Aromatherapy Incense and the Amazing History of Incense
Incense Aromatherapy
Consumption of incense has been running for generations in my family, but I had no idea about the history of Incense and how did it even come to exist, this thought of curiousness made me do some research that I will be sharing with you all,
The word incense originated from the Latin incendere, which means “to burn”. People of ancient Egypt were the first ones to benefit from incense, back then, it was used by priests for the sanctification and purification from sin, transgressions, and the evil spirits feeding on their sins. The incense poured in Thurible was the Frankincense incense, believed among the Egyptians got stronger after the spotting of the revelation of Frankincense incense in the Bible.
Read More WHAT INCENSE IS BURNED IN CATHOLIC CHURCH - INCENSE BURNINER IN CATHOLIC CHURCH
History of Aromatherapy Incense
The traditions of aromatherapy can be traced back more than 3000 years before the birth of Christ. The rich history of aromatherapy plays a great role in the manufacture of aromatic medicines, as most of these aromatic therapies were considered safe from toxicity and were used for many severe health-related problems.
In the times of ancient Egypt, this Incense was used in the name of ceremonies and different ritualistic practices. The Egyptians burned incense made from a combination of different types of spices, some herbs, and aromatic woods. It was strongly believed that the prayers rose to heaven as the smoke did.
Long before that, in the times when there was not any diagnosis of health problems and the discovery of medicine, people used to blame the supernatural or the evil spirits for their “sickness” and burned aromatic woods and spices to drive these evil spirits out. The aromatic woods were applied topically by burning them hot and were administered into systemic circulation through smoking the woods and spices, it was another kind of treatment.
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Aromatherapy Incense and Facts that will Surprise You
It would not be wrong if I state that in Aromatherapy is the foundation of the advancement and enhancement of the medicinal field today. Herbal plants were always considered a source of treatment in history and are used to relieve our bodies and minds in the new days. Aromatherapy surprisingly heals the injured areas and has many other psychological and physical benefits. Aromatherapy involves treatment applying essential oils from aromatic plants, the oil extracted from the plants in its purest form is used to treat many ailments.
Application of Aromatherapy Using Patient’s Compliance Methods
You should be very careful while applying Aromatherapy, be sure to not leave it unattended and about the information of the incense as well. Some incense are prepared synthetically and release toxic materials on heating.
Three Types of Incense used in Aromatherapy for you to Choose the Best for yourself
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Cinnamon – The Mother of Spices
Cinnamon is considered one of the oldest spices in the world. Cinnamon has great significance in culinary and has many health benefits as well. Cinnamon is known best for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Cinnamon extract incense in Aromatherapy provides relief from stress, depression, and insomnia and gives you positive energy if inhaled with the right fragrance.
Red Sandalwood powder – The Sacred Spice
Sandalwood is collected from the sacred forests of India. Sandalwood incense promotes good health and helps improve concentration, for which it is considered Sacred.
Frankincense – The Ingredient from the “Holy recipe”
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Commonly Used Aromatherapy Incense Sticks
Incense sticks available today are prepared synthetically and can release toxic substances on burning. To be on the safe side, sticks are made using essential oils and natural aromatics easily at home, few of the methods are mentioned below,
Indian Hand Rolled Incense Sticks
The hand rolled method originated from native India. Sticks are prepared by the hand rolling technique and are considered more natural than any other form of Incense sticks because of their careful preparation by handcrafters.American Smudge Sticks
Smudges are native to the Americans, incense is burned by tying a collection of white sages into bundles as smudge sticks. The ingredients used for the incense include sweet grass, juniper berries, and a few other spices in the formulation.
Dipped Incense Sticks
Dipped Incense Sticks consist of long and thin wooden sticks having a coating of combustible powder using charcoal. Then these coated wooden sticks are dipped inside the essential or fragrance oils for incense. Avoid the usage of glues or any other adherents for the coating of powder onto the wooden sticks, as these might contain toxic properties.
Why Use Incense Aromatherapy
Using incense for aromatherapy is proven a genius choice every time, because of the vast range of benefits of Incense. Some of the benefits of Incense Aromatherapy are discussed below,
For Pathological Conditions - Results are unbelievable!
Essential oils used in Aromatherapy in the form of Incense sticks are involved in the passage and removal of nasal discharge or sputum from the upper respiratory tract, dilating the tract and making it easier to breathe. Incense Aromatherapy polishes mental energy and reinforces spiritual connections.
Antibacterial Actions – It’s a Goodbye to Germs!
The incense has antibacterial properties and the constituents released are toxic to germs and other infectious agents. Incense fights off the illnesses caused by germs and prevents further spreading by sanitizing the environment. Incense also has anti-inflammatory actions and controls the release of inflammatory mediators.
Enhances the Sleep Cycle – Time to Dream Bigger!
The powerful aromas of Incense sticks have strong sedative properties, provide calming sensations, and enhance sleep by bringing your mind and body at peace. It is also used to enhance memory by increasing the capacity of the brain and allows you to think broader and improve concentration.
FAQS – Incense Aromatherapy
Is using incense for Aromatherapy safe?
Using incense sticks for Aromatherapy is generally perceived to be a natural method, as the incense is made from essential oils and is pleasantly aromatic in nature. These are considered safe if synthetic products are not involved as these release toxic substances on burning.
What are the possible risks of Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy using incense is considered safe but can have fewer side effects. These side effects are usually mild and do not last long. A few side effects include Nausea, headaches, and hay fever.
Does Incense Aromatherapy clean the environment?
Fortunately, incense contains anti-bacterial properties and helps in the purification of the environment by killing the toxic substances present in the environment. The Incense sticks are even lit on the graves of the dead as a ritual to provide a pure environment and good fragrance to those who are gone. Incense sticks also symbolize peace of mind.
Which scent is considered better for the lungs in Aromatherapy?
Not all scents are considered good for respiratory health because of their side effects on the lungs. Some of the beneficial incenses for the lungs include,
- Cinnamon essential oil
- Thyme essential oil
- Oregano essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Frankincense essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
Is inhaling incense beneficial for the health of the lungs?
No, the inhalation of particles present in the incense smoke can be traced to asthma and lung inflammation. The long term exposure to these particles can even lead to lung cancer. It’s better to avoid the smoke and to protect your lungs.