Incense

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Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma.^[1] Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremony. It may also be used as a simple deodorant or insect repellent.^[2][3][4][5]

Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils.^[6] The forms taken by incense differ with the underlying culture, and have changed with advances in technology and increasing number of uses.^[7]

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.