Ok I have never really burned any herbs other than smudge sticks, I have burned a few sage leafs, but I am going to grow a lot more herbs this spring... And what is the best way to burn them? Do I need those little charcoal tablets or what? Thanks
ive noticed that when I try and burn a lot of lemon grass and sage... i put them in there and then light them and they go out fast...
to get herbs to burn really well as an incense, it really is best to combine them with a wood and a resin. choose woods and resin that will support and harmonize with the fragrance of the burning herb, and remember, everything smells a little different when it's burning. gum arabic is a resin that won't compete with the smell of most herbs, if you're trying to create an incense that really brings out the scent of the herb. i use plain sawdust for the wood, but that is usually pine, and creates a lot of smoke. a good proportion would be one part each wood and resin to maybe 3 parts of herbs. the reason why you're having trouble keeping them lit is because herbs - and here i'm referring to the leaves and flowery parts of the plant, as opposed to roots, seeds and berries - burn really quickly at a relatively cool temperature. so if you're just using a tiny amount it'll burn quickly right away, and also create a lot of smoke, and if you try dumping a lot on the charcoal, the part touching the coal will burn out before it gets hot enough to light the rest of it. resins usually burn well on their own. a wood poweder will burn on its own, but quickly, not as fast as leaves and flowers, but still fast enough to have the same problem. if you are burning a resin, like dragon's blood or frankincense, you'll be fine putting it right on the coals, but use a small amount because it'll be strong. roots and woods, like vetivert or cedar probably should be mixed with a little resin, but adding leaves or flowers is not necessary unless you want their fragrance. you can burn leaves and flowers with resin alone, but it doesn't burn evenly. for a nice, even, long-lasting smoulder, a wood and a resin combined makes the best base. for the best fragrance in home-made incense, finish it with an essential oil from one of the component plants, or a complimentary fragrance.
