Follow these links for how to burn an incense cone and/or backflow incense cone. To learn more about incense in general click here.

For burning any and all types of incense, always follow the responsible incense burning triad:

• Always burn in well ventilated areas
• Never inhale smoke directly
• Always pay attention to your body

When in doubt, snuff it out. Always ask permission before burning incense around others.

There’s something deeply meditative about the act of lighting an incense stick — the aromatic whisper of smoke that curls and climbs, carrying with it the essence of tranquillity.

More than just a sensory delight, it’s a ritual rooted in centuries of tradition, used to purify the air, calm the mind, and create space for stillness. Knowing how to light an incense stick properly not only enhances the experience but also ensures it burns safely and evenly.

Now here’s your step-by-step guide to burning incense sticks the right way:

The first step in your aromatic journey is selecting the incense itself — a decision that sets the tone and intention for your space.

The scent you choose can serve many purposes. Every incense blend carries a memory, an image, or a feeling. Align your choice with your intention — to clear negative energy, accompany your wellness rituals, or simply invite calm into your day.

Burning incense sticks can complement your yoga practice, add a mindful backdrop to your work-from-home routine, or help you settle into a deeper, more restful sleep. Let your intuition lead as you explore the handcrafted incense sticks we offer.

For this guide, we’ve chosen our Abundance incense sticks. This is a luscious blend of rose dominant floral notes fused with spicy clove, sweet plum, tangerine, sandalwood, musk and warm vanilla.

Burn Abundance incense sticks if you want to inspire an optimistic, idea driven mindset, or just love a full floral bouquet with a touch of our fragrancer's take on Opium by Yves Saint Laurent.

Before you light an incense stick, it’s important to set it up properly for both safety and enjoyment. Start by selecting an incense burner (also known as an ashcatcher or incense holder), that suits the size and shape of your stick — it should be stable, heat-resistant, and designed to catch any falling ash.

Insert the thin, uncoated end of the incense stick into the holder. This is the side that remains anchored while the coated end is the one you light. Position the stick so it stands upright or at a slight angle, allowing it to burn evenly from tip to base.

Creating this secure setup helps prevent ash from scattering and ensures an uninterrupted, serene burning experience.

To begin, light the exposed tip of the incense stick with care and intention.

Hold a flame to the coated end—whether using a match or a lighter—until the tip glows red and a small flame flickers to life. The incense may take a few seconds to catch properly, so patience here is as important as a steady hand.

If the tip doesn’t glow or the incense won’t stay lit, try holding the flame to it a little longer to ensure it has fully ignited.

Commercial incense sticks are made up of ground wood called punk, typically made from bamboo, pressed around a bamboo stick. The flame must ignite the bamboo stick core in order to create the ember that will gradually burn the incense stick.

To do this, allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, creating a warm, steady glow on the tip of the stick — like a miniature campfire. This small ember signals that your incense is beginning to awaken, ready to release its aromatic whisper.

Once the tip is glowing red, you’re nearly ready to begin your aromatic journey.

After the incense has caught properly, gently blow out the flame. You should see a cherry-red ember and a wisp of smoke — signs of a properly lit incense stick.

This smouldering point is the heart of your incense. It’s what allows the stick to burn slowly and evenly, releasing the fragrance’s full expression into the air around you.

Now that your incense is burning evenly, it’s time to settle in. Pay attention to your body and snuff out the incense if you do not like how it is affecting you. You can run it under the tap or snuff it out in a plant pot to put out the incense stick.

If you feel good, let the burn continue. Whether you’re beginning a meditation, stretching into yoga, or simply enjoying a moment of stillness, let the scent support your intention. Wait for the atmosphere to shift. You’ve invited a moment of calm — now let it unfold.

As the ember glows, smoke will begin to spiral upwards in delicate wisps. Watch as it grows more confident, billowing softly and steadily into the room.

This incense smoke carries the essence of your chosen scent, gently diffusing it throughout your surroundings. Let it transform your space with its subtle, lingering presence.

You can expect your aromatic incense burning experience to last for about 45 minutes, with the fragrance lingering for some time afterwards.

Even the most peaceful rituals can hit a snag. If your incense stick won’t stay lit, don’t worry — it’s usually an easy fix:

• The flame didn’t catch long enough: Try lighting the coated end again and let it burn for 10–15 seconds before blowing it out. A glowing ember is the key to a properly lit stick.
• Drafts or open windows: A breeze can interrupt the burn. Try moving your setup to a calmer spot.
• Too much moisture: Incense stored in humid conditions may not burn well. Keep sticks in a cool, dry place.
• Ash buildup: If you’re relighting a half-burned stick, gently tap off old ash first to expose the unburned portion beneath.