Incense is aromatic biotic material which releases fragrant smoke when burned. The term refers to the material itself, rather than to the aroma that it produces. Incense is used for a variety of purposes, including the ceremonies of all the main religions, to overcome bad smells, repel insects, spirituality, aromatherapy, meditation, and for simple pleasure.

There is a bit of an art to using incense cones.  It is not quite as straightforward as lighting the wick of a candle and letting it burn. Unlike cored incense sticks, incense cones bun all the way down.   Because of that, it is important to select a safe incense burner or holder which can handle having the embers of the burning incense cone pressed against it. 

After lighting the incense cone’s point using a match or lighter, it is important to allow 5 to 20 seconds to pass before snuffing out the flame.  The flame must be allowed to catch in order to light the embers in the cone.  Once it is blown out, a wafting spiral of smoke emanating from the tip of the incense cone signals the embers have caught and the cone is beginning to burn.  The cone should be carefully secured within the burner and if the burner has a lid, should be covered up as necessary.  The incense cone should be allowed to burn for as long as you want, usually until its aroma has thoroughly pervaded the room.  Always exercise caution and take special care to reduce the risk of fire. Do not burn incense cones near easily combustible items and remove any loose items that could potentially be flammable.

* Incense cones were popularized by the Japanese and were first introduced at the World’s Fair in the late 1800s.