How to Make Incense From Scratch
Welcome to our guide on how to make incense from scratch, inspired by the traditions and techniques we share in our Balinese Incense Making Workshop! Crafting your own incense is a rewarding sensory experience that connects you with ancient practices and allows you to personalize your aromatic environment.
Did you know that incense is over 6,000 years old, with its origins tracing back to ancient Egypt? There, it was used not just for pleasant aromas, but for sacred rituals, believed to unify mortals with the divine. Throughout history, and especially in Eastern cultures like China, incense burning remains a highly spiritual practice, believed to release intentions, purify spaces, and even carry offerings to the gods. It's truly a dance between earth and spirit.
Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started on your own aromatic journey:
What You'll Need:
Makko Powder: This is a combustible, odorless powder that acts as a base and helps your incense burn smoothly.
Infused Water: Ditch the plain tap water! To truly elevate your incense and add a subtle natural essence, use flower-infused water (like rose or jasmine water), or even water infused with herbs like mint or basil. This replaces basic water for a more holistic binder.
Essential Oils: Choose your favorite scents! In our workshops, we love using traditional Balinese oils like frangipani, sandalwood, and clove for their unique aromatic properties. We also emphasize using organic oils.
(Optional but Recommended) Natural Binders & Enhancers: Ingredients like guar gum or other natural resins.
Mixing Bowl and Utensils: For blending your ingredients.
No Sticks Needed! (Unless you prefer them!): We'll show you how to create beautiful, freestanding incense shapes.
The Process:
Blending the Base: Start by mixing the makko powder with your chosen infused water. If you are using additional binders like guar gum or resins, incorporate them into the dry makko powder before adding the liquid. The goal is to create a pliable dough-like consistency – not too sticky and not too dry.
Adding Essential Oils: Once you have your base, it's time to add your chosen essential oils. The amount will depend on the strength of the oils and your personal preference. Start with a few drops and add more until you achieve your desired fragrance. Mix thoroughly to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.
Hand-Rolling Your Incense Shapes: Take a small amount of your scented dough. Instead of rolling around a stick, you can create beautiful long shapes that will stand on their own once dry, or simple cones and coils that can be burned lying down. Apply gentle, consistent pressure to ensure the dough adheres well and is smooth.
Drying Process: After rolling, your incense creations need to dry completely. This is a crucial step to ensure they burn properly. Place your incense upright in a holder or lay them flat on a drying rack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The drying time will vary depending on humidity and the thickness of your incense, but it typically takes several hours.
Fragrance Enhancement (The Secret Touch!): Once your incense shapes are fully dried, here's a pro tip: lightly rub them with a drop of your chosen essential oil. Let it absorb, and repeat this process several times over a day or two. This "curing" with additional oil significantly enhances and locks in the fragrance, making your incense truly potent!
Enjoy Your Handmade Incense: Once fully dried and enhanced, your homemade incense is ready to be used! You can use them for aromatherapy, meditation, or simply to create a pleasant ambiance in your home.
A Note on Ingredients & Modern Twists:
You can make incense with makko powder alone, much like you can make a basic bread with just all-purpose flour. However, for a superior result – think artisan bread made with specialized bread flour – it's better to enhance your incense mixture.
It’s worth noting that most modern artisan incense often uses very little makko powder as a base. Instead, many crafters replace a significant portion of it with a higher percentage of fragrant herbs and spices to boost the aroma and character directly. Think finely ground cinnamon, cloves, star anise, dried rose petals, lavender buds, or even citrus peels for natural scent and unique burn qualities. Adding a small amount of natural binders like guar gum, or other plant-based resins, can still significantly improve your incense, helping it absorb and retain more aroma, dry effectively, and burn consistently.
Ready to See the Magic Happen?
Curious to see our artisans in action, hand-rolling these aromatic wonders? Check out our behind-the-scenes video that shows the whole enchanting process! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ3OAfyBjHP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=ang0N3dxc2xoMWd5
Cultural Context:
In Bali, incense plays a significant role in Hindu ceremonies and daily offerings. The ingredients used often carry symbolic meaning and cultural relevance. By making your own incense, you're not just creating a beautiful aroma, but also connecting with a rich cultural tradition.
Ever wondered what makes some incense more expensive or higher quality than others? Curious about the nuances of different resins, woods, and aromatic blending? Want to perfect the craft and dive deeper into the art of incense making with guidance from experienced artisans?
Book our Balinese Incense Making Workshop at Paint & Sip Ubud Art Workshop & Studio and transform your curiosity into skill! You'll learn traditional techniques, work with authentic Balinese ingredients, and create your own beautiful incense to take home.