Incense and Asthma, Room Ventilation, Health Concerns

Sharona22 · Unread post by **Sharona22** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 1:54 pm

This is just an incense related question and I am sure it is not a common one. I am very sensitive to the smoke from burning incense to the point where it is horrible. is it just as good to burn the same scent in an essential oil and how do you do so? what about herbal scents?

Miss Bri · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:03 pm

Hi Sharona,

Well you can choose not to burn incense at all, that is perfectly reasonable and most spells can be performed without the incense.

You can also burn essential oils by getting an oil diffuser and the scent of essential oil that you want--if you are burning oils for root work I suggest you get a book about the different uses of herbs in hoodoo, like the one cat has written--Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic, so that you can figure out correspondences and what oils are appropriate for what conditions.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by herbal scents--are you talking about soaps, shower gels, lotions, etc? Those can be incorporated as well into your magical work.

Good luck,
Bri

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:17 pm

Many people, either for reasons of scent-sensitivity, asthma, lung diseases, smoke detection devices in the home, or considerations of personal aesthetics, cannot, or prefer not to, burn incense -- so you are not alone.

What to do about this is not as straightforward as you think. Suffumigation wih incense is not just about burning (fire) -- it is also about wafting (air). Therefore, if i were unable to endure burning incense, i would not choose to substitute the burning of essential oils as you suggested (and which i also happen to consider a true waste of art). Rather, i would substitute spraying the space with an aqueous solution of scented oils or drippping the oils onto simmering water to perfume the room.

In the same way that incense burning is not just about fire but also incorporates air, so is spritzing or spraying with an aqueous solution of scent or dropping the scent into simmering water not just about liquids, but is also about air. Using any of these methods, you perfume the air, and it is that wafting of scented air within the ritual space that is really the desired outcome. Do you see what i mean?

These techniques are nothing new, by the way. I have old catalogues going back to the 1920s in which "liquid incense" for various conjure purposes were sold with exactly the same instructions for use which i have just described to you.

Good luck.

EcleckticMama · Unread post by **EcleckticMama** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:49 pm

On top of what's been said, I have found for myself that the artificial petrochemical stuff used to make cheaply scented sawdust joss stick incense produces extremely irritating smoke to me, while natural products don't. burning straight fragrant herbs or better cone incenses does not irritate me. High quality incense made with good resins and herbs may not cause such issues for you, so you might want to go ahead and try the ones that come with your spell kit, since Lucky Mojo uses real ingredients --but maybe in a more open area or even outdoors to make sure the smoke doesn't linger inside if it is a problem.

Occasionally during a cold or allergy flare-up any smoke at all is irritating, so the use of hydrosols is a great idea for those times. Thanks for asking the question.

Miss Bri · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 2:57 pm

catherineyronwode wrote:
What to do about this is not as straightforward as you think. Suffumigation wih incense is not just about burning (fire) -- it is also about wafting (air). Therefore, if i were unable to endure burning incense, i would not chose to substitute the burning of essential oils as you suggested (and which i also happen to consider a true waste of art). Rather, i would substitute spraying the space with an aqueous solution of scented oils or drippping the oils onto simmering water to perfume the room.

This was helpful. When I "burn" essential oils that is what I do--I have a diffuser which I fill with water, I set a candle underneath and add just a few drops of oil to the water, so that as it heats up the oil is released. This was actually taught to me by an allergy/asthma specialist who suggested I burn a little eucalyptus oil when ill.

There are a lot of sprays on the market, some I'm sure are better than others, but most that I have found use alchohol and chemical propellants which affect both me and my birds negatively. cat--or anyone else, do you know of any sprays that don't have all the extra added chemicals--just the oils in a liquid suspension? I like my lucky mojo incenses--they work well and I have never had problems, but if there was a good company that made sprays it would be great to know about it. I have played with making my own and have had varying results.

Bri

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 3:09 pm

Hi, Bri --

The oil-on-water diffusers you describe work very well.

