Natural incense sticks have been around for more than 2000 years. Ancient Egyptians in the 5th dynasty were the first ones to burn incense sticks during worship and while practicing spirituality. The Babylonians used to light them while praying to their sacred oracles. The usage of incense sticks spread from Greece to Rome and now has taken over the world.
In today’s world, incense sticks are used during congregations, mainly in temples all over India. They are also used during yoga, meditation, and therapy because they calm the body and provide a relaxing sensation.
In this blog, we’ll look at several of the best natural incense sticks. We’ll consider their key features and specs so you can make your purchase decision wisely! Keep in mind that the products we will review ahead are natural incense sticks. This means that they do not contain harmful synthetic fragrances and ingredients.
If you are in a rush and don’t have time to read ahead (although we strongly suggest that you do), our best pick is Shoyeido’s Eternal Treasure Incense!
Best Natural Incense Sticks
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Pick: Shoyeido’s Eternal Treasure Incense
Key Points at a Glance
- Does not have a wooden core
- Has a long-lasting, mild scent
- Is ideal for home and kitchen use
- Is made from all-natural ingredients
The Details
Shoyeido’s Eternal Treasure is one of the best-selling fragrances made by the famous Japanese incense stick company Shoyeido (one of our favorite Brands of Incense). The incense sticks are carefully curated with all-natural ingredients, using a recipe that is more than 100 years old. They are made from authentic natural ingredients that do not give off an overpowering smell like other Indian incense sticks.
Eternal Treasure Incense sticks have a mild scent compared to other fragrances by the same brand. However, they are incredibly long-lasting. They don’t have a wooden core, so you do not have to worry about wood burning each time you light them up!
Shoyeido sells Eternal Treasure Incense sticks in bundles with 40 sticks per bundle. If you purchase a pack of 10 bundles, you get 400 incense sticks at an insanely good price!
Pros:
- Wood-free core
- Mild scent
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as strong as other fragrances from Shoyeido
Shoyeido's Eternal Treasure Incense - 1 Pack of 10 Bundles, 40 Sticks per Bundle- Natural incense - no wooden core
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Runner Up: Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Collection – Japan Classics Bundle
Key Points at a Glance
- Does not have a bamboo core
- Gives less smoke and a purer scent
- Contains a variety of fragrances
- Ideal for daily use and gifting
The Details
Nippon Kodo is the largest Japanese incense retailer in the world. The Kayuragi Japan Classics Bundle from Nippon Kodo is one of the best natural incense sticks collections.
“Ka” means fragrance, and “Yuragi” means scented smoke. Together they waft aroma and smoke through any room and leave a pleasant smell.
The Bundle contains 5 boxes with 40 incense sticks in each. Each box has a different aromatic, woody, or floral scent: Japanese cypress, cherry blossom, green tea, sandalwood, and aloeswood.
The sticks do not have a wooden bamboo core and burn with less smoke, giving off pure scents. However, the sticks have a burn time of only 25 minutes, whereas most incense sticks, on average, burn for 30-45 minutes.
The Incense Collection is ideal for everyday use. You can light these incense sticks up to counter stress, practice meditation, during massages or bathing, or just for a relaxing Friday evening.
The elegant, smooth packaging of the Bundle and the colorful, eye-catching sticks make this collection a great gift as well!
- JAPAN CLASSICS VARIETY PACK - 5 boxes X 40 sticks...
- IDEAL GIFT - Elegant and beautiful packaging,...
- DAILY USE - For meditation, relaxation, stress...
- QUALITY - No bamboo core, clean burning with less...
- LASTING - Burn time: Approx. 25 min each stick.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Budget: Shoyeido’s Moss Garden Incense 250 Sticks – Nokiba
Key Points at a Glance
- Are made from a combination of 3 different fragrances
- Have an ideal burn time of 30 minutes
- Come in a convenient dispenser box
- Give off pure aromas
The Details
Shoyeido’s Moss Garden Incense Sticks are crafted using modern, patented technology exclusive to Shoyeido that delivers pure essence. The Japanese sticks are made from unique family-owned recipes that are being followed for the past 300 years.
Moss Garden Incense Sticks do not contain any synthetic oils or fragrances. They are made of 100% natural, bitter-less ingredients. Japanese incense is generally milder than Indian incense but also have a “lighter” feel.
These light-hearted sticks have notes of sandalwood, patchouli, and benzoin. The approximate burn time for each stick is around 30 minutes, making them longer-lasting than Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense sticks.
The sticks come in a dispenser box. You can choose between a pack of 250 or 500 incense sticks, each being 5.25 inches long. The best part about these incense sticks is that you do not have to pay double the price if you wish to buy a 500-stick pack rather than a 250 one. You get an insane discount on the price if you purchase more!
Always nice for those who like to burn lots of incense!
- 500 sticks, 5.25" long, in a convenient dispenser...
- Approximate burn time per stick is 30 minutes.
- Uses a patented new technology exclusive to...
- All Natural - Pure aromas... No bitterness, no...
