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a b Maria Lis-Balchin (2006). Aromatherapy science: a guide for healthcare professionals . Pharmaceutical Press. ISBN 978-0-85369-578-3. Do not touch or get close to burnt incense powders until they are completely extinguished and completely cooled Incense fragrances can be of such great strength that they obscure other less desirable odours. This utility led to the use of incense in funerary ceremonies because the incense could smother the scent of decay. An example, as well as of religious use, is the giant Botafumeiro thurible that swings from the ceiling of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is used in part to mask the scent of the many tired, unwashed pilgrims huddled together in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. [54] Powder incense is made from finely ground plant materials, which can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. These chemicals can include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxic compounds. Inhaling these toxins can lead to health problems such as respiratory irritation, headaches, and dizziness. A survey of risk factors for lung cancer, also conducted in Taiwan, noted an inverse association between incense burning and adenocarcinoma of the lung, though the finding was not deemed significant. [60]Indirect-burning incense is burned directly on top of a heat source or on a hot metal plate in a censer or thurible. [37] McHugh, James (29 November 2012). Sandalwood and Carrion: Smell in Indian Religion and Culture. OUP USA. p.103. ISBN 9780199916320 . Retrieved 29 November 2012. The practice soared in popularity in the subsequent Song Dynasty (960-1279). Song intellectuals enjoyed this method of using incense for several reasons. First, they could showcased their artistic flair by designing their own seals; second, the process of ash pressing and forming the incense powder seal is calming and meditative. McHugh, James (29 November 2012). Sandalwood and Carrion: Smell in Indian Religion and Culture. OUP USA. p.129. ISBN 9780199916320 . Retrieved 29 November 2012.

Incense is available in various forms and degrees of processing. They can generally be separated into "direct-burning" and "indirect-burning" types. Preference for one form over another varies with culture, tradition, and personal taste. The two differ in their composition due to the former's requirement for even, stable, and sustained burning. B. Sudhakara Reddy (1 Jan 1998). Urban Energy Systems. Concept Publishing Company. p.84. ISBN 9788170226819 . Retrieved 5 August 2013. Local knowledge and tools were extremely influential on the style, but methods were also influenced by migrations of foreigners, such as clergy and physicians. [7] Combustible base [ edit ] A Räucherkerzchen – A charcoal-based incense cone The author 周嘉胄 (Zhou Wei-Zhou, "cho wei-cho") - a renowned intellectual of the time - spent over 20 years researching and compiling the book. History of Incense is a comprehensive guide of everything related to incense, including details of many incense ingredients, their uses, recipes and blends, and importantly many Chinese historical anecdotes and stories related to incense. It includes ancient incense recipes from palaces, temples, and various incense houses.Indirect-burning incense, also called "non-combustible incense", [22] is an aromatic material or combination of materials, such as resins, that does not contain combustible material and so requires a separate heat source. Finer forms tend to burn more rapidly, while coarsely ground or whole chunks may be consumed very gradually, having less surface area. Heat is traditionally provided by charcoal or glowing embers. In the West, the best known incense materials of this type are the resins frankincense and myrrh, [ citation needed] likely due to their numerous mentions in the Bible. [ original research?] Frankincense means "pure incense", [23] though in common usage, it refers specifically to the resin of the boswellia tree. [24] When burning powder incense, it is important to use charcoal that is specifically made for this purpose. There are a few things to keep in mind when using charcoal to burn your powder incense. Third, always burn incense powder in a well-ventilated area. The smoke from the burning powder can be irritating to the lungs, so it is important to make sure there is plenty of fresh air in the room where you are burning it. The benefits of powder incense are many and varied. For one, it can be used to purify the air in your home. It can also be used to relieve stress and tension headaches. In addition, it can help you get a good night's sleep. Finally, incense powder can also be used to improve your concentration and memory.