Incense sticks, which contain high concentrations of essential oils, are a common tool for aromatherapy and are often used in conjunction with yoga and meditation to create a calming atmosphere. While there are also specific scents used for specific purposes, such as purifying the air and promoting focus and awareness, choosing a scent is a matter of personal taste. Make sure you find the number of sticks and lengths that are appropriate for you, and luckily many companies offer small sample packs. We also recommend natural, subtly scented incense sticks made of wood, herbs, and plant-based materials and charcoal-based sticks should only be used outdoors. Based on our reviews, here are the best incense sticks on the market. These Japanese incense sticks are uniquely crafted without a bamboo core, resulting in a low-smoke burn. Each box includes 150 all-natural incense sticks free of synthetic oils and fragrances. Each Shoyeido incense stick measures 5.25 inches and burns for approximately 30 minutes. This value pack features three boxes of authentic Satya Sai Baba incense sticks. Each box contains approximately 15 hand-rolled incense sticks, which deliver a clean, slow burn. Not only is lavender one of the most studied essential oils known for having a soothing and calming effect on the nervous system, but Alison Seponara, MS, LPC, Pennsylvania-based licensed professional counselor notes that the fragrant shrub has also proven to be a promising treatment for insomnia and reducing anxiety. HEM’s Indian incense sticks are made from aromatic, biotic materials, including fragrant oils derived from the extracts of herbal plants, seeds, and barks. This budget-friendly, 120-count pack comes with six tubes, each containing 20 sticks for convenient storage. The sticks are 9 inches long and have a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. Chakras Incense does not contain any harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or synthetic materials like petrochemicals, charcoal, or alcohol. Made from natural bamboo, they deliver a slow, even burn to create a long-lasting, soothing environment for meditation, reiki, yoga, and relaxation. This set also comes with a free wooden incense stick holder. This DEET- and petroleum-free formula repels mosquitoes within a 12-foot radius for up to 2.5 hours. For best results, light a Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Stick 10 minutes before gathering outdoors, and keep it upright in an incense holder or flower pot. Traditionally crafted in Japan, Bodha uses organic, high-quality woods and essential oils to produce its incense sticks which results in a smokeless burn. A great option for folks who are sensitive to both scent and smoke, this box contains 50 sticks, each with a burn time of approximately 25 minutes. These 11-inch punk sticks are made from bamboo coated with compressed sawdust. The Better Scents Uncolored Incense Sticks are highly absorbent, retaining fragrance well and delivering a slow, even, low-smoke burn. Simply add your favorite essential oils and dry the sticks properly before burning. Pro tip: For a longer-lasting scent, the brand suggests adding DPG (dipropylene glycol) to dilute the mixture and extend the scent of the essential oils. This set features six traditional scents, including nag champa, lavender, sandalwood, Japanese rose, patchouli, and white sage. Having access to a variety of fragrances is beneficial because of the effect that scent can have on the brain. While lavender is generally considered relaxing, it may evoke a poor response in someone who has a negative memory tied to the scent. The variety pack allows for exploration and allows you to discover what scents are most pleasing to you. Hand-dipped and rolled in India using natural bamboo and high-quality essential oils, these 10-inch incense sticks deliver 45 minutes of odor elimination and air purification that lasts. This Utopia Scents set provides 120 incense sticks in ten scents, including rose, lemongrass, sandalwood, strawberry, frankincense, white sage, apple, vanilla, jasmine, and lavender. The HEM Frankincense Incense Sticks And Incense Stick Holder Bundle offers everything you need to start on your calming journey to relaxation. This set includes six tubes of 20 incense sticks, each measuring 9.75 inches long. HEM incense sticks are non-toxic and handcrafted in India from organic wood, resin, and bamboo. This set also includes a Trumiri incense holder. Botanica Incense is made from all-natural wood and essential oils. Each pack includes 20 incense sticks measuring 12-inches long and delivers a burn time of approximately 40 minutes. The brand donates $1 from each pack to region-specific nonprofits in the areas indigenous to the scent’s ingredients.
Quantity
When purchasing a scent for the first time, we recommend opting for a smaller pack. Quantities range from ten sticks to hundreds at a time. Many brands also offer small-batch variety packs, giving you the opportunity to sample a wide range of scents without committing to a single fragrance.
Purpose
Certain scents are widely used in yoga and meditation practices, while others are used to purify the air or rid a space of negative energy. Whether you’re searching by scent profile or meditative purpose, dig into the details behind the scent to find what’s most appealing to you.
For a sense of calm and to relieve stress or anxiety: Lavender, frankincense, ylang-ylang, chamomile, and rose.For spiritual awareness or purification and cleansing purposes: Myrrh, nag champa, and sandalwood.For mental clarity, focus, awareness, and memory: Amber, cinnamon, lemongrass, lotus, rose, rosemary, and vanilla.For mood boosting: Vanilla, ylang-ylang, patchouli, bergamot, and other citrus fruits.
Natural vs. Synthetic
When choosing incense, Dr. Glik emphasizes the importance of purchasing based on the dip or coating. “We want to make sure that we trust the purity of the incense itself,” she said. Be wary of “all-natural” on product labels, as it may not mean that no synthetic materials were used in the manufacturing process. Ingredient lists should be composed of wood, herbs, and plant-based materials. Avoid charcoal-based incense for burning indoors, as it can release toxic chemicals. And steer clear of vibrantly colored incense sticks and overly pungent scents. Use your nose as a guide—the aroma of natural incense is typically soft and subtle. If the incense smells like perfume, that’s a tell-tale sign it’s made with synthetic ingredients.
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
Refer to the directions on your punk sticks or follow a step-by-step tutorial. Light the end of the stick and let the flame burn for a few seconds before gently blowing or fanning it out. The stick should produce a slight red glow and emit a slight wisp of smoke. Once lit, never leave the incense stick unattended.
