How to Use an Incense Burner

Incense burners are undoubtedly a magical influence on the planet. They may certainly refresh your thoughts with their waterfall-like captivating impact and exquisite aromatic fragrance!
An incense burner, which comes in a range of colors and shapes, is ideal for use in your personal space or as a present on its own. If you've recently purchased an incense burner or an incense fountain and are wondering how best to use it, we've outlined how to use it properly in this article.

What is an Incense Burner and What is So Magical about Them?

Incense burners are made of a variety of materials such as wood, brass, copper, and ceramics. They are designed to burn incense cones in a circular pattern. The bottom of these cones has a hole that aligns with the burner's base. As a result, the combination of incense cones and sticks creates our stunning waterfall cloud effect.
Incense burners come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. The most common of them all is the backflow incense burner, which produces a backflow type incense cloud as its name suggests.
But in this article, we will focus on our zen incense burners and Tibetan incense burners.

How does Incense Burning Help with Buddhism and Meditation Practices?

Incense is frequently burned in Buddhist rites and spiritual activities to honor the Triratna, or Triple Gem of Buddhism, which consists of "the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha." In fact, declaring dedication to these three is one of the most important steps toward becoming a true Buddhist. From a spiritual standpoint, the fragrant smoke produced by incense burning teaches the importance of burning away undesirable aspects inside oneself to expose the pure self within.
According to Science Daily, many religious groups believe that burning incense is beneficial to one's soul. Now, biologists have discovered that it is also beneficial to our brains.
Burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) triggers poorly understood ion channels in the brain to ease anxiety or sadness, according to a multinational team of scientists comprising researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This means that a brand-new class of antidepressants and anxiety medications could be right around the corner.

Types of Incense

There are two major types of incense; indirect and direct burning.
Indirect burning - Indirect burning refers to incense that cannot burn on its own and needs the use of incense burners, charcoal, and other materials. Indirect burning incense is usually in the form of a powder.
Direct Burning - Direct burning is incense that burns on its own after being lit for five to ten minutes. Cones and coils are the most common shapes offered.

How to Use a Backflow Incense Burner?

A backflow incense burner, as previously said, comes with a distinctive form of circular incense cones. Make sure you have appropriate cones because all cones are designed to function with each specific model.
It is relatively simple to ignite a backflow incense burner, despite its distinctive form factor and gorgeous look. This is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Choose an Idle location for the Burner

This is a crucial step because if there is air present, the cloud smoke from the incense burner can simply fade away. To get the greatest results, light one in the door and make sure there's no air in the room.
The waterfall effect can be disrupted by even a modest amount of air from the vents or windows.

Step 2: Place on a Smooth Surface

The next step is to position your burner on a smooth surface. You can use it as a decorative object on your coffee table, in your drawing room, or anywhere else you wish.

Step 3: Light the Incense Cone

With a tweezer, hold the incense cone of your choice. Light the tip of the incense cone with a matchbox or a gas lighter. Make sure it's lit for at least 5-10 seconds (or until there's fire on the cone).
Simply blow out the flames from the cone once it's finished. The incense smoke will be produced automatically by the cone. If the smoke isn't visible, relight the cone.
When igniting the cones, be careful not to burn your fingers. Keep it out of reach of children, and don't let them get too close to the flame. Do it on your own and with caution.

Step 4: Place the Cone on the Burner

Set the cone on the incense burner's base now. There is no universal guideline for where the cones should be placed. It is usually stated on the product packaging. Normally, there is a hole drilled into the surface into which you must insert it. When you see it, you'll know.
That's pretty much all there is to using an incense burner. Learn how to ignite incense sticks and how to fix burners while you're at it. You can find it later in this article.