- Shoyeido incenses are made in and imported from...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Natural Cones: Backflow Incense Cones – 80 Pcs of 100% Natural & Organic Real – Vanilla, Cinnamon, Coffee & Green Tea Incense Cones
Key Points at a Glance
- Come with an info card and instruction manual
- Each item in the multi-purpose sack is carefully bubble-wrapped
- Have no added colors
- Make the perfect gift for any joyous occasion
The Details
Feelin’ Homey’s Backflow Incense Cones are designed specifically to be used with a backflow incense burner. So if you don’t have a waterfall burner, you might want to invest in one first. The Flow.month Backflow burner is beautiful!
These cones have a sandalwood and cedar core and are made by mixing natural essential oils and resins.
They are available in 4 unique variants: vanilla, coffee, green tea, and cinnamon.
When placed in the backflow burner, the cones give a burning effect for 9 to 12 minutes. However, the smell tends to linger around for lasting periods, purifying the air around your bedroom, lounge, office, kitchen, living room, or any space you place the burner in.
The cones are ideal for meditation, yoga, and mere relaxation. The burner gives a beautiful waterfall effect, which can soothe the mind and body during spiritual practice.
Each scent is made from organic and expensive raw materials and fulfills a different purpose making you feel right at home!
- 🌷 100% Organic - Our new Backflow Cones are...
- ☕ Real Scents - Only Backflow Incense Cones on...
- 🕉️ Aromatherapy - Our Brand's Pleasant Aromas...
- 🏠 Mesmerizing Waterfall Effect - Our cones suit...
- 🎄 Perfect Gift - 4 Multipurpose Yoga themed...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best for Therapy: Raajsee White Sage Incense Sticks 100 GMS Pack- 100% Pure Organic Natural Hand Rolled Free from Chemicals
Key Points at a Glance
- Have crystal clear fragrances
- Burn with cleanliness
- Are not dipped in toxic chemicals
- Are hand-rolled
- Are also available in lemongrass and eucalyptus
The Details
Raajsee’s White Sage Incense Sticks are one of the best natural incense sticks from India. They are 100% chemical-free and are crafted with honey, spices, herbs, fragrant oils, natural resins, coconut, and wood powder. The best part about these hand-rolled sticks that makes them unmatchable to any other item on this list is the burning time of a whopping 45 to 50 minutes!
These eco-friendly 8-inches long sticks are made using responsible production methods. They are free from nasty colorants and chemicals like charcoal.
The 100% herbal ingredients used increase vitality and inner peace while instilling a feeling of compassion. Hence, these incense sticks are ideal for therapy to promote well-being and relaxation.
However, Raajsee’s White Sage Incense Sticks might be too intense for some people and can increase the chances of headaches and cough.
- 100% NATURAL -White Sage Natural incense Sticks...
- PRODUCTION METHOD - Hand rolled in India with...
- LONG LASTING - Length— 8 to 8.5 inch,...
- USAGE -Perfect for Everyday use,Worshipping,...
- Guarantee 100% pure herbal ingredients without any...
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Natural Incense Sticks Buyer’s Guide
Incense sticks are mainly enjoyed by people who appreciate natural woody, earthy and floral scents. They are a great alternative to scented candles and provide many health benefits. You should buy a natural incense stick if:
- You practice yoga or meditate.
- You want to relieve stress, anxiety, or fatigue.
- You wish to lift your spirits.
- You want to calm your mood.
- You want to calm your nerves and increase your productivity.
- You need to activate your senses.
- You want to improve your sleep cycle.
Important Features to Consider When Buying Best Natural Incense Sticks
There are several things you must consider before buying an incense stick to suit your needs. Pay careful attention to the type of incense stick you purchase, the fragrance you are opting for, and then the retailer you are buying it from.
Type of Incense Stick
1. Cored Stick Incense: A cored incense stick usually has a bamboo, hardwood, or sandalwood core. The combustible material called the “masala” is rolled onto the core stick. Most Indian incense sticks called “agarbattis” are cored incense sticks. Many people don’t like cored sticks because the core also burns to give off smoke that could be harmful.
2. Solid Stick Incense: Unlike a thick cored stick, a solid incense stick is usually thin and does not have a wooden core. Instead, the combustible material is mixed with the plant material and rolled in the shape of a stick. Most Japanese incense sticks, including Shoyeido and Nippon Kodo, are solid incense sticks that burn gently and give off purer smoke.
The Fragrance
The following fragrances are used in incense sticks by all major retailers around the world:
1. Sandalwood: Sandalwood is one of the most versatile natural fragrances in Eastern culture, where it is also used for medicinal purposes. Whether you need a dose of freshness in the morning or want to relax in the evening, sandalwood, the ideal old-age aroma of wood mixed with bright, fresh scents, will help you achieve your goal!
2. Rose: Rose is a romantic fragrance associated with matters of the heart. It alleviates stress and improves mood. If you are planning a romantic event with your significant other or need a choice of incense for a wedding ceremony, go for rose!
