how to burn incense bundles
This guide is under construction!
❖ · the instructions are finished, but the photos are placeholders until I take new ones for this guide · ❖
Supplies
Unlike non-combustible incense, there aren’t many supplies needed to burn incense bundles, making them more accessible.
You will need:
❖ fireproof bowl or container: look for a bowl specifically made for burning incense and catching ash, such as a cauldron or ceramic sage burner
❖ lighter or tealight candle: used to light the incense bundle
❖ sand (optional, but recommended): the bottom of the fireproof bowl may be filled with sand, which provides a means to extinguish the flame if necessary
❖ feather or small hand fan (optional): to fan the smoke and help the bundle stay lit
Instructions
1 · Fill your incense bowl with ~2-3” of sand (optional).
2 · Place your bowl on a flat, heat-safe surface. Choose a location where you won’t have to move it once lit.
3 · Light the end of the incense bundle that is not tightly bound, using a lighter or candle. Gently blow out over the incense bowl so it can catch any ash or debris.
4 · Place the lit bundle inside the incense bowl. Lightly fanning or gently blowing on the bundle every so often will help it stay lit.
5 · Incense bundles will extinguish themselves. They may be relit immediately after going out, or allowed to cool and stored for later use.
Safety
❖ Burning dried herbs is a fire hazard. To prevent fire, burn incense in a fireproof container on a stable, heat resistant surface.
❖ Incense bundles can spit and crackle when first being lit. They must always be monitored and set up in a location that is completely fire safe.
❖ Always burn within sight, and never leave unattended.
❖ Keep away from children, pets, drafts, and flammable objects.
❖ Keep an extinguisher, sand, or water nearby in case the bundle needs to be put out.
Cleaning, Storage, and Disposal
1 · Allow the bundle to cool completely before saving for later or disposal.
2 · Place the cooled bundle in a cool, dark, and dry space for best aroma if you want to burn it in the future.
3 · Any ashes or unburnt herbs can be safely composted.
Other Ways to Burn
❖ Outdoor burning: Incense bundles can be burned outside in a firepit. A lovely way to conclude a bonfire is throwing a whole or partial incense bundle over the coals.
❖ Burning over charcoal: Bundles can be taken apart to be burned over bamboo charcoal, if desired. To do this, cut the string to release the herbs, and break them down into small pieces with your hands (or scissors / pruning shears). Store unused incense mix in a glass jar.
❖ Simmer Pots: Highly aromatic bundles can be used to make a simmer pot for smokeless burning. This method isn’t suitable for all bundles, because some release a better fragrance when burning. Mountain mint, for example, smells a bit like green tea when boiled, which doesn’t make for an exciting aromatic experience!
✶To make a simmer pot, place a large pot of water on the stove. Remove the cord from the incense bundle, and gently loosen the herbs. Break in half; place one half in the pot of water, and the other in a bag or jar to use another time. To release the fragrance, all you have to do is simmer the pot on the stove - which is also great to raise the humidity during these dry winter months!