Our Two Best Incense Burners

Zen Incense Burners

Our beautiful ceramic zen incense burners are hand crafted & easy to clean. All you have to do is flush the incense burner body with water, and the stain on the censer will be removed. Our zen burners also come in different sizes and designs.
You can use our zen incense burners in your living room, bedroom, study, office, meditation room, yoga room, hotel, etc to create a pleasant atmosphere. It also works as a decoration even without incense.
Details
Material: Ceramic
Size:Sleeping Buddha: 10.2cm*6.3cm*6.2cm (Length*Width*Height),
Meditation Buddha: 7.5cm*5.8cm*8.5cm (Length*Width*Height),
Holding the Peach Buddha: 7.2cm*5.8cm*10cm (Length*Width*Height),
Package: 1*Incense Burner (without incense)
THE ELEPHANT SYMBOL
Wisdom, luck, and enthusiasm are what this lively symbol is all about. Imbued with power and perseverance, the lucky Elephant sprinkles good fortune all over you and your loved ones. Carefully thought choices, enlightened by a fortunate path are what lies in front of you.
True to its size, the Elephant represents great power. This is reflected in humanity through power in thinking, creating, loving, and nurturing. By emanating strength in all fields, the Elephant reigns supreme as one of the most harmonious symbols.
This beautiful incense burner has multiple uses and functions. The stand elephant incense burner can be used with incense cones or Cinnamon Organic Citronella charcoal, also be used as a candle holder, jewelry box, or ashtray well. Using the waterfall Incense Burner together with a wormwood incense cone helps to purify the air, meditate and relax, relieve stress, and improve sleep quality.
It's also a decorative tabletop incense burner that brings a calming, Zen feel to any room. It is a suitable size to get an additional decorative feeling to the tabletop, bathroom, living room, bedroom, study, office, meditation room, yoga room, hotel, toilet, library, and so on, you can enjoy it anywhere and as a decoration of an incense burner.
Details
Size:5.9* 3.9*4.3 IN (15*10*11CM)
Material: Alloy
This beautiful ceramic zen incense burner is handcrafted & easy to clean. All you have to do is flush the incense burner body with water, and the stain on the censer will be removed. The zen burners also come in different sizes and designs.
You can use the yin yang zen incense burners in your living room, bedroom, study, office, meditation room, yoga room, hotel, etc to create a pleasant atmosphere. It also works as a decoration even without the incense.
Details
Material: Ceramic
Size:10.7*1cm (Diameter*Height)

Tibetan Incense Burners

Purple Clay
Purple Clay is a natural clay rich in iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and other elements. It can alkalize water, and neutralize acidity and alkalinity. Purple clay can also calm the mood and heal troubles.
Buddha Symbol
Although this symbol may be religiously associated, its potency and applicative virtues are transferred to a boundless culture with no specific religion or nation. The Buddha's enlightenment is omnipresent, giving us the strength to fulfill our dreams and reach our full potential.
"Lucky" is the word often connected to this calming symbol, as it infuses you with exceptional fortune and a clear mind, letting you assess possibilities, chances, and the future from a blank canvas. Mindfulness becomes a natural way of thinking.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood not only is an ancient and mysterious rare item, but also a precious medicinal material. Sandalwood has a certain calming effect, it can soothe nervous tension and anxiety, and is conducive to people's meditation and entry. Sandalwood has good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Using it to purify the air even improves immunity.
Details
Material: Purple Clay, Sandalwood
Size:100mm*70mm*120mm
Numbers of Incense-1: 13mm*34mm*105
Numbers of Incense-2: 500
DRAGON SYMBOL
In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of power, nobility, and honor, as well as a symbol of luck and success. Another cultural symbolism of the dragon is outstanding and extraordinary. The dragon is a divine object, comparable to extraordinary people, so people often refer to those who have noble ambitions, good behaviors, great ability, talents, and accomplishments as "dragons".
Details
Material: Purple Clay, Sandalwood
Size:19cm*10cm*20cm
Numbers of Incense-1: 13mm*34mm*105
Numbers of Incense-2: 500
LOTUS SYMBOL
Delicate and ravishing, the Lotus represents purity, rebirth, and getting through tough times. Just like the flower itself, the Lotus symbol is embodied with the strength to go past the mud and water, and then elegantly emerge from the depth. That is a capability that can be replicated in life - there will always be tough, murky times, but everything eventually resolves.
Lotus will remind you to have faith and persevere, as hardships do not last forever. Enlightenment awaits and you should just remain patient and resilient. Both subtle and strong, this symbol is a contradiction, reminding us that compassion and emotional intensity are not a sign of weakness.
Details
Material: Purple Clay, Sandalwood
Size:17.3cm*9.5cm*20.7cm
Numbers of Incense-1: 13mm*34mm*105
Numbers of Incense-2: 500
The combination of the Buddha and lotus symbol makes this incense burner quite special.
Details
Material: Purple Clay
Size: 23.5*10*26.8cm
The LED Ball with the battery can change color.
This beautiful zinc-copper alloy lotus censer is compact and easy to use. You can use this burner to burn the incense burner and the smoke will spread like a waterfall. The lotus flower has long been a symbol of enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth, so this charming burner would be perfect for creating a relaxing space full of wonderful fragrance and hypnotic smokey effects.
It's also suitable as a home decoration and a gift for friends. The incense stick holder is made of zinc alloy, solid and durable. Lotus incense holders with aesthetic design can become classic items of furniture, with the added bonus of being meditation and sleep aid.
Details
Size: 2.16*2.56 IN(5.5*6.5CM)
Material: Zinc Alloy
Shape: Lotus Shape
Color: Bronze, Red Bronze, Gold
Package: 1*Incense Burner (Without Incense)
Our backflow incense burner can be used both with incense cones and incense sticks.
Our beautiful ceramic incense burners are hand crafted & easy to clean. All you have to do is flush the incense burner body with water, and the stain on the censer will be removed. Our zen burners also come in different sizes and designs.
You can use this incense burner in your living room, bedroom, study, office, meditation room, yoga room, hotel, etc to create a pleasant atmosphere. It also works as a decoration even without the incense.
Details
Size: 11.5cm*6.5in
Package: 1*Incense Burner (Without Incense and incense holder)

