Incense made from woods, resins and herbs

Incense made from resins, woods and herbs is one of humanity’s oldest ritual practices – and is more alive today than ever: as a meditative aid, for seasonal ceremonies such as the Twelve Days of Christmas, or simply as a natural room fragrance free from synthetic additives.

Resins, woods and herbs: what lies behind the three main forms

Resins are formed when the bark of a tree is incised and the sap that oozes out hardens on contact with the air. This natural process yields highly concentrated mixtures of essential oils and terpene compounds – which is why resins develop more intense and longer-lasting scents when burned than most other incense materials. Among the best known are frankincense (olibanum) from the Boswellia tree, myrrh, copal from Central America and dragon’s blood – which, despite its name, is the resin of the dragon tree (Dracaena), not an animal product.

Incense woods such as Palo Santo, sandalwood and cedarwood are burned as pieces, chips or shavings. Their effect is due to the stored resins and essential oils, which are released slowly and evenly when heated. Palo Santo – Spanish for ‘holy wood’ – originates from South America and should only be harvested from naturally dead trees; the wood contains the terpene limonene, which has a mood-lifting effect.

Incense herbs are dried and burned either loose on a burner or as bound bundles – so-called smudge sticks. Classic examples include white sage, mugwort, lavender, yarrow and rosemary. What all three forms have in common is that, when heated, they release volatile organic compounds which are absorbed through the respiratory tract and have been shown to affect the nervous system.

An overview of the most important incense materials

Incense for positive energy and spiritual practice

Incense has been part of human life for thousands of years: in Egyptian temples, incense was offered to the gods; Mesopotamian priests burned incense during oracle consultations; and in Germanic cultures, the ‘Smoke Nights’ – now mostly known as the ‘Rauhnächte’ – played a central role in protecting homes and farms during the darkest time of the year. Shamanic cultures in South America still use Palo Santo and Copal in ceremonial contexts today.

Today, incense finds its place in energetic space clearing, during meditation and yoga, in spiritual rituals and at seasonal festivals such as Samhain, Imbolc or Litha. The effects are not based solely on tradition: frankincense (olibanum) contains boswellic acid, which has been shown in studies to have anti-inflammatory properties. Palo Santo, with its high limonene content, has been shown to lift the mood by acting on the limbic system – the emotional centre of the brain.

Important for safe incense use: opt for naturally pure incense without synthetic additives. Incense sticks containing artificial binders or synthetic fragrances produce additional combustion by-products when burned. Brief, targeted burning followed by ventilation is generally better than continuous use for hours on end in enclosed spaces – this applies regardless of the material used.

Using incense: charcoal, incense burners and direct lighting

Which herbs are suitable for smudging – and what should you bear in mind

Many native herbs are excellent for smudging – each with its own scent profile and specific effects:

• Sage (especially white sage, Salvia apiana): contains thujone, is considered purifying and is traditionally used for energetically cleansing rooms.
• Lavender: its high linalool content has been shown to have a calming effect and promote sleep; produces a gentle, pleasant smoke.
• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): contains thujone and camphor, has been associated with vivid dreams and transitions since ancient times – use sparingly.
• Yarrow: mildly clarifying and harmonising, well tolerated.
• Rosemary: invigorating and aids concentration, particularly suitable for the morning.
• Juniper: clarifying and protective, with a fresh, resinous scent – a traditionally important ingredient in Germanic incense practices.

Plants that release toxic compounds when burned are not suitable for smudging. These include oleander and yew – both contain substances that can be dangerous even as smoke. Highly processed spices in large quantities can also produce unpleasant or irritating combustion products.

Collecting wild herbs for burning is generally permitted if it is on your own property or involves authorised wild herbs in small quantities for personal use. Exceptions are strictly protected plant species under the Federal Nature Conservation Act – these must not be collected. If in doubt, it is advisable to purchase dried herbs from a verified source.

For those wishing to burn incense without charcoal, a small incense burner offers the simplest way to get started: no handling of fire, even heat, and full control over the intensity of the scent through the amount of material placed on it. For herbs, a simple ceramic bowl with a sieve over a tea light is sufficient.

Incense blends: When individual ingredients work together

All blends in the range are predominantly from Druidcraft – a manufacturer specialising in traditionally inspired blends of resins, herbs and woods. The blends are burned on incense charcoal, allowing them to unfold their full complexity.

Incense for every occasion: from beginners to creating your own blend

Whether for the Twelve Days of Christmas, for meditation or as a natural room fragrance in everyday life – with the right incense and a little basic knowledge, every incense ritual is a success. Browse through the range of resins, incense woods, herbs and ready-made blends and find what suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

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