As a general rule of thumb, opt for incense that is pure and scented naturally, rather than ones that use bonding agents and chemical fragrances. [1] X Expert Source Karina Klimtchuk, L. Ac. , DACM, Dipl. OMLicensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
If you have a cored incense stick, consider using an incense “boat,” which is a long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic that has a tiny hole at one end. The incense boat usually has a groove down the center, which is used to catch any falling pieces of ash. If you have a solid incense stick, do not use a wooden holder. Solid incense sticks burn all the way down, so using anything made from a flammable material as a censer is dangerous. Instead, consider filling a bowl or cup with grain, rice, salt, or sand, and sticking the incense stick inside. [2] X Research source If you wish to use a censer, then look for one that is made of ceramic or stone. Consider purchasing a shaped censer. These incense holders often come in many different shapes, such as elephants, lotus flowers, leaves, or bowls. They are usually made out of ceramic (which makes them suitable for both cored and solid incense sticks) and have a tiny hole at the top.
Make a shaped censer using clay. Take a piece of natural, air dry stone clay and roll it out flat. Cut it into a shape you like using a craft knife or a cookie cutter. You can either leave it flat, or turn the edges up towards you to give it more of a bowl shape. Take your incense stick and poke a hole into the clay. Take the stick out and let the clay dry before using it as a censer. Make an incense holder using a bowl or bucket. Choose a container that is wide enough so that it can catch any falling ash from your incense stick. Fill the container with grain, rice, salt, or sand.
If you are using a bowl or bucket filled with grain, rice, salt, or sand, then gently push the bottom of the stick into the grain, rice, salt, or sand until the stick is able to stand up on its own. You can stand the stick straight up or angle it slightly. If you choose to angle the stick, make sure that the tip is still within the perimeter of the container. This way, once you light the stick, any ash will fall directly into the container, and not onto your table or floor.
Remember—the smoke from your incense is a lung irritant![8] X Expert Source Karina Klimtchuk, L. Ac. , DACM, Dipl. OMLicensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
Open a window before you burn your incense. [9] X Expert Source Karina Klimtchuk, L. Ac. , DACM, Dipl. OMLicensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine Expert Interview. 25 August 2021. You can also set up an air purifier in your home. [10] X Expert Source Karina Klimtchuk, L. Ac. , DACM, Dipl. OMLicensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
