Incense cones are simply conical shaped masses of hardened incense. Like stick incense, incense cones come in almost infinite varieties based on the diverse combination of ingredients. Incense cones emit a somewhat different smell than the stick variety because there is no stick burning alongside the actual raw ingredients. Some prefer the smell of pure incense cones and others enjoy both cone and stick incense together. Incense cones are burned to release the fragrance of the botanical, aromatic material from which they are composed. They burn fairly rapidly after being lit, and emit more smoke and fragrance as the point dwindles down and the ember reaches the base. Incense aficionados have created a cornucopia of incense cones with different scent profiles. The adventurous will find incense cones alluring because they are relatively easy to make and can inspire creativity. Incense cones are selected and burned for relaxation and to create a pleasing and inviting environment in the home or office. Incense cones are also often incorporated in Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies, and elsewhere for its therapeutic benefits. Incense is said to have originated many thousands of years ago. Over time, the practice of burning incense spread to the sprawling metropolises of the great civilizations. There are countless assortments of incense (including stick incense, resins, and powders); incense cones were popularized by the Japanese and were first introduced at the World’s Fair in the late 1800s. Some common incense scents used for incense cones come from essential oils, resins, roots, flowers, leaves, seeds, fruits, and gums.Incense cones have become increasingly popular as more and more people have come to realize their benefits and nuanced differences from stick incense. While still relatively difficult to procure, incense cones have made significant headway in accessibility in recent years as interest in holistic practices and aromatherapy continues to build. Incense cones are attractive to the senses and are pleasing to the eyes and nose. Depending on their composition, incense cones emit either intense or soft aromatic fragrances used to enhance the scent of a room in general or as a sensory accompaniment to meditation yoga or religious practice. It is generally preferred to use all natural incense cones when engaging in these practices versus any that are synthetic or man-made. Unlike cored incense sticks, incense cones burn 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. It is absolutely important that the burner have ample room to place the cone inside while leaving room to capture the residue and ash from the cone. 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.
