Incense sticks have been used for centuries for meditation, spiritual purposes, personal hygiene, and for enhancing the ambiance of spaces. They’ve gotten even more popular over the years when it comes to creating a relaxing atmosphere. However, not all incense prioritizes the health of people and the planet with many commercial incense sticks containing harmful substances that can pose health risks. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of these risks and consider non-toxic incense sticks for a safer and more eco-friendly aromatic experience.
Keep in mind, a major health concern with incense sticks is the smoke they emit due to the burning of organic matter, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health risks. If this concerns you, consider avoiding incense altogether or ensure good ventilation and minimize exposure time when burning incense. However, many enjoy the relaxing and aromatic benefits of incense, which is why I've written this post to provide healthy incense choices.
Below highlights the common harmful substances in incense sticks and how they can impact your health:
Synthetic Fragrances & Phthalates: Many conventional incense sticks are scented with synthetic fragrances that can contain an assortment of potentially harmful chemicals including phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental problems, increased cancer risks, and many other potential health concerns. [1] Additionally, these synthetic fragrances often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air when burned. [2]
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): As mentioned above, incense can expose you to volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene when burned as these chemicals are commonly used to enhance burnability. [3] These VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and prolonged exposure to them can have adverse effects on respiratory health and may even increase the risk of cancer. [4] [5]
Charcoal: Some incense sticks contain charcoal as a burning agent, which can release fine particulate matter when burned. [6] [7] These pollutants can exacerbate respiratory conditions, pose risks to indoor air quality, and even lead to more serious health issues with long-term use. [8]
Chemical Binders: Conventional incense sticks typically contain chemical binders like petroleum-based adhesives and accelerants to help hold materials together as well as allow the matter to burn more evenly. [9] Binding glue is often made from hazardous chemicals and during combustion, this glue can emit toxic fumes that may lead to respiratory issues or other long-term health problems. [10]
PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons): The last concern I’ll mention relates to all incense, even safer brands. PAHs are chemicals that are commonly released when incense is burned, and they are linked to cancer concerns. [11] [12] In order to reduce exposure to PAHs, select non-toxic incense brands, have proper ventilation when burning incense, and limit the frequency of use. Though these actions will not fully eliminate the risk of exposure to PAHs while burning incense, they will significantly reduce your overall exposure.
Choosing non-toxic incense sticks is essential for creating a relaxing atmosphere without compromising your health or the environment. Look for incense sticks made from natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, such as bamboo, pure herbs, and natural resins. Additionally, opt for incense sticks that are free from synthetic fragrances, charcoal, and chemical binders to minimize potential health risks. By prioritizing safer and more sustainable incense options, you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while promoting a healthier living environment for yourself and your loved ones.
Top Non-Toxic Incense
Switching to non-toxic incense sticks made from natural ingredients will help reduce the risk of indoor air pollution and health hazards commonly associated with conventional incense. The four eco-friendly incense options below do not use synthetic fragrances or chemical additives, and they are produced using sustainable practices, supporting not only your health but also ecological well-being.
Keep in mind that while the four safe incense options listed below are better choices, burning organic matter still requires good ventilation and moderation in use.
Juniper Ridge offers natural incense options that are sustainably sourced and harvested. Their incense is crafted with a minimal number of ingredients, and they transparently list all components for each type of incense stick they offer, a practice not common among many other incense brands. These sustainable incense sticks are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other preservatives. Also, the incense does not contain any parabens, phthalates, charcoals, or petrochemicals (petroleum). I contacted them to find out more about their process for making eco-friendly incense. After sustainably harvesting the plants, they dry and grind them into a powder. The milled plants are then attached to a bamboo stick using a binder, Traganth gum, which is sap-like material derived from the bark of plants. Also, they donate funds to several organizations dedicated to preserving the environment, which you can learn more about here.
One World Zero Waste’s natural incense sticks are made in small, hand rolled batches in Nepal. They make each incense stick by grinding the herbs, flowers and spices until they reach a powder form. Then, they dip the stick into resin and roll the herb powder onto the stick and let it dry in the sun. They source all of their ingredients including herbs, resins, flowers and spices from the Himalayan mountains. These chemical-free incense sticks are free of parabens, phthalates, lead, and petroleum. Also, they do not use any artificial fragrances, perfumes, dyes, or glue in the production of their incense.
Available on their website.
Succor Creek’s incense cones are crafted with natural and non-toxic ingredients, and are made to order. Their vegan incense cones are free of phthalates, parabens, dyes, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins, and acute toxins. However, they use essential oils to scent the cones, but they rigorously test each fragrance, striving to process these scents safely, which you can learn more about here. I inquired about their process for crafting the incense cones. They avoid using any solvents or binders, enhancing the aromatic experience using only the incense material and essential oils. The ingredients used in their essential oils are hand picked by their Certified Aromatherapists, and they perform testing to ensure their fragrances are safe.
Available on their website.
Crassna Khmer offers incense sticks that are made only using agarwood. They do not add any fragrance or other chemical additives. They simply rely on the fragrance from the natural agarwood that provides a sweet, woody aroma. These minimalist incense are cultivated and produced in Cambodia.
When choosing incense, it’s important to select brands that transparently disclose their ingredients and support environmentally conscious production practices. By opting for chemical-free incense sticks, you contribute to a healthier home environment.
Remember, your journey toward relaxation should not compromise your health. Choose non-toxic incense sticks and breathe easier knowing you are making a safe, sustainable choice.
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