Use Incense Instead Of Room Freshner
August 7, 2008
During the swinging ‘60s, in what we call the hippy years, everyone was burning incense. Every self-respecting flower child had the pungent aroma of sandalwood or patchouli wafting around their home. Harkening back to ancient times when burning incense was and is a timeless spiritual practice, especially in India; it belongs to the days of sacred offerings, weddings, anointments, open fires and burned offerings.
Incense is used to cultivate a positive state of mind and as part of ritual worship in some religions, as it does far more than mask unpleasant smells, burning incense is a healing, soothing and uplifting activity. It refreshes the heart and mind, as scent has a deeply sub-conscious impact and helps bring back positive memories, cultivating good thoughts and feelings in the present.
Around since the beginning of time, incense is mentioned in one of the oldest we have i.e. the Indian Vedas (sacred Hindu texts). Incense artefacts that are thousands of years old have been found throughout the world, appearing to be a part of virtually every culture.
Coming in various forms e.g. as sticks, cones, powder and dhoop (thick sticks of incense), sticks are the most commonly used. First sticks are manufactured and then fragrance is blended in, which allows a wide range of scents to be applied. One can use different incense fragrances for having a different effect on our mood.
For the purposes of meditation, chamomile is good as it reduces stress and irritability; vanilla dissipates sadness and grief; while sandalwood relaxes and builds confidence for a positive outlook.
Cardamom, cedar wood and patchouli aid relaxation, cardamom fights mood swings and builds confidence; cedar wood reduces anxiety, fights depression and aggression; while the heady scent of patchouli calms, improving assertiveness, while fighting moodiness.
Incense sticks scented with ylang ylang, nutmeg and patchouli are good for romance, and ylang ylang is even an aphrodisiac, fighting phobias and improving focus. Nutmeg heals emotions and fights addiction, helping in emotional healing.
Boost your vitality with clove, mint and sage essential oils. Improve focus and creativity with clove; soothe the mind with mint which cools and relaxes; while sage helps in emotional healing and pain relief.
So, do your bit for the environment even as you save money. Buy incense sticks that are far cheaper than commercial air freshners, which are harmful to both you and the environment due the chemicals used to make them. Incense sticks come in a huge range of fragrances and make a great alternative to commercial air fresheners!































