The Benefits Of Incense & 12 Ideas For When To Use Them

Here are 12 easy ways to incorporate the smell-good tool into your routine.

Anytime you're going to start a project, perform a ritual, or even do some yoga, burning incense beforehand can set the tone. "Burning sage or copal can be a ritual of purification, clearing out negative energy," spiritual life coach Barbara Biziou tells mindbodygreen.

There are a number of scents believed to help improve concentration and focus, like peppermint and lemon. "Frankincense is great for meditation," Biziou adds.

Have a smell that makes you feel particularly sentimental or thoughtful? Burn that incense for a trip back in time. "Of all our senses, our sense of smell is the only one to go directly to the brain," Biziou notes. "Therefore, it also can evoke memories of the past."

If you feel like your heart chakra is a little closed off, certain smells can do the trick to help you open up. Jasmine and rose, according to Biziou, are two that are great for connecting to love.

Studies have shown that certain scents, particularly scents like Iavender, can have a calming effect on our nervous systems1. "Use lavender or sandalwood to evoke a state of meditation and peace," Biziou suggests.

In many traditions like ayurveda (India's ancient system of medicine) and traditional Chinese medicine, the natural elements need to be balanced before true healing can begin. Using incense as a source of fire alongside the other elements (water, earth, air, and space) during things like meditation can deepen and balance your practice.

It's become pretty standard to see incense in religious and spiritual settings all over the world, from Catholic churches to Native American ceremonies. "Many indigenous cultures believe that burning incense sends our prayers directly up to Spirit," Biziou notes.

If you're the kind of person who thrives on a sense of routine, lighting incense as you wind down for bed in the evening or as you get ready in the morning can help start or end your day on the right note.

Stick incense typically take about 30 minutes to an hour to burn down completely. Light them as you start working, meditating, or journaling and continue until they burn out. Fragrance is a much more gentle timekeeper that a clock or phone.

Stimulating the senses is a great way to engage in the present moment. Simply find a scent you enjoy and tune into the smell fully.

Yep, certain scents, like rose or jasmine, have a reputation for being natural aphrodisiacs. Try those out in your incense burner the next time you want to get in the mood.

And lastly, Biziou notes that cedar and vetiver are excellent scents for grounding. Feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Light either of those scents and take some deep breaths for a greater sense of calm in the moment.

Of course, anytime you're using incense, it's important to keep safety in mind. Here are some do's and don'ts from Biziou.

Incense can be a great addition to any yoga or meditation practice, and burning them is a soothing ritual in itself. So, find an aroma (or four or five) that you really love, and burn away.