Burning herbs and incenses is a sacred practice in many
traditions. In Native American traditions, this practice is called
"smudging."
Smudging can take many forms. Sometimes herbs are bundled and allowed to dry.
These are called "smudge sticks." Some herbs can be braided,
such as Sweetgrass. The main idea behind burning the
herbs is to release their energy and fragrance. The Native Americans believe
that negativity attaches to the smoke and the smoke carries the negativity
away.
Sacred Herbs
Soon after human beings discovered how to make fire we began to notice that
when different things burned they produced aromatic smoke. As herbs, roots,
resins, and barks are changed from their physical form (of this world) they are
changed by the element of fire into smoke (spirit world form). This
transformation is evidence of the spirit within substances.
Throughout human history, aromatic plants have been used in the daily
activities of people from every culture. As time has passed, this connection
between people and plants is being forgotten. We are drifting further and
further away from the ways that connect us to the plant and animal spirits with
whom we share the earth. We are losing our
understanding of the physical things around us that connect us to the spirit of
life.
People
who respect the ways of the Shaman understand that the influence of plant
medicine is very real in their daily lives.
Commonly, Sage, Sweetgrass and/or Cedar
are burned to purify yourself, your space and your spiritual or healing tools.
After lighting the smudge, hold it near your heart. Fan the smoke over your
body by first bringing it towards the heart, then inhaling, and pulling it up
over the head. You can also burn herbs during healing work and prayer. This
helps you connect to your Higher Power. To purify your space, fan the smoke
around the space and into the corners, moving stagnant energies.
The act of smudging is done with a bowl or Abalone Shell with the appropriate
herbs directly lit or burned on a coal or Charcoal Tablet. When using charcoal
tablets the bowl or shell should be filled with sand or a flat stone to prevent
over-heating the container. Smudging is also done with herbs tied in bundles
called Smudge Sticks. In either case the smoke is “washed” over the person or
object with a Feather or by fanning the smoke with one’s hand.
To smudge, your will need your herbs, a container, and maybe
charcoal. (This method utilizes charcoal.) Ceramic and glass bowls work well.
Place a layer of soil, sand or salt in the bottom of your container for
insulation, then add your charcoal and herbs. Most
people use prepared, quick-lighting charcoal.
WARNING: The burning charcoal and herbs can heat the container up enough to
scorch the surface on which it is resting or the hand holding it. Light your
charcoal tablet and place it in your container. Sprinkle the herbs onto the
charcoal, a little at a time.
If you prefer to light your whole bundle or braid, hold it in a candle flame
until the smudge glows red. Blow out the flame. It should smoulder
at least a few minutes. You'll need a bowl to catch the hot ashes. They will
eventually go out by themselves.
Caution: Burning excessive amounts of smudge or excessive burning of smudge
can lead to respiratory problems. Avoid burning smudge in the same room as
infants, around anyone who is pregnant or suffering from respiratory problems,
or around those who have asthma or respiratory allergies. Never leave burning
smudge, charcoal, candles or fires unattended.
There are many types of SMUDGE STICKS & HERBS. Our collection
includes some of the most esteemed traditional smudging ingredients along with
all the necessary items you will need to enjoy them. An
excellent way to purify your sacred space and bless your fellow journeyers.
Incense - STICKS
Since antiquity incense has been used for creating aromatic,
fragrant spaces both indoors and out with fine natural incense resins, woods
and herbs. Incense has always been deeply intertwined with religious
ceremonies, as well as the practice of medicine. In fact the first reported
healing practices, recorded in ancient
Strengthen your connection to nature as soft clouds of frankincense, mastic, storax, sandalwood,
juniper and lemon grass ascend to the heavens!
Incense awakens us to the pleasures of earth's aromatic treasures and our
interconnection with nature. Envelop yourself in fragrances that greet the
rising sun with a clean and invigorating aroma, entertain guests with exotic
fragrances, purify indoor spaces, enhance dream activity, relax with a soft,
smooth, calming mixture that eases the troubles of the day, or blend a warm,
sweet and seductive mixture to stimulate your sensuality for an evening of
mystery and intimacy.
