Making Incense

 The process of making herbal incense without the use of salt peter, or even charcoal is actually quite easy. Perhaps the easiest way is by using a binder commonly called Makko. Makko not only serves as a water soluble binder, but as a burning agent as well. Makko is a natural tree bark from an evergreen tree and contains no synthetic chemicals, charcoal, or salt peter.

To make incense, simply mix the desired ingredients, in powdered form, with makko and add some warm water. Knead the incense-dough thoroughly and form into cones or sticks and let dry at room temperature for about twenty-four hours.

Sandalwood is common to almost every incense formula, and serves as a wonderful base aroma as well as a burning agent of it's own right. If you were making an incense of sandalwood alone, the amount of makko required may be a little as 10%. However, resins like Frankincense are more difficult to burn and must be used in much lower percentages to burning agents such as sandalwood or makko. Otherwise, your incense won't burn properly and may me too smoky or keep going out.

Here is an incense recipe you can use to get you started:

Recipe for Cone Incense

Mix together:

2 parts Makko
1 part Sandalwood powder
1 part Cassia powder
1/2 part Clove powder

Add a little warm water
and knead dough completely
Form in small incense cones
Dry at room temperature for 24 hours
 

From: botanical.com

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