Agarbatti is part of our culture since we can remember, they are as old as our Hindu Vedas. Fragrances are known to have calming effects on us, physically and mentally. In the last few years, many agarbatti manufacturers have come about, so we have more choices – and more is merrier. But did you know that small speck of orange glow or the deep fragrance can sometimes be dangerous to your wellbeing? So, as you foray around shopping, sniffing the latest fragrances offered by agarbatti brands, make sure to use them in the correct way.
Do’s
Use an agarbatti stand
The type of stand you choose builds the experience and aura around your fragrance. We suggest you pick a couple of them for different occasions, such as a brass one for daily worship; a ceramic one for party nights, and a stone carved for the soothing mornings.
Check the agarbatti making process
When buying a pack of agarbatti, always make sure of the company and its the brand quality. The delicate-looking incense sticks are made from many materials such as wood, charcoal dust, adhesive and spices mixed with fragrance oil. Now, obviously, with so many organic materials, quality standards vary. Many incense sticks manufacturers alter the manufacturing process for commercial purposes. Make sure you check the brand and quality before buying.
Buying online
When buying incense sticks from an online store, or otherwise, make sure to check the manufacturing date. Generally, agarbatti sticks do not expire, however we notice a decay in fragrance over time, the scent gets weaker.
You know agarbatti is made from organic fragrances and powders. Typically, the expiry date is decided by observing the change of smell, texture and other chemical properties. Now, with these natural ingredients, the chemical nature of the agarbatti product is inconsistent, the composition can vary within the same agarbatti stick. So, it is rather difficult to put an expiry date. A ‘best before’ date is more relevant instead of checking the incense stick expiry date.
Diffuse it completely
Once you burn an incense stick, it is best to smoke out the entire length. Believe it or not, but the little orange glow on the tip of a burning agarbatti can raise an actual fire.
Light the incense! You have to burn to be fragrant.
Rumi
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Dont’s
Never burn on wooden table
Find a place on a stone or glass tabletop for your incense sticks. You can also use a ceramic tile to place the burning incense stick. Agarbatti sheds hot grey residue on burning. As this residue drops down at the point of burning, it may leave burn stains on your beautiful wooden furniture.
Keep distance when burning
Do not sit close to agarbatti when it’s burning. It is always best to vacate the room when incense sticks are burning the smoky fragrant mist. You see, recently, the heavy grey smoke is found for the toxic effects on our lung health. Yes, the core ingredients used in making agarbatti sticks can get nauseating for many of us, especially kids, elders and asthma patients
Do not close your doors and windows
Never use an agarbatti in a closed or air-conditioned room. Sometimes, incense sticks have mind-altering effects. It is highly recommended to not let the smoke get trapped inside a closed room. This may accentuate the effect of the fragrance, but will also increase its ill effects. A desirable effect of agarbatti incense is in a well-ventilated room. So, open those windows and switch on the fan, let the breeze flow with fragrance.
Mind your hygiene
Come what may always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a pack of agarbatti sticks. You may get allergies from the organic additives in the incense sticks. Also, while holding agarbattis, special care must be taken to keep hands away from eyes, mouth and any consumables.