HERBS by Category: Incenses

Desert Sage is especially known for its pleasant fragrance and is traditionally used in ceremonies and included in pouches and bundles.

The word "incense", meaning originally "the aroma given off with the smoke of any odoriferous substance when burnt", has been gradually restricted almost exclusively to Frankincense, also known as Olibanum.

Palo Santo, or "Holy Wood" or "Sacred tree" is a natural aromatic incense wood, used for centuries by the Incas as a spiritual remedy for purifying and cleansing and to get rid of evil spirits, misfortune and calamity.

Manila Elemi is the soft, fragrant oleoresin obtained from the trunk of the Canarium luzonicum. The resin Elemi is pale yellow or greenish in color and has a balsamic fragrance, smells a bit like Fennel.

Canarium strictum exudates a resin called as ‘Sambrani’ or ‘Dammar’ which has many commercial uses. Its usage among tribal and folk people in different parts of India has been explored through ethnobotanical studies.

Charcoal discs are necessary for burning non-combustible incenses.

Camphor is the white crystalline substance obtained from the tree Cinnamomum camphora, native to China, Japan and adjunct parts of East Asia.

Commiphora myrrha is indigenous to Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, and South Arabia. Myrrh is the resin of this tree. Myrrh has been used from remote ages as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, etc.

Copaifera resin has traditionally been used by healers in the Amazon, and still burns as an incense during many ceremonies and in churches.

The Bursera family of trees have specific medicinal advantages that clear the body and the environment of unwanted mosquitos, ailments and for some unwanted spirits. Copal resin was frequently used by the Mayans and Aztecs during ceremony dealing with purification.

Sweetgrass can be burned for prayer, to purify spaces, and at the beginning of rituals to attract positive energies and influences.

Lavender is a very versatile plant. It is widely grown in gardens. Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourri.

A resinous aromatic tree, Cedar is often used in the sweat lodge ceremony. The smoke of burning Cedar is said to attract the good spirits and eliminate negative energies.

Osha is considered sacred by the Native Americans and widely esteemed by them for its broad and effective warm healing power.

Of the members of the Mint family under cultivation the most important are the several varieties of the Peppermint extensively cultivated for years as the source of the well-known volatile oil of Peppermint.

A clean purifying scent with tones of pine and lemon. Breu branco is commonly used during ceremony and ritual in Brazil.

White Sage is considered sacred by many Native Americans and is believed to cleanse a space of any evil spirits that may be present.

Sage has been considered a sacred herb since the times of antiquity, a salvaging and saving herb.

Benzoe is the resin from the tree Styrax benzoe, native to Indonesia. The aroma of this resin is relaxing, soothing and deeply sensual, with notes of sweet vanilla and cinnamon.

Sandarac resin is obtained from tears of the Cypress Sandarac tree that grows in the Atlas region in Morocco. The gum leaks from the bark and branches of the tree and hardens in the air.