In India, we have a rich tradition of using incense in many of our social and religious occasions since ages. Comprising of mostly woods, spices and herbs, incense sticks (also known as agarbathi and joss sticks) are created by rolling or moulding the incense paste around a bamboo stick, then letting it dry for a specified period of time.

Most people who rarely use incense often think it is just an air freshener and are completely unaware of the multiple benefits it has for our body,mind and soul. Listed below are some of the key physical and psychological benefits of burning incense sticks.

1. Spiritual Healing

Fragrances: Jasmine, Kewda, Sandalwood, Mogra, Vetiver 

These fragrances attract specific aspects of God and thus generate divine consciousness. These incense sticks are an excellent spiritual healing tool to increase the spiritual purity of a person or place and assist in spiritual practice such as meditation as well as fight distressing negative energies.

2. Enhancing Concentration & Focus

Fragrances: Cinnamon, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose

Be it at home or at work, the use of a certain range of incenses enables a clear thinking process and helps in developing a mental state of complete awareness. Monks recognized this longago and used incense during their meditation to purify the air as well as their thoughts. Also, jewelry makers who require intense concentration and focus also often use incense to help them switch back and forth between working under the microscope and away from it.

3. Increasing Sexual Desire

Fragrances: Patchouli, Dragon’s Blood, Coco, Night Queen, Jasmine, Vanilla

We all know that pheromones are natural aphrodisiacs, which are employed in perfumes to attract the opposite sex. Similarly, by playing with the sense of smell, incense acts as a powerful aphrodisiac, creating an erotic environment and increasing sexual attraction among the partners.

4. Reduction of anxiety and tension

Fragrances: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Ginger, Lemon

Meditation is a key way to relax the brain, letting us figure out how our mind generates anxiety-provoking thoughts and how they can be prevented. Hence through aroma therapy, certain incense aromas work to slow down the heart rate and soothe the nerves. Thus, these calming effects help to relieve built up tension in the muscles, enabling incense to also be employed as a muscle relaxer.

5. Act as confidence booster and motivator

Fragrances: Althea, Chamomile, Musk Root, Oak, Woodruff

It is said that burning incense increases positive energy in the surroundings and drives away negative energy. Pure air is like a healthy diet for the brain, resulting in an increased level of motivation and energy. With increased focus, motivation and creativity comes increased confidence, thus burning incense before a big date, test or presentation surely increases confidence and accordingly, chances of success.

6. Protection from various infections

Fragrances: Amber, Cinnamon, Pino

Various types of incense have antibacterial properties, promoting their use as a disinfectant for killing germs in the environment. A Chinese study shows that incense which was used to sterilize a hospital, proved to be as effective asother standard means of sterilization such as steam. By keeping the environment sterile, many infections and diseases can be prevented.

7. Aid depression and insomnia

Fragrances: Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Lavender

Burning Frankincense (resin fromBoswellia plant) activates certain areas in the brain that alleviate depression or anxiety. Incensole acetate, a Boswellia resin constituent, significantly affects the brain areas known to be involved in emotions and nerve circuits that are affected by current anxiety and depression drugs. As a result, incense is also applied to induce sleep, making it an effective natural treatment for insomnia.

Incense can provide you with an array of benefits that promise you a healthier lifestyle and relationships as well as fill your home with mesmerizing fragrances.All you have to decide is which one is the best for you.