how to use non-combustible incense
Supplies
❖ fireproof bowl or container: look for a bowl specifically made for burning incense, such as a censor, Japanese ceramic incense bowls, or a cauldron
❖ white ash: helps diffuse the heat of the charcoal and allows it to breathe, so it will stay lit
❖ bamboo charcoal: cleanest burning charcoal with little to no smell
❖ tongs: to hold the charcoal while lighting
❖ lighter and tealight candle (optional): for lighting the bamboo charcoal
❖ mica plates (optional): provides a barrier between the incense and the charcoal, providing a much more pleasing aroma
❖ incense spoon: the spoon allows greater control over where the incense is placed
Instructions
1 · Fill your incense bowl with white ash, and tamp down to create a flat surface, if desired.
2 · Place your bowl on a flat, heat-safe surface. Choose a location where you won’t have to move it once lit.
3 · Hold the bamboo charcoal to a flame using tongs, until at least 1/4 of it is lit. It will glow red and develop ash over the surface. Bamboo charcoal isn’t self igniting, so I recommend holding it in the flame of a tealight candle. Put the lit charcoal directly onto the ash.
4 · Place a mica plate on top of the charcoal.
5 · Spoon a small amount of incense on top of the mica plate and allow to smolder, releasing the fragrance into the room. Add more incense as desired.
Safety
❖ To prevent fire, burn incense in a fireproof container on a stable, heat resistant surface.
❖ Always burn within sight, and never leave unattended.
❖ Keep away from children, pets, drafts, and flammable objects.
❖ Keep an extinguisher or water nearby in case it needs to be put out.
Cleaning and Storage
1 · Allow to cool completely.
2 · Remove mica plate and any solid debris until only ash remains. Stir the ash thoroughly, and store covered. White ash only needs to be replaced when it contains a lot of debris; if it’s taken care of, it lasts a very long time.
3 · Gently clean the mica plate. Plates can also be reused many times, but should be replaced if incense can’t be cleaned off.
Disposal
None of the supplies mentioned above have special requirements for their disposal, but here are some better alternatives to the trash bin:
❖Mica Plates: mica is biodegradable and can be broken up and added to your compost bin.
❖ White Ash: this can be sprinkled on your compost, or it can be used as a pest deterrent! White ash deters ants and earwigs, and it can be used safely in the garden.
❖ Incense Jars: these jars are recyclable, but they can also be reused. They are perfect for homemade balms and salves, or for storing small parts (such as screws and nails).
❖ Incense Bags: cello bags are compostable, but the label is not.
