Tibetan incense is thicker than most stick incense and has no bamboo core. That makes it a little different to burn. With the right holder it is simple and tidy.
Lighting a stick
- Hold the tip in a flame until it catches.
- Let it burn for a few seconds, then fan the flame out gently with your hand. In Buddhist custom the flame is waved out instead of blown out.
- Check that the tip glows evenly and a thin line of smoke rises.
A full stick is often more than a small room needs. You can break it in half.
Choosing a holder
Burner box
A Tibetan burner box is a long lidded box, usually wood with a metal insert. The stick lies flat inside and burns from end to end, and the ash stays in the box. It is the tidiest way to burn coreless sticks and works for rope incense too.
Bowl of ash or sand
A bowl filled with ash, sand or rice lets you stand a stick upright or lay rope incense and cones on the surface. The ash catches everything that falls and makes it easy to put the incense out.
Tray or stick holder
A flat tray with a small hole holds a stick at an angle and catches the ash below. Check that the hole is wide enough, because Tibetan sticks are thicker than bamboo-core sticks.
Dish for cones and coils
Cones and coils become hot at the base. Use a ceramic, metal or glass dish, never bare wood.
Burners and holders from our collection
Browse our incense burners and incense.
Safety
- Place the burner on a stable, heatproof surface, away from curtains, paper and shelves above.
- Do not leave burning incense unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Keep a window slightly open. Fresh air makes the scent cleaner and the smoke lighter.
- To put it out early, press the glowing tip into ash or sand, or dip it in water.
- Let the ash cool completely before emptying the burner.
If smoke irritates your eyes or breathing, burn less, ventilate more, or stop.
Storing incense
Keep incense in its box or wrapper in a dry, cool place. Damp makes it hard to light, and open air slowly weakens the scent.