How to Use Incense Cones?

Incense cones are one of the most common varieties of incense that you may have seen floating around the market. Modern incense burners, which are often made of clay, sand, stone, or metal, are required to burn incense cones. The cones include a hole in the bottom that allows for simple smoke backflow. Before placing the cone on the burner, fire the top of the cone and gently blow it out. Let’s go a little deeper.
Here is a step by step guide on how to use an incense cone:
  • Simply light the incense burner and place it in the desired room.
  • Take one incense cone from the pack of incense cones.
  • Light the incense cone's tip and carefully blow out the flame.
  • It's best to put it on top of the burner where it's stated because it allows for optimal smoke backflow.
  • The smoke will start to come out and your space will become scented in minutes if you set it right.

How to Use Incense Sticks

Both incense cones and sticks have the same functioning mechanism. The main difference is that incense sticks do not have a unique circular base because they are so thin. You can put them wherever you like.
Note: Some incense burners have a dedicated compartment where incense sticks can be placed.
Here's how to use an incense stick:
  • With one hand, hold the stick
  • With your other hand, light the tip of the incense stick.
  • Wait 5-10 seconds for the flames to catch the sticks.
  • When you notice white cloud smoke, blow it out.
  • Place the sticks wherever you want and have fun.

Safety Tips for Incense Burners

  • Put your incense burner on a flat, firm surface.
  • Make certain that it is not placed in an area where children or pets can easily get it.
  • Make sure there is no air in the room and that the drapes or any fabric are at a safe distance for the best results.

Benefits of Using Incense

Here are the top benefits of using incense benefits:
  1. It enables you to unwind and relax. So, after a long day, burn incense to unwind.
  1. Make incense a part of your regular meditation practice to help relieve tension and anxiety.
  1. It is known to improve concentration, so burn it when working on a subject that requires intense concentration.
  1. Incense can stimulate creativity. If you enjoy painting, dancing, or any other type of art, you can burn incense and let the aroma inspire your creativity.
  1. Incense is ideal for those who are sensitive to traditional air freshener sprays.
  1. If you believe in manifestation, burning incense might be a fire element in your spiritual rituals.
  1. Incense, believe it or not, can help you develop mindfulness by helping you to be present in the moment.

How to Clean an Incense Burner

Remove the remnants of the incense cones and sticks and clean them out with a paper towel for daily cleaning, and you're ready to go.
To deep clean the incense burner or incense fountain, soak it in a bowl of hot water with soap for about 10 minutes, scrub any parts that need to be scrubbed, then dry it with a paper towel.
Final Thoughts
An incense burner or incense fountain is an excellent method to unwind and refresh your mind. It not only gives you a sense of pleasure, but it also uplifts your spirit and inspires new creative thoughts. Light one up when you're doing something useful and see what happens.
The best part is that utilizing incense burners is quite simple. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments box and we'll answer them. Meanwhile, take a look at our Incense Burner Collection; we have some fantastic options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Incense Burners

Are All Incense Cones Compatible with Burners?

In general, each backflow incense burner model is compatible with all circular cones. However, for the greatest results, get the cones from the same store where you purchased the burner.

Why Can't I See the Waterfall Smoke?

If there is air in the room, the cones are not lined with the circular base, or the cones are not burned well, the Waterfall effect will not appear.

How Long Does the Incense Burner Last?

A single incense stick can last anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes. The length of the effect is also determined by the amount of air in the room.

Can I Reuse Incense Cones?

Yes. You can reuse the cones if they are not fully burned.