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Nathan Upchurch
2025-10-01 17:06:12 -05:00
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_data/metadata.js
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@@ -40,6 +40,11 @@ export default {
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linkURL: "/guestbook/",
},
{
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linkDisplay: "Incense",
linkURL: "/incense/",
},
{
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@@ -76,9 +81,21 @@ export default {
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@@ -87,42 +104,10 @@ export default {
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@@ -130,6 +115,19 @@ export default {
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iconURL: "/img/matrix-org.svg",
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linkURL: "https://makertube.net/a/nathan/video-channels",
@@ -137,10 +135,17 @@ export default {
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linkURL: "https://keyoxide.org/31E809FAEA1532AC91BBDCF1EC499D3513F69340",
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linkDisplay: "Signal",
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content/blog/announcing-new-incense-page.md Normal file
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@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
---
title: "Announcing My New Incense Resources Page"
description: "Putting it all together."
date: 2025-10-01
tags:
- Site Updates
- Incense
- Incense Making
synopsis: "Putting it all together."
---
Just a quick post to let all of you incense-heads out there know that I've put together [a page](/incense) compiling all of the resources I can find on incense and incense making. The page contains links to everything from documentaries to tutorials and suppliers. It even has a place of honor on [the home page](/) for easy access. Feel free to check it out and [let me know](/me) what I've missed!

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content/blog/making-incense.md
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@@ -10,6 +10,10 @@ imageURL: /img/siftinsagesquare.webp
imageAlt: A sieve containing fluffy ground green sage beside a small pile of fine green powder.
mastodon_id: "113666537272260557"
---
::: info
Update 2025-10-01: See the [/incense page](/incense/) for additional resources.
:::
While I like to post incense builds, I haven't yet posted on exactly how to go about turning raw ingredients into Japanese style incense sticks. Here's a 1,000 mile overview of the process to accompany a video I recently uploaded to my new PeerTube instance on that very topic. For more info, you can check out [IncenseDragon](https://www.youtube.com/c/IncenseDragon) on YouTube, read this [very useful article](https://blog.rauchfahne.de/en/2023/02/19/making-your-own-incense-sticks-basic-knowledge-and-useful-information/) by Irene of Rauchfahne.de, peruse [incensemaking.com](https://incensemaking.com), and look through some [posts flaired with "incense making"](https://www.reddit.com/r/Incense/?f=flair_name%3A%22Incense%20Making%22) on the [incense subreddit](https://reddit.com/r/incense). Making incense is a difficult, involved process, and this is only a shallow overview; I highly recommend looking through these resources for more in-depth information.
<figure><div style="position: relative; padding-top: 56.25%;"><iframe title="Japanese Style Incense Making Process" width="100%" height="100%" src="https://makertube.net/videos/embed/8864549d-204b-4f48-884e-ca912cf4235c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-forms" style="position: absolute; inset: 0px;"></iframe></div><figcaption>More or less the full process of making incense. It didn't go perfectly, but I think it's important to show that too. This is also the first time I've attempted to make a video like this; making incense is hard as is, let alone while trying to film the process!</figcaption></figure>
@@ -32,10 +36,10 @@ You can't get all your ingredients pre-powdered, so you're going to need somethi
100 microns seems to be the magic number for incense powders; ingredients reduced to this size perform better in terms of fragrance, and ease of extrusion. Your sticks will burn more slowly, and you'll be able to use less binder in the dough. Sieve carefully, allowing only the finest particles to pass through.
### An extruder
I use [one of these (not an affiliate link)](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804509917099.html). There are many options available, but try to find an extruder that gradually comes to a point rather than one that takes interchangeable plates - they'll produce rough sticks. Also avoid anything made of plastic; I promise you it won't be strong enough.
~~I use [one of these](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804509917099.html)~~ (I have since moved on. See [this article on extruders](/blog/the-skinny-on-incense-stick-extruders/) for advice). There are many options available, but try to find an extruder that gradually comes to a point rather than one that takes interchangeable plates - they'll produce rough sticks. Also avoid anything made of plastic; I promise you it won't be strong enough.
### A drying screen
Again, there are many options, some of which you may have already laying around. I use [one of these (also not an affiliate link)](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806230786054.html).
Again, there are many options, some of which you may have already laying around. I use [one of these](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806230786054.html).
### A respirator
I almost forgot to mention this, but [as Irene points out](https://blog.rauchfahne.de/en/2023/02/19/making-your-own-incense-sticks-basic-knowledge-and-useful-information/) this is an important piece. Inhaling fine powders of any kind is very very bad for you. Don't mess about with this one: use a proper respirator, or at least a well-fitted n95 mask.

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---
layout: layouts/base.njk
title: Nathan Upchurch | Incense
structuredData: none
---
# Incense: Writing & Resources
::: info
Is this page missing something? [Let me know](/me).
