Making Incense Sticks From Bamboo
Bamboo incense sticks are widely popular in China for cultural activities, religious ceremonies, medicine and daily life. The species of bamboo sticks for incense used has excellent burning characteristics and thick wood which easily burns ashes into the incense stick.
When used in meditation, the lighting of incense often goes through a ceremonial ritual. Lighting the incense, letting the end of the incense burn for a short time and then gently waving it in the air will extinguish the flame and send a stream of smoke into the atmosphere. Along with the bamboo stick, certain kinds of incense can immediately create a calming effect which helps the mind to relax and go into a meditative state.
This form of incense burning has proved to be extremely helpful with patients who are suffering from depression.
How to make incense sticks
This can be a challenging undertaking, but the end result means you will have the aroma that has been specifically chosen by you. The mixtures you use will depend upon your particular taste, and there are many instructions on the internet which can prove to be helpful.
Once you've created your incense you should then dip your sticks of bamboo into the mix and allow it dry. This must be done at least ten times in order to form a thick layer on the sticks.
It's possible to make your own Agarbatti sticks from raw materials such as Agarwood, Cesar, Sandalwood, Clove, Lavender etc., and then add essential oil fragrances such as Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedar, Jasmine and Rose. If these natural fragrances are not available you can of course add artificial fragrances.
The combustible base of the burning incense mixture helps to bind the fragrant materials together.
Charcoal, wood powder and oxidizers are used to sustain the burning of the incense. Mucilaginous material is then combined with the fragrant material and water, to form a thick sticky substance and the cellulose in the powder burns to give an ember when set alight.
Incense is used by people from all different walks of life. It can be used simply to ward off irritable insects, or to enhance the atmosphere in a room. The soothing effect it can have on a room's occupants often helps to calm both the mind and body.
Bamboo is considered by many to be lucky, and the combination of using bamboo sticks for making incense which in itself is said to purify, is thought to bring forth an abundance of both luck and serenity within a home.
Using these sticks when practicing some forms of yoga can also help participants to relax and let the fragrances flow through them giving them the composure they seek.
Bamboo incense sticks are eco-friendly and combine beautifully with the fragrance that's emitted from the incense. They are also easy to hold and can be cut to the size you require.