As far as sprays go, i also cannot stand the chemical propellents so i make my own, just shaking up the temporary emulsion of scented oil and water (sometimes with an addition of scented alcohol-based perfume as well, such as a dash of Hoyt's Cologne, for instance) and then spritzing it around with a plant mister. The remainder that stays in the mister will settle out in between uses, but i don't mind that in the least. In fact, the shake-up time is a good time for me to state my petitions or prayers.

Miss Bri · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 3:14 pm

catherineyronwode wrote:
The remainder that stays in the mister will settle out in between uses, but i don't mind that in the least. In fact, the shake-up time is a good time for me to state my petitions or prayers.

Hey! I like that a lot--petitioning while you shake it up, nice

Sharona22 · Unread post by **Sharona22** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:38 am

I like the spritzing and aqueos idea and even the oil on water diffuser.Where is the best place to get more info on these and Cat which of all these is the best,when I said herbal scents I meant the scents that are the same sa the herbs which come in loose form. any and all new info is appreciated. by the way is any of this sold at luckymolo

tisha · Unread post by **tisha** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:51 am

a food grade emusifier will intergrate the oil and water in a spray.
not that it is nessasary, but my clients like a homoginized product....

Azna21 · Unread post by **Azna21** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:45 am

Greetings All:
Does anyone know where I can find information on which herbs to stay away from while pregnant, as well as any herbs that are beneficial? Also, can one burn LM incense while pregnant or is this a no-no? I've tried to look for books on this topic, but have come up empty handed.

I do want to be able to continue to keep my home clear of negative energy and also take spiritual baths, but I have heard to avoid such herbs like Pennyroyal, which I love and have mixed in my LM peaceful home incense, as well as mixed into peaceful home spiritual baths ... I even question weather I could use pennyroyal in a peaceful home floor wash now??

Anyways, thanks to LM, I'm a learning and devoted herbalist who is trying to mix as much natrual healing and protection methods into my life as possible, but need to know what to steer clear from while pregnant.

All advice will come in handy.

Much love & light,
Azna21

Turnsteel · Unread post by **Turnsteel** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:56 am

What I was always told was that unless you are 100% sure that a given herb is ok for internal use by a pregnant woman do not use it. I would consult with your doctor and a master herbalist,rather then a internet board, that would be safer.

As for incense, that depends I think on whether or not you can stand them, a womans sense of smell and what she like can change drastically when she's expecting.

I'm tempted to say that unless the woman is drinking/smoking/ or otherwise taking the herb into her its ok, but again, talk to a good doctor and an herbalist that's worked with an expecting momma before, why take any chances ya know? But all thats just my take on the matter. I do know that rue is a big no no for pregnant women.

Azna21 · Unread post by **Azna21** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:49 am

Thanks so much HailDiscordia (as always) makes complete sense. I've read Rue is a big no-no too. I've got an MD appt coming up, but as just looking for info beforehand b/c I don't want to give up having to use all of my LM products during pregnancy if I don't have too, esp my Fiery Wall of Protection candles, oil and powder, along w/the Uncrossing, Cast Off Evil, 7-11 Holy Miracle oil and of course some of the love products. I understand LM cannot tell ppl exactly what's in their products, so although I'd love to find a master herbalist to work w/during pregnancy (the preferred way to go - any and all referrals are welcome) I'd like to know if there's any red flags/definite no-nos w/specific LM product lines.

Thanks again for the great feedback (always appreciated). =)

Angelina · Unread post by **Angelina** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:04 am

Hi everyone, this is just a general question about burning incense. I love incense, and a friend of mine recently told me she doesn't burn incense anymore because it causes lung cancer and respitory cancers. Does anyone know just how bad it is to burn incense? Is it really that much a of a health risk?
Thanks

zee · Unread post by **zee** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:26 am

There are entire cultures in the world where the burning of incense is a daily religious ritual...they have been doing it for centuries and they have not yet reported any sort of en masse cancer attributable to the burning of incense.