:::
Incense making is hard. While parts of the world with strong incense cultures enjoy the intangible cultural heritage represented by many hundreds of years of knowledge and experience in incense making, here in the west expertise is scarce—and often jealously guarded[^1]. For this reason, I have compiled here some English-language writing and resources on incense and incense making to ease the journeys of those interested in practicing this ancient art.
## Incense Making How-To
### Articles
* [*Grinding Equipment Analysis*, Dave of The World Makes Scents](https://incensemakers.org/d/7-grinding-equipment-analysis-wip)
* [*How to Make Incense*, incensemaking.com](https://incensemaking.com/how-to-make-incense/)
* [*Incense Stick Making – A Walk Through*, Kyarazen](https://www.kyarazen.com/incense-stick-making-a-walk-through/)
* [*Making Incense: A Cursory Guide*, Nathan Upchurch](/blog/making-incense/)
* [*Making Your Own Incense Sticks – Basic Knowledge and Useful Information*, Irene of rauchfahne.de](https://blog.rauchfahne.de/en/2023/02/19/making-your-own-incense-sticks-basic-knowledge-and-useful-information/)
### Books
* [*Incense: Crafting & Use of Magickal Scents*, Carl "The Incense Dragon" Neal](https://www.theincensedragon.com/books/p/4uzrvidobds4zpi40mh4vdectzisgp)
### Resources
* [/r/incense posts flaired with "incense making"](https://www.reddit.com/r/Incense/?f=flair_name%3A%22Incense%20Making%22)—For better or worse, the incense subreddit is *the* place to go for incense discussion and advice. I'm working on changing that, but it's slow-going; see the forums / discussion boards section below.
* [incensemaking.com](https://incensemaking.com/)—A useful site, particularly for listing many of the aromatics used in incense making. Be careful, however, as not all of the ingredients listed may be suited for [combustible incense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incense#Types).
* [The Incense Dragon YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/c/IncenseDragon)
## Advanced Incense Making Techniques
### Articles
* [*Filtering Conifer Resins*, Dave of The World Makes Scents](https://incensemakers.org/d/20-filtering-conifer-resins)
* [*Incorporating Soft Resin Into Your Incense Recipe*, Dave of The World Makes Scents](https://incensemakers.org/d/26-incorporating-soft-resin-into-your-incense-recipe)
* [*Traditional Processing of Aloeswood*, Dr. Incense](https://dr-incense.com/blogs/dr-incense-blog/traditional-processing-of-aloeswood)
* [*Washing Frankincense*, Nathan Upchurch](/blog/washing-frankincense/)
### Videos
* [A guide to making percolated tinctures (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvkbCkg9bPs)
## Writing on Incense and Related Topics
### Articles
* [Ancient Chinese kneaded incense recipes translated from Zhou Jiaxuan's *History of Incense* (香乘 / xiāng shèng)](https://web.archive.org/web/20230216230731/https://talesofincense.com/scent-materia/)
* [Chinese incense ingredient name translations](https://web.archive.org/web/20230216230731/https://talesofincense.com/scent-materia/)
* [*Japanese Incense Types*, Kyarazen](https://www.kyarazen.com/japanese-incense-types-in-modern-day/)
* [*Pressed Incense Tablets*, Kyarazen](https://www.kyarazen.com/pressed-incense-tablets/)
* [*The Wisdom of Traditional Processing Methods*, Dr. Incense](https://dr-incense.com/blogs/dr-incense-blog/the-wisdom-of-traditional-processing-methods)
### Books
* [*Censers and Incense of Mexico and Central America*—Walter Hough](https://archive.org/details/censersincenseof00houg/page/n2/mode/1up)
* [*Floating Gold*, Christopher Kemp](https://ramblingreaders.org/book/326538/s/floating-gold)—A natural and social history of ambergris.
* [*The Fragrant Path*, Michael Cousineau](https://ramblingreaders.org/book/442777/s/the-fragrant-path)—A dive into the history of Japanese incense traditions.
### Other
* [A list of archived URLs](https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://talesofincense.com/*) from a now-defunct site with some good information on Chinese incense.
* [All of my writing on incense](/tags/incense/)
* [incensemakers.org](https://incensemakers.org/) is an invitation-only forum for relatively experienced incense makers. It is not incredibly active, but it does have a number of useful threads visible to non-members. If you are interested in joining, your best bet is to have an existing member you know personally get in touch with [me](/me) to provide a recommendation on your behalf.
* See the [incense, fragrance, and perfumery section of my blogroll](/blogroll/#incense-fragrance-and-perfumery) for a list of blogs with writing on incense and related topics.
