Author: Incense from India

Dipped in oils extracted from the resin.

FRANKINCENSE is said to fall under the astrological sign of Leo which is ruled by the sun. For this reason frankincense is favored for combating depression, melancholy, confusion, and irritability. Its essence invokes vitality and a sunny disposition in its user. In ancient times, Hebrews, Greeks, and the Romans used frankincense in their religious ceremonies. Its name comes from the French words, franc, meaning pure, and encens, meaning to burn. The Bible recounts the story of the three wisemen who brought this 'pure incense' to baby Jesus.

CHARCOAL is integral in the manufacturing of an unscented blank (non-perfumed stick) which is then dipped into a mixture of perfumes and/or oils.

These blanks usually contain "spent" sandalwood powder, a binding sticky resin that hold the sticks coating together, wood charcoal and sometimes other substances.

Most charcoal incenses are black or near black in color, and are distinctive because they are rich in aromatic perfumes.

Indian charcoal sticks contrast from the "punks" in that they are dipped in superior perfumes, and burn smoothly without producing irritating smokey by-products.