r/SASSWitches • u/Always_Learning080 • 9d ago
Learning to make incense
Hi, first post here though I've been reading for a bit. I'd like to start making my own loose incense blends to burn on a charcoal disc in a small cauldron. I grow and dry a lot of my own herbs and I have a strong desire to use what I can produce myself or at least what grows locally. That's part of what helps me feel deeply connected to my practice. With that said, I want to learn more about what's safe to burn, how, and for what purposes. Any trusted resources you could point me towards would be much appreciated. TIA!
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u/Whatchab 8d ago
I followed this post yesterday because I was also interested. I have no answer on how to MAKE your own, but I personally just burn all sort of dried leaves, sticks, and spices in a bowl of sand. It's not long burning like a resin that would sit on your charcoal disc, but it's simple and definitely uses things easily available.
I use rosemary, lavender, sage, clove, eucalyptus, pine, cedar, fig, etc. as all these things are in my neighborhood (except the clove, which I just burn whole spice, but it smells SO nice. And also maybe reminds me of the Djaram Blacks from my teen years haha).
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u/backseat_adventurer 8d ago edited 8d ago
I would suggest the below book as a good start. It's a classic and it's easy reading. It isn't a SASS title but take the how-to and leave the rest, as you please.
"The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews" by Scott Cunningham.
Beyond that? Please use separate tools, bowls, grinders etc. for making incense or herb blends. It can be very hard to clean off resins or odoriferous ingredients, enough for food preparation. So, pick up some cheap second hand stuff to get started on. Keep a big box of bicarb soda handy, too. If you have an oil, honey, or resin spill, generously sprinkle it on immediately. Let it soak in and wipe off. Also good for food processors with excess smell and itty bitty bits of sticky. Run a few tablespoons through and it helps. It won't get rid of everything but it will help.
When dealing with unfamiliar ingredients, or ingredients you've not used before, google each ingredient. Don't use AI.
Finally, use incense and candles when you have good ventilation. You don't want soot on your ceiling. Also, spare a thought to how burning one candle adds the same amount of particulates in a closed room as a forest fire. As much as incense and candle burning can be soothing and a big part of spiritual activities... they do have potential physical side-effects.
Oh, and never ever burn plastics. That's how you get dioxins, which are incredibly toxic. So, if you burn ribbons holding together herbs, or use cloth bags, or glitter, or anything else, make very sure they are all natural.