Editing Incense (section)

{{Wiktionary}}{{Short description|Material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt}}
{{for|the Chinese film|Incense (film)}}
[[File:Incenselonghua.jpg|thumb|Burning incense at the [[Longhua Temple]]]]
[[File:Smoke Incense AB.jpg|thumb|Smoke from incense stick]]
'''Incense''' is an aromatic [[biotic material]] that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma.<ref>{{cite web |title=Incense |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incense |publisher=Merriam-Webster |access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref> Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious [[worship]], [[aromatherapy]], [[meditation]], and ceremonial reasons. It may also be used as a simple deodorant or [[insect repellent]].<ref name=mystery>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1x0sNljp5ioC&q=Incense |title=Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore |publisher=Chronicle Books |author1=Gina Hyams |author2=Susie Cushner |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-8118-3993-8}}</ref><ref name=Aromatherapy>{{cite book |author=Maria Lis-Balchin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rGQps9fQX1YC&q=incense%20uses&pg=PA9 |title=Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals |publisher=Pharmaceutical Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-85369-578-3}}</ref>

Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with [[essential oil]]s.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7M9_cYNE0X4C&q=Incense+Composition&pg=PA15 |title=Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs |first1=Scott |last1=Cunningham |publisher=Llewellyn Worldwide |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-87542-122-3}}</ref> The forms taken by incense differ with the underlying culture, and have changed with advances in technology and increasing number of uses.<ref name=DO>{{cite web |url=https://www.baieido-usa.com/making-incense-by-david-oller |title=Making Incense |first1=David |last1=Oller |website=Baieido  |access-date=2018-06-16}}</ref>

Incense can generally be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning." Indirect-burning incense (or "non-combustible incense") is not capable of burning on its own, and requires a separate heat source. Direct-burning incense (or "combustible incense") is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing [[ember]] that smoulders and releases a smoky fragrance. Direct-burning incense is either a paste formed around a bamboo stick, or a paste that is extruded into a stick or cone shape.