Using Incense in Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as a form of alternative medicine.  Its purpose is to alter a person's mind, mood or health.  There are three modes of application in aromatherapy - aerial diffusion, direct inhalation and topical application.

Incense has played a huge part in the development of aromatherapy.  This is based on the fact that some scents have beneficial effects on the mind and body.  It is actually more than just smelling good.  With the smell of the incense filling up the room, you find your body responding by feeling a sense of calmness. 

While there are people who use aromatherapy by applying fragrant essential oils, using incense in aromatherapy can be just as effective.  However, you should take certain precautions when using incense.  You and your surroundings should be kept safe and never leave it unattended.

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Common Forms of Incense

There are various types of incense such as incense sticks and incense cones.  Incense cones are great for very short, fast bursts of fragrance, whereas incense sticks are more widely favoured as they are a more traditional form of incense and disperse fragrance slower and for a longer time. Both forms are very cheap! 

There are also various incense holders available, from long decorative boxes with lids that hold incense sticks horizontally, small heavy incense holders which hold the incense sticks upright, and long flat, plain or decorative wooden holder which hold incense sticks diagonally.

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Common Scents Used in Aromatherapy

The incense scent that you choose to use is dependent on the state of mind that you want to achieve.  You can burn these incense on their own or you can be a bit adventurous and combine two or more scents.  There are a lot more available but below is the most common incense in aromatherapy.

Sandalwood incense- used to alleviate stress and to achieve mental clarity.  This scent has a sweet woody base.

Lavender incense - a sweet, floral scent that has a calming and soothing effect

Amberwood incense - great for balancing the body's system

Indian Cedar Incense - helpful for someone with mood disorders

Rose incense - used for love, sensuality and meditation because of its sweet, floral and herbaceous scent.

Incense in aromatherapy is helpful to many people especially those who live in a fast-paced stressful environment.  It's easy to use and it's not hard to find.  You can generally buy incense online and have it conveniently delivered into your homes.  Finding the right scent and the right store to get your incense is all it takes and you should be on your way to a world of spirituality and relaxation.

What is your favourite incense scent, and when do you like to use it?

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available early October from Alma Importers