Instructions for Making Incense Sticks

Incense sticks are made from a paste of herbs and resins formed around a stick.

Making incense in your own home is an easy but time-consuming process. Incense is made by combining herbs into a paste, which is rolled onto sticks and then dried. Incense sticks can be made from a variety of herbs, oils and resins. Choose scents that are pleasing, or that correspond to various ideas or religious beliefs. Incense is used in meditation and religious ceremonies, and covers household odors.

Things You'll Need

• Mortar and pestle
• 1 part herbs and resins
• 1 1/2 parts makko powder
• Airtight storage container
• Wax paper
• Distilled water
• Bowl
• Shallow pan
• Thin bamboo sticks
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Put on rubber gloves.

2. Crush the herbs and resins in a mortar with a pestle until you have a fine powder.

3. Mix the pulverized herbs with makko powder, in a bowl.

4. Add distilled water slowly until a paste forms.

5. Scoop up the paste with your hands and mold a thin layer around a bamboo stick, over wax paper.

6. Allow the sticks to dry in an airtight container for two to four weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Makko powder is a natural herb which will allow the incense to light but not smoke too heavily. Charcoal stick blanks may be used instead of makko powder and bamboo sticks.

• Burn incense in a well-ventilated area. Do not leave burning incense unattended.

References

• Botanical: Incense Making
• Scents of the Earth: How to Make Incense
• Hari Om Incense: How are Incense Sticks Made?