances that can be used to make incense sticks, such as Patchouli, Ylang-ylang, Rose, Lavender, Jasmine, Frankincense, Mogra, etc.
Here are some exotic blends if you are looking for some inspiration
Floral Magic to Stay Calm and Composed:
Lavender: Soothes and relaxes the mind and body.
Bergamot: Uplifts mood and promotes a sense of calm.
Frankincense: Grounding and promotes deep relaxation.
Spice of Serenity to Feel Cozy at Home:
Vanilla: Creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Cinnamon: Provides a comforting and cozy scent.
Sandalwood: Promotes relaxation and tranquility.
Fruit Paradise to Refresh Your Mind:
Sweet Orange: Energizing and refreshing citrus scent.
Grapefruit: Uplifting and revitalizing aroma.
Lemon: Promotes mental clarity and freshness.
Blissful Harmony to uplift and comfort:
Rose: Delicate and floral scent that uplifts the mood and promotes a sense of harmony.
Peppermint: Invigorating and revitalizing aroma.
Marjoram: Calming and comforting scent.
Now it's your turn! Make your own Incense Sticks
Creating your own incense sticks can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Not only do you have the satisfaction of knowing that the ingredients used are pure and of high quality, but you also have the freedom to customize the fragrance according to your personal preferences. Additionally, these homemade incense sticks make wonderful gifts that brighten someone's day. The refreshing aroma they emit will surely captivate your guests, whether you light them in your home or any other space you choose. Experiment with different aromatic ingredients, essential oil fragrances and adjust the ratios to create unique and personalized incense blends that you’ll love. Happy Crafting!
Remember to burn incense sticks in a well-ventilated area and exercise caution while handling fire. Never leave a burning incense unattended. Keep it away from easily flammable objects, pets, and children.
