Best Patchouli Incense

Patchouli is a very popular scent used as a base note in many different fragrance mixes. Natural patchouli incense has a musky, earthy scent that is delicate and soft.

The following guide will help you choose the perfect patchouli incense.

Stick, cone, and powder incense are the three most common types of patchouli incense.

Patchouli incense also comes in a number of other forms besides those listed above. To name a few, there is coil incense, rope incense, dried herbs, etc.

As an example, here are some good patchouli dried herbs that can be ground up for incense:

Each type of incense has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right type for your needs.

Stick incense is the most popular type of patchouli incense, and is easy to use. The main drawback of stick incense is that it can be a little messier than other types of incense.

On the other hand, cone incense can be more potent than stick incense. However, cone incense usually lasts for a shorter period of time and is typically more expensive.

~~Patchouli powder incense~~ is usually burned by sprinkling it on a charcoal disc.

Patchouli can also be purchased ~~as a resin,~~ which is extracted from the dried leaves of the plant.

To find the best patchouli incense for you, here are some pointers:

Patchouli Incense Sticks

Patchouli incense sticks are probably the most easily handled and available everywhere. It is important to check that only natural organic materials are used in the sticks.

Usually the incense is formed around a bamboo stick which has its own smell, and this may be more noticeable in a poor quality patchouli stick.

Video: Patchouli incense Nippon Kodo Morning star 200 sticks

There are three main types of incense sticks: Indian, Japanese, and Tibetan. Indian incense sticks typically have a bamboo stick in the middle, while Japanese incense sticks do not.

Here’s one of the most popular patchouli incense stick packs with over 6000 reviews on Amazon:

Tibetan incense sticks are usually thicker than both Indian and Japanese incense sticks, but they also do not have a bamboo stick in the middle.

Each type of incense produces a different amount of smoke. Indian style incense produces the most smoke, while Japanese style incense produces the least.

Cored Stick (Joss Stick)

Cored stick incense, also known as ~~joss sticks,~~ are made with a bamboo core that is coated with a thick layer of incense material. This type of incense stick is popular in many cultures, especially in China and India.

Indian and Chinese style incense sticks are usually made with punk sticks and fragrance oils. Punk sticks are made of bamboo, and the fragrant oils are made of oil from naturally aromatic plants. Small amounts of paint are also used to color the incense sticks.

Below is a variety pack of Feng Shui incense sticks (Chinese style) that includes patchouli:

Agarbatti, or Indian incense sticks, are a popular product with a wide range of available options. However, not everyone has had a positive experience with them.

Indian patchouli incense sticks are renowned for their potent and strong fragrance.

Some people find the scent overpowering or too strong, while others enjoy the fragrance.

Additionally, many of the cheap incense sticks available on the market are made with subpar materials and construction.

With a little bit of effort though, you can find a cheap Indian stick that won’t disappoint. But, it is important to do your research before making a purchase.

There are a few things to look for, such as reviews from other customers.

The aroma of natural patchouli incense is typically soft and subtle. If the incense smells like perfume, that’s a sign it’s probably made with synthetic ingredients.

It is best to avoid charcoal-based patchouli incense for burning indoors in a small room as it can release toxic chemicals.

Here’s a pack of Indian patchouli incense sticks I would strongly recommend:

Masala Sticks

The tradition of masala sticks originated in South India. The sticks are made by hand-rolling a paste of base and aromatic ingredients around a core stick.

The ingredients used can vary, but often include herbs, dried scented flowers, wood powders, oils, resins, and gums etc.

This is a process that’s best done by hand, in small quantities, by very experienced artisans. The raw materials and the care and time that goes into creating them play a significant role in the quality of the product.

When it comes to masala incense sticks, you often get what you pay for. The higher cost versions are generally made with pure essential oils, while the lower cost versions are dipped in diluted aromatic blends.

This can make a big difference in terms of the quality of the scent, and how long the fragrance lasts.

