Creating Your Own Botanical Incense
Updated: 2 days ago
Incense is another beautiful way to experience plants through scent. While you can certainly purchase incense in countless fragrances, making your own gives you the opportunity to experiment with aromas and create a scent that feels uniquely yours.
Starting with plain, unscented incense sticks makes this project simple. You choose the essential oil, allow the scent to infuse into the sticks, and give them time to dry before burning.
It’s another hands-on way to explore the aromatic side of botanical preparations.
Ingredients
● 30 unscented incense sticks
● 2 teaspoons essential oil of your choice
● 4 teaspoons dipropylene glycol (DPG)
About the Ingredients
Unscented incense sticks
Start with pre-made, unscented incense sticks. These provide the base for your chosen botanical aroma.
Dipropylene glycol (DPG)
DPG is commonly used as a solvent and carrier in fragrance applications. It helps distribute fragrance through the incense material and can contribute to more consistent burning.
Essential oils
Choose an essential oil or aromatic blend based on the scent you enjoy. Remember that essential oils are highly concentrated, so handle them carefully and research any oil you plan to use before burning it.
Equipment
● A rectangular container large enough to hold the incense sticks
● Toothpick or stirring tool
● Gloves
● Lid or plastic wrap
● Cooling rack or another clean surface for drying
● Storage container or resealable bag
You may need to trim a few incense sticks if your container isn’t long enough to accommodate them.
Making Your Incense
1. Prepare the Fragrance Mixture
Measure 4 teaspoons of dipropylene glycol into your soaking container.
Add 2 teaspoons of your chosen essential oil.
Gently stir the mixture with a toothpick or another small stirring tool to combine.
2. Add the Incense Sticks
Place your unscented incense sticks into the container, making sure they are in contact with the fragrance mixture.
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to reduce evaporation.
Place the container somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight.
Allow the sticks to soak for approximately 24 hours.
3. Turn the Sticks
After the first 24 hours, put on a pair of gloves. Gently move, rotate, or turn the incense sticks so the fragrance mixture can reach the exposed surfaces more evenly.
Return the cover to the container.
Allow the sticks to continue soaking for approximately one to two weeks.
The longer infusion period gives the fragrance more time to penetrate the incense material.
4. Dry the Incense
When you’re ready to dry your incense, carefully remove the sticks from the container.
Lay them across a cooling rack or another clean, protected surface so that air can circulate around them.
Allow the incense sticks to dry for several days, or until completely dry.
As they dry, you may notice the sticks becoming lighter in appearance.
Do not burn the incense until it is completely dry.
5. Store
Once completely dry, place your incense sticks in a separate airtight container or resealable bag.
Keep them somewhere cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight, heat, and open flames.
And that’s it—you’ve made your own scented incense!
A Note About Essential Oils & Smoke
Burning an essential oil changes its chemistry, and not every essential oil is necessarily appropriate to inhale when heated. Choose your oils thoughtfully and use incense in a well-ventilated space.
Always burn incense in an appropriate heat-resistant holder, away from curtains, paper, pets, children, and anything flammable. Never leave burning incense unattended.
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