3. Patchouli: Patchouli has a pungent and powerful fruity and mossy scent. It is mostly used in men’s perfumes and deodorants because of its strength. Burning patchouli-scented best natural incensed sticks will instantly make you feel energetic, happy, and vibrant.
4. Frankincense: Frankincense oil has been used popularly by aromatherapists for centuries for body massages. It is a relaxing scent that soothes the mind and relieves the body of aches and pains. We must say that frankincense is best burned in resin form, possibly in an electric incense burner.
The Retailer
The best natural incense sticks in the world come from Japan, India, Tibet, and Nepal. Conduct research about the retailers and where they source their raw materials from before you buy incense sticks. If your incense sticks are sourced from any 1 of these 4 countries, you will most likely enjoy the result.
Do Natural Incense Sticks Have an Expiration Date?
No. Most natural incense sticks do not have an expiration date. All-natural ingredients get better as they age, just like fine wine. Synthetic incense sticks with chemicals will most definitely have an expiration date, so be sure to check that before purchase.
Are Natural Incense Sticks Safe to Use around Babies, Animals, and Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women?
Probably. Most 100% natural incense blends are safe to use around babies, animals like cats and dogs, and nursing/pregnant mothers. They have soothing, medicinal effects. The problem is that many companies advertise natural incense that is only “sorta” natural. If you unknowingly get one of these options, you may still run into health issues.
Can Natural Incense Sticks Cause Allergies?
If you are allergic to certain natural ingredients, you should ensure that the incense sticks you buy do not contain those ingredients. However, most of the time, all-natural and organic incense sticks do not cause allergies.
Other Products We Looked At:
Woods Natural Incense – Wholesale Pack
Famous for its medicinal and aromatic properties, Woods Natural Incense is an all-natural incense stick hand-rolled in India. It is made from natural oils and resins.
The natural fragrance has notes of sandalwood and benzoin. It has a pleasant, earthy smell, although some people might find it to be too strong. The best part about Woods Natural Incense is that one stick burns for nearly an hour!
Key Points at a Glance
- Sold in a wholesale pack of 6 boxes, each containing around 20 sticks
- Strong Indian incense
- Can be used during prayers, congregation, weddings, meditation, yoga, and therapy
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Parimal Yatra – Natural Incense Mandir (Standard Version)
Parimal Yatra Natural Incense sticks have been made specifically for Hindu temple (Mandir) worshippers. This stirring incense is the most-popular fragrance sold by the company. It is made from natural and rich indigents sourced from rare forests in India.
These ingredients are then mixed with fragrant natural oils and hand-rolled into the form of a stick. The concept behind this incense stick is to create a fragrance that will invoke the Gods and appease them so prayers are answered and worshippers can seek the blessings.
Key Points at a Glance
- Available in a pack of 12 Boxes of 17 grams each
- Stirs the soul, relieves fatigue, and uplifts spirits
- Ideal for temples, churches, mosques, and other places of worship
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SHOYEIDO Golden Pavilion Incense 450 Sticks – Kin-Kaku
Shoyeido Golden Pavilion Kin-Kaku Sticks are among the most popular and best natural incense sticks sold by the famous Japanese incense company. The sticks contain cinnamon, patchouli, and sandalwood, inspired by the reflection of Kinkaku-Ji’s Temple in the Kyokk-chi pond.
If you are someone who enjoys incense sticks with earthy and spicy notes combined in a gentle Japanese blend, Golden Pavilion is an excellent choice for you!
Key Points at a Glance
- Sold in a pack of 450 sticks
- Does not contain a wooden core
- Burns gently, releasing less smoke than Woods or Parimal Yatra incense sticks
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Natural Choice All Natural Traditional Wood Incense Sticks – Exotic
Natural Choice Traditional Wood Exotic Masala Incense Sticks are made from 100% natural ingredients. Most incense sticks are dipped in chemicals mixed with fragrant oils. Natural Choice incense sticks, however, are only made from pure ingredients like herbs, honey, spices, natural oils, coconut powder, wood powders, and natural resins.
On the contrary, the product also contains charcoal that might give off a lot of black smoke when burnt. The burning time for each Exotic stick is about an hour. The aroma is a blend of white sage, jasmine, geranium, amber, sandalwood, and frankincense.
Key Points at a Glance
- Contains notes of 6 different fragrant ingredients
- Not dipped in chemicals
- Contains charcoal
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
The best natural incense sticks are those that do not have an overpowering smell, do not give off a lot of smoke, and have pleasant, long-lasting scents.
A natural incense stick that fits the above description is our top pick: Shoyeido’s Eternal Treasure Incense. Eternal Treasure is one of the best-selling fragrances by the Japanese incense leader.
Our runner-up pick, Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Collection – Japan Classics Bundle, is the best of ALL worlds. The pack has 5 different fragrances, so you can try each before you make a large purchase!
Last but not least, our budget pick, also from Shoyeido, is the Moss Garden Incense 250 Sticks – Nokiba. Made from sandalwood, benzoin, and patchouli, this incense will make your house smell like a pleasant garden the entire day!
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