Again everything in moderation: burn it if you are doing a ritual or a spell or for generally improving the vibe of a place. Who knows what might happen to your health if you do burn it 24/7 or sit real close and inhale it for a few hours every day : maybe it might have an ill effect on your health . But thats not how its meant to be used.

Also factor in that individual people might have allergies to certain aromas/essences, or if the incense in question is made of inferior quality materials...those additives might impact one's health.

Hope this helps.

Angelina · Unread post by **Angelina** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:58 am

Thank You Zee, that makes much sense. I think the same- okay as long as the incense is not burning all day and not directly on me.

robynrawr · Unread post by **robynrawr** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:15 am

Some cheaply made incense uses fillers that are bad for you when burned. This is why a lot of commercial incense has a funky smell with the perfume.

Angelina · Unread post by **Angelina** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:49 pm

Thank you robynrawr, that makes sense too. But some of these incenses say they use pure essential oils and herbs when making incense, would these be considered safe then?

robynrawr · Unread post by **robynrawr** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:57 pm

I believe that Lucky Mojo's incenses are safe(r) to burn, at least if they don't irritate you.
I can't really speak for other ones. Just using pure essential oils and herbs doesn't mean that they don't have the icky stuff in them too.

Turnsteel · Unread post by **Turnsteel** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:10 pm

Unless your allergic to something in them, LuckyMojo powders are fine to burn, I have mild asthma and they don't bother me. That said, something is not safe just because it uses pure essential oils or natural ingredients, there's plenty of completely natural things that will kill you in horribly painful ways and essential oils are poison if you ingest them and can really mess up your skin if you use them neat.

Angelina · Unread post by **Angelina** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:53 am

Than you Hail

snake · Unread post by **snake** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:58 pm

The study that came out about incense causing cancers a few years ago was specifically looking at enormous amounts of incense smoke, like from those huge coils of incense in different Asian temples. Technically, paraffin candles produce a good amount of soot that could theoretically cause cancer if you inhaled a lot of it. Before electricity, people had a whole lot more respiratory problems because of constant smoky fires and candles. Unless you have a weak respiratory system, a packet of incense here or there shouldn't be a problem.

Angelina · Unread post by **Angelina** » Mon Feb 01, 2010 7:21 am

Thanks Snake!

Moxy · Unread post by **Moxy** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 9:01 pm

clary sage helps induce labor, so you may want to avoid that until your ready to pop

chy clayton s · Unread post by **chy clayton s** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:33 pm

Context is everything.

There are 7 common cooking herbs that can (in the wrong amounts - or at the wrong point in a pregnancy) cause serious problems.
Probably 30+ of the standard magical herbs can be a problem.
Certain ethnic entrees can contain significant levels of phyto-actives - IF you are not used to them.

I could rattle off a list of herbs to watch for - but it has no value without knowing what your system is used to.

Clary sage? Try any of the salvias. IF properly prepared and dosed - IF your system is not accustomed to it already. IF.........

So can most Celestial Seasons teas - IF.........

As Azna already acknowledged - talk to a OB, or Midwife, or ND, or such BEFORE using any NEW herbal for any reason during pregnancy.

Azna21 · Unread post by **Azna21** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:18 am

Thank you everyone for all the great insight and advice. Unfortunately I had a miscarriage awhile ago, so I guess parenthood was not meant to be at this time. However, the information will be great to know for the future.

Azna21 · Unread post by **Azna21** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:18 am

Thank you everyone for all the great insight and advice. Unfortunately I had a miscarriage awhile ago, so I guess parenthood was not meant to be at this time. However, the information will be great to know for the future.

Moxy · Unread post by **Moxy** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 4:19 pm

I am very sorry Azna21.
Sending love and light your way.

Azna21 · Unread post by **Azna21** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:17 am

Thanks so much Moxy. =)

TresIsIs · Unread post by **TresIsIs** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 4:23 pm

I live with others at the moment. I have wealthy way, success, and steady work incense. I can not burn them inside on charcoal because it smokes up my none ventilated room. I was considering going outside in the back yard or to the park and burning my incense. It is to affect my aura and senses, so I thought that it would not matter if I did not burn them in my room. I was also considering anointing my candles and rolling them in the incense as well. I wanted a little guidance on how to approach using the incense and resins I have. I can place pine resin in my money drawing candle without a problem.?

