Simple way to make incense sticks

Use of flowers is common in homes during puja. Marigolds, roses, jasmine and other flowers are offered to the Lord. After the puja, when these flowers dry up, they are often thrown away. But now there is no need to throw them away. Using these dried flowers you can make fragrant incense sticks or incense cones at home. This is a simple DIY method by which puja flowers can be reused and will also maintain a nice fragrance in the house.

Materials required for making incense sticks

You won't need a lot of stuff. You will need dried puja flowers, gum powder, water or rose water, sandalwood powder, essential oil, mixer and a plate or tray.

1. Dry the flowers thoroughly

After the puja, spread the remaining flowers on a clean cloth or tray. Keep them in a place where there is good sunlight and air. Keep turning the flowers occasionally so that they dry thoroughly on all sides.

Make sure that there is no moisture in the flowers. The better the flowers are dried, the easier it will be to make their powder.

2. Make fine powder of dried flowers

When the flowers are completely dry, remove the stems and tough parts. Then put the dry petals in the mixer and grind them finely.

If some large pieces remain in the powder, filter it and grind the remaining pieces again. The finer the powder, the easier it will be to shape the incense.

3. Prepare incense mixture

Put flower powder in a vessel and add gum powder to it. Then add water or rose water little by little and knead it well.

The consistency of the mixture should be like flour. It should neither be too dry nor too wet. Make a mixture that can be easily shaped by hand.

4. Add sandalwood or essential oil for fragrance

If you want to make the incense more fragrant, you can add a small amount of sandalwood powder to it. Apart from this, you can also add essential oil of your choice in small quantity.

Keep in mind that the quantity of essential oil should not be too much, a small amount will be enough for fragrance.

5. Shape the incense into a cone

Now take a small portion of the prepared mixture and shape it into a small cone with your hands. Shape the mixture well with light pressure so that it does not break after drying.

Apart from cones, you can also make it in the shape of small round cakes.

6. Use after complete drying

Place the prepared incense cones in a clean plate or tray and leave it in a ventilated place. Do not use them until they are completely dry from inside.

If there is moisture left in the incense, it will not burn properly and there will be more smoke. Therefore, before using, check thoroughly that the incense is completely dry.

Reuse of puja flowers

With this simple method the flowers used in puja can be reused. This can make flowers a useful household item instead of throwing them directly into the trash. However, while burning incense, ensure adequate ventilation in the room and keep the incense away from flammable items.