Incense sticks create a feeling of calm and serenity in the atmosphere. Traditionally used for rituals and ceremonies, they’re also a popular way to meditate.
Certain scents are believed to stimulate the senses and increase concentration, such as peppermint. Others, like rose and jasmine are natural aphrodisiacs. Still, others, such as cedar and vetiver promote grounding.
Increased Serotonin Levels
The pleasant fragrances of incense are known to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a natural mood enhancer and can help to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Incense sticks are a great alternative to pharmaceutical drugs that can have dangerous side effects.
Some incense scents are believed to stimulate creativity and the flow state. They can help to relieve stress and tension and increase focus. They are often used in meditation and yoga and can aid in bringing clarity of mind and focus to the practice.
Some incense sticks are infused with essential oils that can be helpful in soothing nerves and relieving anxiety. For example, the fragrance of lavender can have a relaxing effect and is often used to treat insomnia. The aroma of eucalyptus can also lower heart rate and relieve stress. Choosing a good quality incense stick with natural, high-quality ingredients will ensure that you get the most out of the positive effects.
Reduced Stress and Tension
Whether in the form of sticks or cones, incense is an excellent tool for meditation and clearing the mind. The aromas released can help stimulate creativity, and some scents can even transport you to a tropical island, rain forest, or mountain range. This allows the mind to focus and re-energize and is why many artists and writers use incense during their work.
Aside from calming the mind, some incense scents are also great at relieving stress and tension. Certain herbal scents like lavender and chamomile are known to have anxiety-relieving properties. And there are incense sticks that are specifically made to help you sleep better at night.
When choosing incense, it is important to look for products with all natural ingredients and avoid any synthetic perfumes as these can aggravate anxiety. Additionally, burning too much incense or leaving it unattended can cause fire hazards. Aside from this, incense is a natural and safe alternative to over-the-counter medications for anxiety and stress.
Drives Away Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are sensitive to certain scents, and the smoke from some incense is known to repel them. For example, the fragrance of Pinon wood is said to be very effective in this regard.
Incense sticks are also a popular alternative to mosquito coils, which contain pyrethrum powder and other synthetic chemicals that pollute the air with toxic particulate. These products are reputed to repel mosquitoes for 12 hours, but they can also cause lung irritation and asthmatic symptoms in some people.
Try burning incense while meditating to encourage deep breathing and a relaxed state. Choose a scent that resonates with you, such as lavender or sage. Focus on watching the trails of smoke that rise up from the ash, and when your mind wanders, return it to the trail of smoke. You may want to use a rounded object, like your fingertip, to create a shallow depression or “trail” in the ash. You can then fill this with makko powder to line the trail and make it more visible.
Better Sleep
If you are having trouble falling asleep or have a hard time staying asleep through the night, you can use incense to help. Many people who struggle with sleep problems find that burning certain scents of incense can relax them and calm their anxiety levels, which in turn leads to better sleeping habits.
For example, chamomile incense is known to be very calming and can slow the mind down right before sleep. Lavender incense is another great option that can reduce stress levels and encourage restful sleep.
However, you need to be careful when it comes to using incense. Some studies have shown that inhaling too much incense smoke can increase your risk of respiratory problems. You should make sure to always burn incense in a well-ventilated room and to open windows during or after using it. This will help to ensure that you aren’t inhaling too much of the harmful particulate matter that can be found in incense smoke.