How to Make Stick Incense Batter

Incense is used all over the world for a variety of purposes, and if for some reason you'd like to make your own, there is a fairly simple process to do so. Making stick incense batter is not difficult, but it is precise, and the drying process will take at least 2 days, so plan accordingly if you want to give this incense as a gift or use it for a special occasion. This incense recipe uses cedar wood, ground cinnamon and cinnamon oil, but the recipe can be modified to use whatever ingredients you like in the same amounts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 tbsp. tragacanth
• 8 oz. warm water
• 6 oz. powdered cedar wood
• 3 oz. ground cinnamon
• 6 to 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
• Saltpeter (potassium nitrate)
• 2 bowls
• Whisk
• Kitchen scale
• Wet cloth
• Wooden or bamboo splints
• Floral foam or similar

1. In a bowl, mix the tragacanth with 8 oz. of warm water until it is completely dissolved. Cover with a wet cloth and set aside.

2. Use the kitchen scale to weigh the other bowl while it is empty, and make note of how much it weighs.

3. In the empty bowl, mix the powdered cedar, ground cinnamon, and cinnamon oil until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Now, weigh the scent mixture and subtract the weight of the bowl.

5. Determine 1/10 of the mixture and add this much saltpeter. For example, if the mixture weighs 10 oz., you will need 1 oz. saltpeter. Mix the saltpeter through the mixture until it is evenly distributed.

6. Find the tragacanth mixture you set aside earlier. Because the mixture has been thickening the entire time, evaluate whether it needs to be thinned. If necessary, add small amounts of water until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.

7. Add the tragacanth mixture to the scent mixture 1 tbsp. at a time, stirring as you go. When you finish, the entire batter should be about the consistency of pudding and is ready to be made into sticks.

8. Dip the wooden or bamboo splints into the batter as many times as needed to achieve the desired thickness. Poke the ends into floral foam so that the sticks remain upright to dry for at least 48 hours.