How to Make Patchouli Incense
Patchouli incense is just as popular today as it was back in the '60s when aromatherapy was first starting to blossom in the United States. The creative method for making sticks and cones are similar. Making incense is a popular craft, and most people prefer the handmade versus factory because of the difference in the quality of herbs, resins and oils used, which result in a stronger aroma from the incense.
Most incense requires a combustible property in order to help it burn evenly and smoothly. This recipe calls for makko. Makko is the ground up bark from a tree that grows in Southeast Asia. It is organic matter and therefore no harsh chemicals will be used in this recipe.
Things You'll Need
- Dried patchouli leaves (enough to make 4 tablespoons when ground)
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of makko
- 1 to 3 tablespoons of distilled water
- Mortar and pestle or manual coffee grinder
- Blank bamboo sticks
- Wax paper
Instructions
-
Making the Incense
-
1
Grind the patchouli with the mortar and pestle or manual coffee grinder until it is a fine powder.
-
2
Add makko to the mixture (10 to 20 percent).
-
-
3
Add distilled water very slowly a little at a time mixing until a gummy and pliable substance forms.
-
4
Form the substance into cones, or roll the bamboo sticks with the mixture to create incense sticks.
-
5
Set cones and sticks on wax paper to dry overnight.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
There are different forms of patchouli that can be used. The plant itself includes stems, leaves and flowers that can be used for different purposes such as oils, incense, and a medicinal rub. In this recipe leaves or stems can be used, although the dried leaves are much easier to break down into a fine powder. Choose fresh leaves and then dry them on wax paper in direct sunlight outside or on a window sill.