Thanks

TreIsIs

dorothybaez · Unread post by **dorothybaez** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:20 pm

Okay, sort of yes, but no. Bear with me, okay? This is hard for me to figure out how to put into words. You want to burn incense to affect you personally, like you said, your "aura and senses." Outside is better than nothing, but you want to burn it where you spend most of your time. Incense lingers, physically and spiritually. Therefore, I would not suggest the park. I spend a lot of time outside on my patio and in my greenhouse. I burn incense all over the place, mainly joss sticks for my ancestors and guides, sage for peacefulness, garlic peels to clean the house, and mugwort when I am doing readings and related work....I also use cigars. Since my niece has asthma, I'm especially careful of exposing her to unnecessary smoke. It sounds like this may be a concern for you. Have you thought about choosing a time when you are the only one home?

Good luck!

TresIsIs · Unread post by **TresIsIs** » Fri Jul 01, 2011 5:28 am

I could have chosen a time when I was alone. Yet I was always concerned about the pop up factor. Now additional parties have moved in. I may have to opt to use essential oils and incense stick instead of the powers until I have moved into my own place. I love the smell of pine essential oil when I come into the room. I have burned them in the fire place yet I am not going to be completely alone to do so.

dorothybaez · Unread post by **dorothybaez** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:57 pm

What is the pop up factor? Is your main concern keeping your work secret, or do you live with someone with a sensitivity to smoke?

Coastside Conjure · Unread post by **Coastside Conjure** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 6:29 pm

I understand the importance of Incense in spell work, but I have asthma and in the past have tried using LM Incense from a spell kit and shortly after it was starting to smoke, I was in a scary asthma attack

Is it imperative to use incense in doing a spell? Will it be less effective if not used?

JayDee · Unread post by **JayDee** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 6:48 pm

It certainly is an effective aspect to the work, but also you have to take your health into consideration.. it does no good if you use it and cant finish the work. have you tried opening a window while burning the incense?

Coastside Conjure · Unread post by **Coastside Conjure** » Sat Jul 02, 2011 7:08 pm

I did open the window, but the incense was soooo efficient, it just made its way around the whole room lol... The LM Products never disappoint!

Mama Micki · Unread post by **Mama Micki** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 8:33 am

If you can't use incense, then don't. There are plenty of other things you can do such as burn candles, take baths, carry a mojo, etc.

JayDee · Unread post by **JayDee** » Mon Jul 04, 2011 5:47 pm

Just a thought but could you use an oil defuser in place? like those ones where the oil is on top in a dish with a tea light below.

PrincessDrRe · Unread post by **PrincessDrRe** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:43 am

I have asthma and I use incense. Maybe its because I've been fumigated all my life with Brown bottle Lysol, Pine Sol, and Moth Balls! Incense doesn't bother me - but I was gonna add that maybe oil in a diffuser would be better for you also. J82 beat me to it...but I had to let you know that I too am a "Spaz"!

beebee22 · Unread post by **beebee22** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 12:16 pm

Thanks for the suggestions I also have asthma and this is a great help.

beebee22 · Unread post by **beebee22** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:45 pm

I am not sure it will have the same affect if you burn it outside.

imjewell · Unread post by **imjewell** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 4:36 pm

My antennae went up when you said you were thinking about rolling your candles in incense. If the incense has saltpetre in it it could make your candle shoot fire like a 4th of July sparkler--maybe just a little bit, but it could be a fire hazard. Maybe someone here can give you more experienced advice, otherwise I'd try it outdoors first, TresIsIs.

Devi Spring · Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 6:35 pm

I would not roll your candles in LM incense as it is self-lighting and has saltpeter in it, as imjewell says. It will throw off sparks and definitely could be a fire hazard. If you want to roll your candles in something to double-dress them, use the sachet powders.

