Incense has had several main uses throughout the centuries, which is probably why its popularity has spread and grown so significantly all over the world.
In practical terms, incense is a great masker of unsavoury smells. During times of sickness or in areas with heavy pollution or unsanitary living conditions, incense has been relied upon to keep the air smelling clean and pleasant. A musty or mouldy smelling room can be freshened up quickly with a stick of smouldering incense. Incense traditionally has been burned in new homes or in the room of the recently deceased – not just for spiritual or religious reasons, but to hide or cleanse any bad odours.
Another use of incense has been in spiritual or religious ceremonies or practices, and for many its use is often associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. Some incense fragrances are believed to have spiritual or magical properties, and are believed to aide meditation, protect from evil spirits, and allow people to cleanse their mind and body. Incense offerings are also popular in temples all over Asia.
The final use of incense is in aromatherapy and other health treatments. Aromatherapy is the practice of using fragrances and scents to improve mental and physical aspects of the human body – for instance, lavender is believed to be stress-relieving and calming, while lemon and jasmine are invigorating and energizing. The people of Tibet and Nepal have long used incense in cleansing and medical practices, and have particular fragrance combinations which even give a natural, non-addictive high!
In practical terms, incense is a great masker of unsavoury smells. During times of sickness or in areas with heavy pollution or unsanitary living conditions, incense has been relied upon to keep the air smelling clean and pleasant. A musty or mouldy smelling room can be freshened up quickly with a stick of smouldering incense. Incense traditionally has been burned in new homes or in the room of the recently deceased – not just for spiritual or religious reasons, but to hide or cleanse any bad odours.
Another use of incense has been in spiritual or religious ceremonies or practices, and for many its use is often associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. Some incense fragrances are believed to have spiritual or magical properties, and are believed to aide meditation, protect from evil spirits, and allow people to cleanse their mind and body. Incense offerings are also popular in temples all over Asia.
The final use of incense is in aromatherapy and other health treatments. Aromatherapy is the practice of using fragrances and scents to improve mental and physical aspects of the human body – for instance, lavender is believed to be stress-relieving and calming, while lemon and jasmine are invigorating and energizing. The people of Tibet and Nepal have long used incense in cleansing and medical practices, and have particular fragrance combinations which even give a natural, non-addictive high!