Incense sticks are a popular way of creating a pleasant aroma in your home, office, or place of worship. They are also used for spiritual, religious, and cultural purposes by many people around the world. However, not all incense sticks are created equal. Some incense sticks may contain harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, artificial preservatives, or charcoal that can release toxic fumes when burned. These fumes can cause health problems such as respiratory irritation, asthma, allergies, headaches, cancer, and inflammation. In this blog, we will discuss the harmful effects of incense sticks and what type of incense to avoid.
The Dangers of Charcoal-Based Incense
One type of incense to avoid is charcoal-based incense. Charcoal is a form of carbon that is created when organic materials are burned in the absence of oxygen. It is used to help the incense burn evenly and to promote the fragrant components of the incense. However, charcoal also produces carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning over time. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can reduce the oxygen supply to your brain and other vital organs. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, chest pain, and loss of consciousness.
Charcoal-based incense may also contain chemical burning enhancers such as sulphur or potassium nitrate, which can contribute to air pollution and health risks. Sulphur can cause eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Potassium nitrate can cause skin irritation, stomach upset, and blood pressure changes. These chemicals can also react with other substances in the incense to produce harmful by-products such as formaldehyde, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These by-products are known to cause cancer and damage the DNA.
One way to identify charcoal-based incense sticks is by looking at their appearance. Charcoal-based incense sticks are usually black or dark gray in colour, and have a rough and uneven texture. They may also have visible sparks or cracks on the surface when lit. On the other hand, natural or organic incense sticks are usually brown or beige in colour, and have a smooth and uniform texture. They may also have visible herbs, flowers, or resins on the surface.
Also read: Can incense sticks really help in reducing stress or anxiety?
The Dangers of Synthetic or Artificial Incense
Another type of incense to avoid is synthetic or artificial incense. Synthetic incense is made with petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colours. These ingredients can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to the environment and human health. VOCs are organic chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature and can be found in many household products such as paints, cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes.
VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and allergic reactions. Some VOCs are also carcinogenic or mutagenic, meaning they can cause cancer or genetic mutations. For example, some synthetic fragrances may contain phthalates, which are chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system and affect the reproductive organs. Some artificial colours may contain heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, which can accumulate in the body and cause neurological damage.
The Benefits of Natural or Organic Incense
The best type of incense to use is natural or organic incense. Natural incense is made with natural materials such as herbs, flowers, resins, oils, and wood. Natural incense does not contain any harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or charcoal. Natural incense has a number of benefits such as improving mood, enhancing mental well-being, purifying the air, and creating a relaxing atmosphere.
One example of natural incense is masala incense. Masala incense is a type of Indian incense that is hand-rolled with a mixture of herbs, spices, and aromatic substances. Masala incense has a rich and complex fragrance that reflects the traditional and cultural values of India. Masala incense is also long-lasting and slow-burning.
Click here to read more about how to make sure your Handmade incense sticks last longer
Why Choose Namomonk for Natural Incense Sticks
If you want to use natural incense sticks for your home or office, you should choose namomonk as your trusted brand. Namomonk offers a range of natural incense sticks made with organic ingredients, natural oils, and no chemicals. They have different scents for different purposes such as meditation, relaxation, healing, and cleansing.
Namomonk’s natural incense sticks are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. They are also handcrafted by skilled artisans who follow the ancient traditions of India. Namomonk’s natural incense sticks are the perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy without compromising their health or the environment.
So, what are you waiting for? Order your natural incense sticks from namomonk today and experience the difference!
