Enjoy the Benefits of Aromatherapy Incense Sticks

What Are Aromatherapy Incense Sticks?

Although many people apply essential oils directly to the skin, simply smelling these oils produces a wide range of benefits. Aromatherapy incense sticks are wooden sticks infused with essential oils, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of each scent. Essential oils come in floral, spicy, musky, woody, fruity and herbal scents. To boost the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy, incense sticks should contain only natural ingredients. Synthetic ingredients may cause unwanted side effects or alter the scent of each blend.

Best Aromatherapy Blends

It's possible to maximize the benefits of aromatherapy by mixing two or more oils together to create a custom blend. Aromatherapy practitioners usually create these blends for specific purposes, such as relieving stress or increasing energy.

Stress Relief

Lavender is one of the most common essential oils included in blends designed for stress relief. The light floral scent is calming and makes it easier for the user to relax. Lavender may be combined with orange and frankincense, geranium and bergamot, or rosemary and peppermint to enhance its effects. These oils have the following scents:

• Orange: Orange oil has a sweet citrus scent that smells just like a fresh orange peel.

• Frankincense: Frankincense has an earthy, woody smell.

• Geranium: Geranium combines a floral scent with a slight hint of mint.

• Bergamot: Like orange oil, bergamot has a citrus scent that's rather sweet.

• Rosemary: Rosemary is known for its herbaceous scent, which is what makes it such a versatile herb for cooking. It retains that scent even when transformed into an essential oil.

Energizing

Essential oil blends for energy usually contain strong scents that can be classified as minty, spicy, fruity or coniferous. A coniferous essential oil is made from the parts of an evergreen tree, also called a conifer. One popular blend contains lemon, lime and cinnamon. Peppermint, orange and lime oils also make for an excellent energy-boosting combination. Here's what these oils smell like:

• Peppermint: As its name implies, peppermint has a strong minty smell.

• Lemon: Lemon essential oil has a strong citrus scent that's reminiscent of fresh lemon peel.

• Lime: Like lemon, lime essential oil has a strong citrus scent.

• Cinnamon: Cinnamon has a spicy scent with a musky or sugary undertone.

Relaxing

Some essential oil blends make it easier to sit back, relax and enjoy life. These blends may contain some combination of black spruce, Roman chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, cedarwood and mandarin essential oils. For example, one popular blend blends Roman chamomile and clary sage oils with Angelica root essential oil. Relaxing blends may have the following scents:

• Black spruce: Black spruce has a softer scent than other oils made from evergreen trees. This oil has a fresh scent with woody undertones.

• Roman chamomile: This type of chamomile has an exotic scent that typically smells like a combination of fresh straw and juicy apples.

• Sandalwood: Sandalwood has a sweet fragrance with woody notes.

• Cedarwood: Cedarwood has a sharp, woody smell.

• Mandarin: Mandarin has an intense scent that's similar to the scent of orange oil.

Refreshing

Certain oil blends refresh the spirit, making them an uplifting addition to any home. Many of these blends contain peppermint, frankincense, lemon, lavender and chamomile, but there are a few other options. Consider visiting an aromatherapy provider who uses these oils:

• Thyme: Thyme has a medicinal scent with herbaceous notes.

• Basil: Basil is both sweet and spicy. It's fresh scent is ideal for refreshing essential oil blends.

• Tea tree: Tea tree also has a medicinal scent, but it has woody and minty notes.

• Oregano: Oregano oil has a strong, somewhat spicy aroma.

Restful Sleep

Many people have trouble falling asleep at night, prompting them to use incense sticks and other aromatherapy products to get some rest. Lavender oil is one of the most common ingredients in these blends, as it's known for calming the nervous system and making it easier to relax. This type of oil has also been shown to reduce restlessness and agitation, promoting high-quality sleep. These oils are also used in blends designed to help the user fall asleep quickly:

• Patchouli: Patchouli oil has an earthy scent with fruit undertones.

• Petitgrain: Made from the twigs and leaves of the bitter orange tree, petitgrain oil has an orange scent with floral, bitter and herbaceous undertones.

• Marjoram: This oil smells similar to nutmeg, as it has a warm, spicy scent.

• Vetiver: Vetiver oil has a smoky scent that's similar to the smell of tobacco. It's derived from the roots of the vetiver plant, so it also smells somewhat woody.

Aromatherapy Accessories

Many companies produce aromatherapy accessories, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of incense sticks without leaving oil residue on furniture and other surfaces. Some of the most popular accessories include trays and glass holders. Both types of storage keep incense sticks organized while allowing the scent to circulate.

How Long Do Aromatherapy Incense Sticks Last?

Incense sticks typically last longer when made with high-quality essential oils instead of low-quality synthetic fragrances. The scent may last for several months if sticks are stored in a cool, dry place that's not in direct sunlight. A lit incense stick usually burns for about 1 hour.