Incense is an aromatic substance, which is obtained from certain resinous trees. It releases fragrant smoke when burned and is largely used for the purpose of religious worship. Indeed incense has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and spiritual purification rites, a practice that persists to this day.

Incense has been used by humanity since the dawn of civilization. The oldest sources we have regarding incense are the Indian Vedas. Herodotus testifies to its use among the Assyrians and Babylonians. Egyptians used incense in religious ceremonies and also to counteract unpleasant odors and drive away demons. It is also used by the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths as well as the Buddhists, Hindus and many others. In Japan, there is a strong relationship between nature, incense, poetry, and the human spirit.

Use of incense in religion is prevalent in most cultures. One common use of incense is as a form of sacrificial offering to a deity. It is used almost universally across the globe for religious purposes, to mask unpleasant odors or just to enjoy its pleasing scent. Incense is said to have several medicinal effects too. Many earlier civilizations used incense as a herbal medicine for treating health disorders. Even to this day, many incense ingredients are used as medicines all over the world.

Incense fragrances can be of such great strength that they obscure other, less desirable odors. This has led to the use of incense in funeral ceremonies because the incense can smother the scent of decay.

With their sweet-smelling perfume, many types of incense are considered quite valuable.

Many people burn incense to appreciate its smell, without assigning any other specific significance to it. It should be noted that those with asthma should carefully test incense before buying large quantities of it as some incense can give you a violent allergic reaction. Though these incenses are few and far between, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Incense was and continues to be used to alter consciousness through the sense of smell. Incense during meditation is said to dissipate negative energy. Burning of incense helps to create a positive state of mind and helps condition the mind to associate the typical fragrance with a positive and calm mind. Careful consideration of its influence will help us determine the scents that are best for us. This means that each of us has to test the scents that lift us into higher vibrations, higher states of consciousness.

Incense has the power to remove distress and uplift the spirit. The sweet aroma of incense creates a sense of joy and peace as well as enhances your environment.