Types of incense sticks
Incenses
from
Any such incense can be expected to have 50 or more ingredients. As a result,
the variety of incense from
MASALA is the Indian word for a blend of spices and/or herbs, such as
those used in making curries or other food dishes. Masala
incenses are made by blending a number of solid ingredients into a paste which
is then rolled onto a bamboo core stick. Masalas
usually do not contain liquid perfumes, which can evaporate.
CHARCOAL is integral in the manufacturing of a blank stick, which is
then dipped into a mixture of perfumes and essential oils. Charcoal blanks
usually contain sandalwood powder, a resin and possibly other substances. Most
"charcoal" incenses are black or near-black in colour
and are distinctive because they are rich in fine liquid perfumes.
DURBARS (and Champas) are wet-process incenses
which frequently contain ingredients entirely unfamiliar in the West. They are
usually very slow burning and quite sweet and spicy in
bouquet. They can amalgamate solid and liquid perfumes in a gummy base which
never quite dries, making the sticks themselves soft to the touch. All are
highly fragranced.
COMBINATION incenses are those which have the qualities of both the Masala and the Charcoal. It is possible to make a Masala incense and then dip it into liquid perfumes,
producing a very colourful and rich bouquet. These
incenses usually have a great deal of depth and leave a lingering
after-fragrance, once burned.
WOODBASE incenses, including many Ambers, contain little more than
powdered or shaved wood plus a resinous or solid perfume. They are really Masalas, but since the woodiness is so distinct in most
cases, it is best to put them into a separate category.
Of the
many types of INCENSE STICKS on the market, we carry quite a huge range,
but do always ask us if there is a particular variety for which you seek
and we will endeavour to obtain it for you. We carry
a large selection of INCENSE HOLDERS
on which to burn your Incense. Our INCENSE STICKS collection
includes some of the best.
HEM
INDIAN
- Assorted Brands
KAMINI
NAG
CHAMPA
PADMINI
SHRINIVAS
SUGANDHALAYA
Incense - CONES
It is worth contemplating why incense has regularly been used for
centuries across various religions and faiths, be they Catholic, Jewish,
Buddhist, Hindu or most others. One of the most important reasons is that it
purifies the air and has an extraordinarily soothing effect on the mind. Just
like a candle brightens up a darkened room, the aromatic effect of incense
offers tranquillity to the senses. Incense is also
said to have several medicinal effects. Many earlier civilizations used incense
as an herbal medicine for treating health disorders. This in fact forms the
basis of aromatherapy. Many incense ingredients are used as medicines all over
the world.
Incense during meditation is said to dissipate the negative energy. The burning
of incense helps to create a positive state of mind and helps also to condition
the mind to associate the typical fragrance with the properties so associated.
Certain fragrances in the incense impart positive impulses to the brain. These
positive impulses, over time, become a natural response to that particular
incense. The mind becomes "conditioned" to respond in a particular
way when that incense is used.
What is the difference between Incense Sticks and Cones?
Incense
cones are made from exactly the same ingredients as incense sticks. In the case
of incense sticks, the paste is rolled around a small sliver of bamboo, and
with cones the paste is rolled into a conical shape. Cones usually burn faster
than incense sticks, as they are more compact, giving
off their fragrance more intensely. Some people say incense cones have a more
pure fragrance, as there is no bamboo sliver that burns. Many people prefer
incense cones (also known as dhoop cones) to incense
sticks for this reason, as there is no smoke from the bamboo stick to mix with
and so dilute, the aroma of the incense. Generally speaking, cones give a
greater volume of smoke in a shorter time, so providing a more concentrated
fragrance.
Dhoop
Dhoops are a masala
sub-group. Masala incenses are made by blending
several solid scented ingredients into a paste. These incenses usually contain
little or no liquid scents (which can evaporate or diminish over time). They
are an extruded incense, lacking a core bamboo stick.
Many dhoops have very concentrated scents and put out
a lot of smoke when burned. The most well-known dhoop
is probably Chandan Dhoop.
It contains a high percentage of Sandalwood.
There are
many types of INCENSE CONES & DHOOP. Please inquiry if there is a
particular variety for which you seek and we will endeavour
to obtain it for you. We carry a large selection of CONE HOLDERS on
which to burn your Incense. Our INCENSE CONES &
DHOOP collection includes some of the best.
INDIAN
- Assorted Brands
KAMINI
PADMINI
SHRINIVAS SUGANDHALAYA