The cheaper versions are often mass produced in factories, which results in a product that isn’t as good as it could be.

Masala sticks are usually thick and have a strong fragrance. This type of incense stick is very popular in India and is often seen in western marketplaces.

The following is a masala-coated patchouli incense stick I really like:

Solid Sticks

Solid incense sticks are generally considered superior to other types. This is because the stick is made entirely of incense material, without any kind of supporting core.

This makes it easy to break the stick into pieces, so you can burn as much or as little as you like.

Solid incense sticks are most common in Japan, and are used especially in religious ceremonies and important events.

Incense has a long and rich history in Japan, and it can be said that it is intertwined with many aspects of Japanese culture. Incense can be compared to music, art, or literature in that it has the ability to evoke certain emotions and create a certain atmosphere.

Japanese incense is widely known for its high quality and natural ingredients, and Japanese incense manufacturers work hard to maintain that reputation.

Japanese incense is made from a variety of materials, including wood, leaves, and roots. These ingredients are all eco-friendly and sustainable.

This also makes their products safer for people who are sensitive to smoke.

Japanese patchouli incense sticks typically do not have a bamboo core, which helps them to burn for a longer period of time. This is a common format for all Japanese incense sticks, regardless of the brand (e.g. Shoyeido, Nippon Kodo, Baieido or Kousaido).

Featured here is a Japanese style patchouli incense sticks pack by Nippon Kodo:

Tibetan and Bhutanese incense sticks also fall into the category of ‘solid incense’ like Japanese incense.

There is another post on this blog about patchouli incense sticks with more information and alternatives to choose from.

Patchouli Incense Cones

Patchouli incense cones are popular in incense burners and censers.

The following is an example of patchouli incense cones and an incense burner bundle:

Cone incense is made by pressing fragrant material into a small cone shape. The shape allows for a more concentrated area of aromatic compounds, which results in a stronger scent. However, this also means that the incense burns relatively quickly.

Cone incense is a great choice if you want a strong scent, but don’t need it to last for a long time.

Due to their shorter lifespan, they are usually suitable for a short meditation session or to clear a room of negative energy before guests arrive.

Video: Incense~American(new age)~Wildberry~Patchouli cones

Incense sticks may be more widely known, but cones are preferred by many people since they are easier to clean.

Incense sticks or incense cones – which incense to burn depends on personal preference. There are pros and cons to both types of incense. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you.

If you are new to incense, you may want to try both incense sticks and cones to see which type you prefer.

You can read another post on this blog for more information about patchouli incense cones and what alternatives are available.

Patchouli Incense Coils

Coil incense is a type of incense that is extruded and shaped into a coil without a core. They can last a lot longer than other types, sometimes even for days. They are much more prevalent in China.

Burning patchouli incense in coils are the most long lasting form and is popular for longer yoga sessions.

Video: Incense~American(new age)~Wildberry~Patchouli cones

Coils are also best used when patchouli’s insect deterrent properties are required, especially outdoors during an alfresco meal such as a family BBQ.

Patchouli Incense Powders and Resins

These types can be either self-lighting, which means they do not require a medium to burn, or used with charcoal tablets.

The following is an example of patchouli incense powder available on Amazon:

The self-lighting types are suitable for small spaces and with charcoal tablets for larger, well ventilated areas.

Also these are best for longevity since you can decide how much powder or resin to burn at one time.

Parting Words

Incense was used long before the modern fragrance industry came into existence. In fact, incense led to perfume emergence.

Patchouli incense can be used in aromatherapy and as a natural way to freshen the air in homes and offices.

Yoga, meditation, or other rituals can be enhanced by burning patchouli incense.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of incense on the market today is mass-produced and lacks the quality and complexity of hand-made incense. However, there are still a few incense companies who create incense the traditional way.

If you want quality patchouli incense, you need to be patient and try a few different brands until you find the one that works for you.

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Patchouli Dried Herb
	Bulk Herbs: Patchouli Leaf (Organic)