Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, and therapeutic purposes. Incense sticks are made of bamboo sticks and paste, which is generally made of charcoal dust or sawdust and joss/jiggit/gum/tabu powder – an adhesive. In Hinduism, incense is used as part of rituals, and it is believed that burning incense sticks can help to remove unpleasant odors in the air and create a setting for an auspicious ritual by filling the air with a pleasant fragrance. Many Indian incense makers follow Ayurvedic principles, in which the ingredients that go into incense-making are categorized into five classes: ether (fruits), water (stems and branches), earth (roots), fire (flowers), and air (leaves) .
Burning incense sticks can have numerous potential health benefits, such as stress relief, improved mood, and increased well-being. Certain types of incense, such as frankincense and myrrh, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which may benefit people with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or allergies. However, most incense stick manufacturers in the market are selling synthetic incense sticks made from an artificial material that is injurious to health when used for a long time. The smoke released by burning such incense sticks may contain harmful chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde, which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities.
In conclusion, incense is a fragrant material used for aesthetic, religious, and therapeutic purposes. In Hinduism, incense is used as part of rituals, and many Indian incense makers follow Ayurvedic principles in selecting ingredients. Burning incense sticks can have potential health benefits, but it is important to be aware of the quality of the incense sticks being used to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals.
