How Many Types (Forms) Of Incense Are There [Answered]

Incense has been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual, religious, and medicinal benefits. It comes in different varieties and types, with some requiring an external source of heat to burn while others can be directly ignited. We’ll explore the different types of incense and their uses so you can decide which one is best for your practice.

Direct Burning Incense

Direct Burning Incense is the most common type of incense and is widely used in various cultures. This type of incense is directly ignited and burns on its own without the need for an external source of heat. Direct Burning Incense usually comes in stick, cone, or powder form and can be made from natural or synthetic materials. Some of the common types of Direct Burning Incense include:

1. Agarbatti: This is a traditional incense from India and is made from natural materials like bamboo, charcoal, and aromatic herbs. It comes in stick form, which makes it easy to hold and burn.
2. Senko: This is Japanese incense that is made from a blend of natural materials like sandalwood, agarwood, and herbs. It comes in stick form.
3. Joss Sticks: This is a Chinese incense that is made from a blend of natural materials like sandalwood, cinnamon, and herbs.
4. Coil incense:  Coil incense is a type of incense that is formed into a spiral shape and burns slowly over a long period of time. The coil incense is placed into a holder that is specifically designed for it, usually with a wide, shallow bowl that is larger than the coil to provide more space for oxygen to reach the coil and prevent unintentional fires. It is often used in larger spaces or areas with a lot of ventilation due to its long burning time, and it may come with a stand. Coil incense can also be purchased on online marketplaces such as Amazon in various scents and quantities.
5. Incense Cones:  Incense cones are a popular form of incense that comes in a cone shape and is designed to be burned to produce a fragrant scent. They are made from a combination of natural or synthetic ingredients, such as herbs, resins, and essential oils, that are compressed into a cone shape. To burn incense cones, you first need to light the tip of the cone until it glows, then blow out the flame and let the smoke rise from the cone. Incense cones are often burned on a metal or ceramic disk, which helps to catch any ash or debris that may fall from the cone as it burns.
6. Incense Ropes: It is one of the oldest forms of incense and has been used for ritual and ceremonial purposes in ancient times. This traditional form of incense is most popular in regions such as Nepal and Tibet.

Indirect Burning Incense

Indirect Burning Incense requires an external source of heat to burn and is usually made from natural materials like resins, herbs, and woods. This type of incense is usually burned on charcoal or an incense burner and requires some tools to light it. Some of the common types of Indirect Burning Incense:

1. Bakhoor: This is a Middle Eastern incense that is made from a blend of natural materials like oud, amber, and rose. It comes in small pellets or chips and is burned on charcoal in a special burner.
2. Frankincense: This is a resin incense that is obtained from the Boswellia tree and is widely used in various cultures. It comes in small chunks or tears and is burned on charcoal or an incense burner.
3. Myrrh: This is a resin incense that is obtained from the Commiphora tree and is widely used in various cultures. It comes in small chunks or tears and is burned on charcoal or an incense burner.
4. Powdered incense: Powdered incense is a type of incense that is made from various ingredients such as herbs, resins, and wood that have been ground into a fine powder. The ingredients used in making powdered incense can vary, but the most common type is made with powdered charcoal and fragrant woods or resins. Powdered incense can also be made with essential oils or other natural fragrances. This type of incense is often used to scent the air or as an offering to gods or spirits. It can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients to create custom blends. The aromatic materials used in powdered incense are typically held together by a combustible binding material that allows it to be burned and produce a fragrant scent.
5. Kneaded Incense: Kneaded incense, also known as moist incense, is a traditional style of incense that involves combining, kneading, and maturing various ingredients into pellets or balls that can be burned to release their aroma. This form of incense is particularly useful for soft gummy resins that are difficult or impossible to use when making sticks or cones, as well as for ingredients like honey, liquid balsams, essential oils, wines, and dried fruits. Kneaded incense can be found in the Japanese tea ceremony and is often kneaded and matured in pottery jars for three to five years before use. The scent of kneaded incense is described as sweet and almost creamy, and it can be heated using charcoal or with a wood chip heater.

Types Of Incense Are In The Bible

Conclusion

Incense comes in different varieties and types, with some requiring an external source of heat to burn while others can be directly ignited. The types of incense include Direct Burning Incense like Agarbatti, Senko, and Joss Sticks, as well as Indirect Burning Incense like Bakhoor, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Each type of incense has its unique aroma, properties, and cultural significance, making it an essential element in spiritual and religious practices.