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People love smells. That’s why the fragrance industry continues growing by the billions every year. If you aren’t fond of aerosol sprays, you might opt for another fragrance enhancer. With the risks of burning paraffin candles and essential oils, you may want to try something entirely different: incense. Incense uses and meanings vary according to each source, but it seems to be a more spiritual process of banning negative energy from your home while partaking in something that smells good.
Incense is made out of some combination of resin, herbs, spices and other ingredients, then is infused with essential oils to give it the fragrance you smell when you burn it. Incense is often used for purification or aromatherapeutic purposes, but it can also be used as an insect repellent. Most often nowadays, people burn incense in their homes to release a pleasant smell without candles or aerosol sprays.
Whether you believe in the healing and other spiritual properties of burning incense or just like the pleasant smells it brings, you may find more relaxed or energized by burning scents that traditionally calm or invigorate you. Incense comes in hundreds of fragrances, so narrowing down which ones is right for you might be challenging. Incense uses and meanings vary as much as the people who burn them, so you’re bound to find something that has meaning to you, whether you’re deeply spiritual or just like filling your home with lovely aromas.
Scents can affect you in several ways. It can conjure fond memories of bygone times or trigger certain emotions. Whether you need to get stuff done or just want to relax, there’s a scent for you. Purchasing incense with the right intentions can lead to you reaping all the benefits that scents can provide.
Burning amber incense can prove to be worth your while. Spiritually, amber supports happiness and healing — which means you could burn it after cutting ties with someone for your well-being. It’s also linked to love and comfort, which can help you through a tough time.
Cinnamon can invigorate you and stimulate your senses. Ingesting cinnamon can help with several health conditions, such as lessening the risk of certain kinds of cancer and strengthening your immune system. In a more spiritual sense, cinnamon can be linked to wealth and success. If you’re starting a new business venture, consider burning cinnamon while you work.
Eucalyptus is a great option if you work from home or study in a rigorous field. The scent can help you concentrate on a task you need to complete. You might also consider it if you feel like you’re attracting negative feelings and experiences from the universe, as it’s said to ward off bad energy.
Jasmine is a perfect incense choice for artists. It promotes creativity and self-esteem, which would be perfect for an artsy type who’s down on their luck or needs a little pick-me-up. Spiritually, you may find that it helps you attract love. Whether that love is shared with others or reserved for yourself is up to you.
Myrrh has a rich history in many ancient cultures, even thought “sacred” for particular purposes. Ancient Egyptians and Hebrews prized this incense, the former believing that myrrh incense was created from the tears of Horus, the god of sun and sky. Myrrh is thought to improve your relationships with others. This ancient incense could be used for purification purposes. If you believe in the spirituality of incense, consider using myrrh to help you feel protected and at ease.
What could be more relaxing than the scent of nature? Many people find solace in the fact that rain is a natural scent. People might love rain so much because it gives a feeling of freshness, that all stress can be wiped away, and you can start with a clean slate. Coupling rain incense with something like a rain sound playing somewhere in the room can help you relax, which could be perfect for winding down from a stressful day at the office or in classes.
Much like smelling a bouquet of roses, smelling rose incense can promote feelings of love and affection. It’s the perfect incense to burn if you plan on having a night in with your sweetheart. Smelling roses is also linked to almost mythical experiences, for one reason or another, so burning rose incense could give you the feeling of being somewhere otherworldly — if you have the imagination for it.
If you live in an area plagued by pests, incense can keep them at bay while you spend time in your home while also potentially warding off negative energy and filling your space with pleasant aromas. The many incense uses and meanings can keep you motivated to burn different scents throughout your home. You might enjoy the spiritual properties and smells of incense much more than any candle.
Updated on February 23, 2024