## Videos on Incense and Related Topics
* [Baikundo's incense-stick making process (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbQ8sNcQdcg)
* [Business Insider's *So Expensive*: Agarwood (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVupYzrCjmM)
* [Business Insider's *So Expensive*: Bulgarian Rose Oil (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26pEG7Ghgpg)
* [Business Insider's *So Expensive*: Ceylon Cinnamon (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzOcZlmeaH0)
* [Business Insider's *So Expensive*: Frankincense And Myrrh (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LMioQGsFFw)
* [Business Insider's *So Expensive*: Jasmine Oil (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt16uOqImI0)
* [Business Insider's *So Expensive*: Sandalwood (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPRpWg_wU0A)
* [*Fragrant China* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m96m2WPGDJA&list=PLJeSQ7Rl5tC-bgdowqRLjFyAVowKYkOK-)
* [*Incense Making in Hong Kong* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzzvi6Cqqu8)
* [*Introduction to Japanese Incense | Types and Styles* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6G-azPGMcA)
* [*Japanese incense made with a waterwheel* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy8nnTPQ5M0)
* [*Nag Champa - A Documentary Film* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN3wLhZFXmQ)
* [New China TV: *Traditional incense-making helps Tibetan villagers live better life* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDqGwKNCLfc)—a short look at traditional Tibetan incense making.
* [*Sacred Tibetan Incense* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWEg7FtBLKw)
* [*Saving the scent that may soon disappear from Earth* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqqzdI0wVQc)—a documentary on New Caledonian sandalwood.
* [*Scent From Heaven* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv69pYSm2oo)—a documentary from Al Jazeera on agarwood.
* [Shoyeido Factory Works (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQRxB4Gz-JM)
* [The Frankincense Trail](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2056414/)—Kate Humble follows the ancient frankincense trade route from Oman to Palestine. I have linked to the IMDB page, but this documentary series is well worth sailing the high seas for.
* [*The Scent of Heaven: Inside Vietnam’s Incense Village* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy8pDpIH31g)
* [*Turf Peat Incense* (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F7Xvdpq-GE)
## Reputable Suppliers of Aromatics
* [Apothecary's Garden (Canada)](https://apothecarysgarden.com/)—Absolutes, Extracts, Herbs, Tinctures, Oils, Resins, Woods
* [Frontier Co-Op (USA)](https://www.frontiercoop.com)—Herbs, Spices
* [HerbCo (USA)](https://www.herbco.com/)—Herbs, Spices
* [Jarguna (Italy)](https://www.etsy.com/shop/jarguna)—Herbs, Oils, Resins, Woods
* [Liberty Natural Products (USA)](https://www.libertynatural.com/)—Absolutes, Extracts, Herbs, Tinctures, Oils, Resins
* [Mountain Rose Herbs (USA)](https://mountainroseherbs.com/)—Extracts, Herbs, Tinctures, Oils, Resins
* [New Mountain Merchants (Australia)](https://newmountain.com.au/)—Oils, Woods
* [Scents of Earth (USA)](https://scents-of-earth.com/)—Absolutes, Herbs, Oils, Resins, Woods
* [The Incense Dragon (USA)](https://www.theincensedragon.com/supplies)—Herbs, Resins, Woods
* [The World Makes Scents (USA)](https://theworldmakesscents.com/)—Herbs, Resins, Woods
## Studies on Incense and Related Topics
* [*Odor Tenacity of Perfumery Materials*, Hayato Hosokawa and Takayuki Shibamoto](https://web.archive.org/web/20240616105228/https://img.perfumerflavorist.com/files/base/allured/all/document/2016/04/pf.7775.pdf)
## Forums / Discussion Boards
* [Reddit (/r/incense)](https://reddit.com/r/incense)—Unfortunately, this is currently *the* place to discuss incense and incense making on the English-speaking internet. If you would like to avoid a platform that spies on you and uses your writing to train AI, you are welcome to help me bring some life to the following alternative option (currently pretty much only populated by me):
* [Lemmy (lemmy.ml/c/incense)](https://lemmy.ml/c/incense)—Lemmy is a free and open source alternative to Reddit on [the fediverse](https://jointhefediverse.net/?lang=en-us). If you're new to the fediverse, the easiest way to participate is to [create a Lemmy account](https://lemmy.ml/signup) and subscribe to the [/c/incense](https://lemmy.ml/c/incense) community. You can also subscribe and participate from [other Lemmy instances](https://join-lemmy.org/instances) and [other federated platforms](https://jointhefediverse.net/join?lang=en-us) such as [Friendica](https://friendi.ca/#try).
[^1]: Here I am referring to traditional incense making, using actual plants as aromatics. There is certainly no lack of knowledge or production of "dipped" incense here, an extremely easy to make category of incense which is considered the absolute bottom of the barrel in terms of quality.

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