Natural Incense?

[grayjk]

I've recently taken an interest in Druidry and Naturism and "going green" in general, and as I sat here watching incense burn, I suddenly realized I have no idea what's in incense. I don't know if it's natural ingredients, or chemical perfumes. So then I was wondering, does anyone know how to make incense, especially from natural herbs or plants (anything from fruits and juices to seeds or barks). My brother's-friend's-parents make incense, and I could probably ask them for help, but that's a pretty big degree of separation to jump.
So I wondered if anyone made their own incense, either out of essential oils or raw materials, and how one would do it. I'm planning on planting a garden this spring, so I could grow my own herbs for it.
Also, if anyone has suggestions on what herbs/flowers to grow for incense, I'd love to hear those too.

Love, Peace, Chicken Grease,
grayjk

[Lily]

How about this:

viewtopic.php?f=326&t=32529&p=350827

little thing that I wrote up a while ago.


I just noticed that it's missing its pictures. If you want the whole thing in a PDF, pm me.

p.s.

My brother's-friend's-parents make incense, and I could probably ask them for help, but that's a pretty big degree of separation to jump.

if they actually make sticks or cones, I would be terribly intrigued to have some advice, as I have had no success.

[D'Arzhur]

Hello Lilly, thanks for reposting this!

I just noticed this:
Herbs and spices–
"use sparingly and together with a resin to avoid a burnt smell."
Do you maybe have a recommendation for a special resin? one that would not distract from the scent of the herbs?
Although I use charcoals I also like to use a tea strainer above a small candle to burn just a pinch or two when needed...

[Lily]

mastix, dammar, possibly gum arabic. these are very neutral. Next is probably pine, white copal.
the tea strainer version works really well to gently release the scent of herbs without burning. it's just not very aesthetic.

[Heddwen]

Hi chaps,

Lily, I'm sure that there are some instructional clips on you tube re making cone incense. Although I have never tried it myself as yet.

Now is a good time to collect the pine resin from the trees. I like to make it a group experience.......in the woods. It's a very very satisfying experience, to collect your own ingredients and then stir it all up into an organic orgasmic frenzy in the kitchen afterwards. Lush.

[Corwen]

Its really easy to collect pine sap from most pine trees. You can either burn it on a charcoal disc, or better still put it on top of a woodstove. Or you can heat up a spoon on the hob and once its hot drop the resin onto it.