In China, the use of natural aromatic ingredients has a long history. Even during the Xia Dynasty, there were ceramic incense burners used as daily necessities. Compared to many foreign practices that involve using essential oils extracted from natural aromatic ingredients, China has a preference for directly burning these materials. In the practice of Chinese incense culture, burning natural aromatic ingredients is the primary form of incense offering. These ingredients are either directly placed in incense burners or processed into slices, powders, coils, sticks, or cones for burning. Here are 12 common natural aromatic ingredients used for incense burning:
Aloeswood (Agarwood)
- Source: Extracted from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria trees, a genus within the Thymelaeaceae family.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Fresh and elegant with pleasant floral or milky undertones. When burned, it exudes a refined, calming, and sweet aroma. It is often used in religious ceremonies.
Sandalwood
- Source: Obtained from the heartwood and roots of sandalwood trees, with the oil content significantly higher in the heartwood than in the fruit or leaves.
- Fragrance Characteristics: A serene and pure scent with exotic undertones, often accompanied by an animalic fragrance. It induces a sense of tranquility and is frequently used in religious rituals.
Benzoin
- Source: Resin secreted by the Styrax or Dryobalanops tree species, known as Sumatra benzoin or Siam benzoin.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Resembles chocolate with a sweet resinous aroma. It has a calming effect and is suitable for worship, purifying spaces, meditation, and self-purification.
Liquidambar orientalis
- Source: Resin produced by the Liquidambar orientalis, particularly the Boswellia sacra species.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Sweet, woody, and slightly spicy with excellent longevity. It is often combined with other aromatic ingredients to enhance purity and is highly regarded in Taoist practices.
Frankincense
- Source: Resin obtained from the Canarium luzonicum tree, also known as Manila elemi.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Sharp and invigorating with good clearing and warming properties. It helps dispel cold and dampness.
Croton crassifolius
- Source: Resin produced by Commiphora myrrha or other Commiphora species.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Strong and long-lasting aroma with a resinous, slightly bitter scent. It is used alongside other aromatic ingredients to create pure fragrances and is commonly employed in Taoist rituals.
Clove
- Source: Flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Spicy and aromatic, often known as “chicken tongue incense” in ancient times. It was placed in the mouth to freshen breath during speech, symbolizing eloquence.
Lysimachia foenum-graecum
- Source: Extracted from the roots of the Agastache plant.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Mild aroma with variations ranging from floral to spicy or woody. It is commonly used in offerings to Buddhist bodhisattvas.
Tulip
- Source: Extracted from the rhizomes of tulip plants.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Mild, with variations including floral, spicy, bitter, or subtle scents. It is frequently used to make offerings to the lotus section of various buddhas and bodhisattvas.
Musk
- Source: Musk is a secretion obtained from musk deer, including species like the forest musk deer, the Himalayan musk deer, or the Siberian musk deer.
- Fragrance Characteristics: Strong and long-lasting aromatic scent with slight bitterness. It is used in perfume making and is one of the important incense materials in religious ceremonies.
Camphor (Borneol)
- Source: Obtained from the crystalline substance formed from the resin of the camphor tree.
- Fragrance Characteristics: High-quality camphor appears white and crystalline like plum blossoms. It has a scent resembling cedar wood, especially when heated. It is frequently used in the preparation of ritual bathwater for Buddhists.
Ambergris
- Source: A secretion produced by the sperm whale and found floating in seawater.
- Fragrance Characteristics: When burned, ambergris emits a fragrant, elegant, and enduring aroma, similar to musk but more gracefully sweet. It is often used in religious rituals.
These natural aromatic ingredients have been integral to Chinese culture and spirituality, enriching various rituals and ceremonies with their unique fragrances.
