Herbs for Incense: Aromatic Treasures from Around the World
Incense has been used across cultures for centuries, enriching spiritual practices, ceremonies, and everyday life with its fragrant allure. At MayaHerbs, we source a diverse selection of herbs from around the globe, chosen for their unique aromas and traditional uses in incense. These herbs, revered for their ability to create soothing and uplifting environments, represent the deep relationship between humans and nature.
Explore our collection of incense herbs, each bringing its own distinctive fragrance and history to your home.
Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)
Sourced from the resinous trees of Somalia and Oman, frankincense has been a prized incense material for over 5,000 years. Its warm, woody, and slightly citrusy scent is known to calm the mind and elevate spiritual practices, making it a staple in religious rituals across the Middle East and Africa.
Myrrh (Commiphora spp.)
Another ancient resin, myrrh is harvested from thorny trees in northeastern Africa. Its earthy, smoky scent carries a sense of grounding and is often used in meditation and healing ceremonies. Myrrh’s deep, resinous aroma has made it an essential ingredient in sacred incense blends throughout history.
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)
This “holy wood” from the dry forests of Ecuador and Peru emits a rich, sweet fragrance when burned. Palo Santo is renowned for its cleansing and healing properties, often used to purify spaces and invite positive energy. Its gentle, woody aroma is deeply soothing and grounding.
See all our our Palo Santo products
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Harvested primarily in India, sandalwood is known for its soft, warm, and creamy scent. Valued in both religious and medicinal traditions, it is used to promote relaxation and focus. Its luxurious, lasting fragrance makes it a popular ingredient in incense for meditation and yoga practices.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
With origins in the Mediterranean, lavender’s floral and slightly herbal aroma is famed for its calming effects. Often used to relieve stress and promote sleep, this delicate herb adds a sweet, peaceful scent to incense blends that promote rest and relaxation.
White Sage (Salvia apiana)
Native to the southwestern United States, white sage is a sacred plant among Indigenous peoples. Its crisp, refreshing aroma is used in smudging rituals to cleanse negative energy and purify spaces. Burning white sage has become a symbol of renewal and protection.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
This herb from Southeast Asia brings an intense, musky, and earthy scent to incense blends. Known for its grounding properties, patchouli has been used in spiritual practices to enhance focus, promote introspection, and inspire passion.
Cedar (Cedrus spp.)
Cedar has long been revered for its rich, woodsy scent, symbolizing protection and strength. Often used by Indigenous peoples in North America in cleansing rituals, burning cedar invites clarity and purification. Its fresh, evergreen fragrance is both revitalizing and soothing.
At MayaHerbs, we honor the traditions behind each of these herbs, ensuring they are ethically sourced and sustainably harvested. Whether you’re seeking peace, focus, or spiritual connection, our collection of aromatic herbs brings the healing power of nature into your space.