Overview
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is applied both to the prepared material itself and to the aroma it produces. Made from aromatic plant matter, it is often blended with essential oils to enhance and stabilise its fragrance.
Incense is used for a variety of purposes, including aesthetic enjoyment, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation and ceremonial occasions. It may also serve more everyday functions, such as acting as a simple deodorant or as an insect repellent. The forms in which incense is prepared vary across cultures and have evolved with advances in technology and the widening range of its uses.
Types and Forms
Incense can generally be classified into two main types: indirect-burning and direct-burning. Indirect-burning incense, also called non-combustible incense, is not capable of burning on its own and requires a separate heat source, such as a glowing charcoal or heated surface, to release its fragrance.
Direct-burning incense, also termed combustible incense, is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and gives off scented smoke. This category typically takes one of two forms: a paste formed around a thin bamboo stick, or a paste extruded into a self-supporting stick or cone shape. The choice of form often reflects the cultural setting in which the incense is made and used, as well as the practical context of its application.
References
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on Incense.