Joseph Magnuson · Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 8:23 pm

I have been using sachet powders with my candles and have been very happy with the results. I agree with Devi Spring...be careful of rolling those candles in incense. A tiny bit might work, but you may get a Roman Candle!

Good luck!

ConjureMan Ali · Unread post by **ConjureMan Ali** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 8:58 pm

A pinch of incense would actually be quite fine. Oil your candle up nice and well and simply be cautious. As always safety first. I've used LM incense powders before without incident.

Dr Johannes · Unread post by **Dr Johannes** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 3:59 am

Smoking yourself outdoors is best done if sitting on a chair, placing the incense under it and cover yourself up with a large sheet. Sit until the moke covered you properly.
If this can not be done without neighbours alarming the fire department you should probably avoid incense completely and use powders instead.

As said above, rolling candles in LM incense will speed up your permanent halt in using incense or fire all togehter, since it will most likely fill the whole house with smoke, give you asthma and set fire to anything close to it.

Turnsteel · Unread post by **Turnsteel** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 5:40 am

ConjureMan Ali wrote:A pinch of incense would actually be quite fine. Oil your candle up nice and well and simply be cautious. As always safety first. I've used LM incense powders before without incident.

Agreed, I was taught early on that rolling an oiled candle in incense powders was a strong way to work. You only need a bit and as long as you don't cake it on you should be ok.

RobertLG21 · Unread post by **RobertLG21** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:34 am

I too have asthma, but only certain scents set me off. D.U.M.E incense I can only use outside. I can't burn musk and amber together without becoming ill. I figure most "dark" incense compunds such as Crossing or Black Arts will also be a no-no. Same with Black or Red Pepper

Mandos · Unread post by **Mandos** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 7:40 pm

Is it possible to use cone incense? That's more practical.

Devi Spring · Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 6:17 am

Well, when you use LM incenses, you're basically making cones with it....so enjoy your Lucky Mojo incense!

Iolair01 · Unread post by **Iolair01** » Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:02 am

It may also take some experimentation to see what you are not sensitive too. I also have asthma and sage sets it off terribly, especially if I am smudging my room and the smoke settles into my bedding. It is terrible. I tried some alternative smudges to see if I worked better with them and found that rosemary and hemlock pine do mot bother my asthma at all. If you are set on incenses, I would play around with some herbs and see if there are any that do not bother you. Do this very carefully, though as some are known to very bad for asthmatics. Once you discover some things that do not set you off you can start making your own incenses or finding ones without additives that will work well for you.
I have also used oils and a diffuser and have had great success with them. I have not had any asthma issues with any of the oils that I have worked with, so I would say this is another great way to have the scents and energies present without setting off the asthma. I will often even throw a pinch of dried herb in the diffuser with the oil and water to add extra notes to the scent and bring the energy to the room.

Hope this is helpful.

MarcPierre · Unread post by **MarcPierre** » Thu Nov 21, 2013 12:48 am

Yes I know in these days many people suffering for many diseases like asthma and lungs cancer, and the reason or diseases are smoking, after knowing all these things peoples can’t stop it’s because lack awareness. I m also suffering from same problem from last year, but after knowing all these thing I leave smoking.

Lifeliving · Unread post by **Lifeliving** » Fri Dec 08, 2017 8:20 pm

Hello

just to clarify with what Miss Cat has mentioned above about spritzers (and I hope this is the correct place to post) will a 'smudgeless sage spray', or LM oils/crystals in spritzer still clear and clean a space / will it be as effective as burning a smudge stick? I do also own the Chinese floor wash which I will use to clean my apartment today.

After reading over my question I realise it is probably a silly question given that the traditional method is burning incense, but any further clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Warm regards

Miss Aida · Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Fri Dec 08, 2017 11:48 pm

Hello, Lifeliving

Actually, if you could do al 3, it would be the very most effective!

Wishing you the best

take care