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Sandalwood Incense How-To

posted by Annie B. Bond Sep 12, 2002 1:43 am
filed under: Spirituality, Self-Help
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Adapted from The Essence of Incense: Bringing Fragrance into the Home, by Diana Rosen (Storey Books 2001).

In a dark time,
the eye begins to see.
–Theodore Roethke (U.S. poet, 1908-1963).

Just as incense clears the stagnant air in a home or repels illness or bad vibrations, it can clear the air following a disagreement or an argument and help bring forth healing thoughts and prayers.

Sandalwood may be the most common element in the serene incense sticks of Japan. The peaceful atmosphere of many Japanese homes and temples is witness to this. Learn here why, and about other scents for comfort and healing.

Incense has been used for more than 4,000 years to calm the mind, enhance mental clarity, and open the gateway to the spiritual (or, as it is known in ancient Eastern philosophy, the Third Eye, or brow chakra).

Sandalwood is believed to help relieve insomnia, abate depression, and ease anxiety and grief. Its sweet, woodsy scent is effective in calming even the most agitated feelings.

Sandalwood is likely the most predominant incense scent in the world.

Other scents for comfort and healing are those in the traditional Tibetan healing sticks, such as frankincense, myrrh, cedar, pine, and pinion.

Why do monks smile?
The combination of aloeswood, sandalwood, and clove in incense is quite commonly found in Buddhist monasteries. This triad offers a faintly sweet scent that has an almost immediate effect of peacefulness and relaxation. Perhaps this is a part of the reason why monks sitting during meditation seem to be smiling.

More on Self-Help (592 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3251 articles available)

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The Essence of Incense

Find balance in your life, your home, and yourself with incense aromatherapy. By Diana Rosenbuy now
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Adapted from The Essence of Incense: Bringing Fragrance into the Home, by Diana Rosen (Storey Books 2001). Copyright (c) 2001 by Diana Rosen. Reprinted by permission of Storey Books.

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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