Incense

How to buy wholesale incense

Do you want a regular supply of incense for your customers? Buying incense sticks in bulk is the smart move for business owners like you. You can save money while getting high-quality incense sticks, plus give your customers the scents that they want.

Shop Africa Imports' collection of incense scents and give your customers a wide range of scents to choose from.

Why should you choose Africa Imports?

Africa Imports is an IFRA-compliant incense supplier that sells high-quality and versatile wholesale incense. They are great for aromatherapy, mood enhancements, and air purification. Our incense sticks meet the industry's highest safety standards, because your customers' safety is our priority too.

There's always something new at Africa Imports. Check back regularly and save more when you buy wholesale incense.

What is incense?

Incense are fragrant materials that are burned to produce a pleasing smell. It's usually made of plant-based materials, like herbs, resins, gums, and woods. These plant-based materials are often combined with essential oils or fragrance oils. Incense commonly comes in these forms: sticks, cones, or loose powder.

How does incense work?

Light the tip of the incense, so it catches fire and starts to burn. After you blow out the flame, the incense will burn slowly. It then releases a steady stream of scented smoke into the air. The heat that comes from the burning incense breaks down the plant materials and oils, turning them into smoke. This smoke carries the scent and fills the room with fragrance that can linger for a long time.

Different types of incense are made from different materials and oils. That means they can produce a wide range of scents. You can find an incense based on the mood or atmosphere you want to create.

The Benefits of Using Incense

Incense has been important to many cultures for centuries. It offers more benefits than just filling a room with a pleasant smell. Here are some of the key benefits you can enjoy when using incense:

1. Aromatherapy

When you burn incense, the pleasant aroma can help you relax after a long day. The scent it releases can help reduce feelings of stress and even lift your mood. Different scents can have different effects. For example, lavender incense can help you feel calmer, while citrusy scents like lemon or orange can make you feel more energetic and refreshed.

2. Spiritual and religious experiences

In many cultures around the world, incense is an important part of spiritual and religious rituals. Burning incense is believed to create a sacred atmosphere. It helps you focus during prayer or meditation. The calming scent can also help clear the mind and make it easier to connect with spiritual beliefs or practices.

3. Air purification

Incense is a natural way to purify the air in homes, offices, or any establishment you can think of. Certain types of incense, like those made from natural herbs or resins, can help reduce bad odors and make the air feel fresher. It's a simple way to refresh your living space without using too much chemical air fresheners.

4. Mood enhancement

The right fragrance can do wonders for your mood. Incense can bring out different positive emotions. It can make you feel more relaxed, focused, or even happy. For example, burning incense with a warm, woody fragrance can make your home feel cozier, and a floral scent makes you feel more peaceful. The right aroma can create a welcoming environment that lifts your spirits and makes your home feel inviting to others.

The Popular Types of Incense

Wholesale incense can come in many types. Before going on the internet to look for "incense for sale near me," it's important to understand the many forms that incense can take.

Each type gives you a unique way to enjoy incense's soothing and aromatic benefits. The type of incense you pick can influence how the scent is released.

To give you an idea, here's an in-depth look at some of the most popular types:

1. Agarbatti

This is a type of incense from India. It's one of the most widely used forms of incense in the world. They are usually made from a blend of sandalwood, herbs, spices, and natural resins. It's known for its slow-burning nature, so the scent tends to stay in the air longer.

Indians like to use it for creating a calming and meditative atmosphere in homes, temples, and yoga studios.

2. Joss Sticks

This incense is widely used in China and other parts of Asia. They are often made from sandalwood, camphor, and other aromatic woods. Joss sticks are usually thinner and you can burn them in small bundles during religious ceremonies or special occasions. They are used in offerings to ancestors and deities too.

It is believed to carry prayers and messages through the rising smoke. The scent they release is typically earthy and grounding, so it's ideal for meditation and spiritual practices.

3. Cone incense

Shaped into small cones, this incense is made from powdered herbs, resins, and essential oils. They deliver a concentrated and intense fragrance that spreads quickly when burned.

The shape of the cone allows for a more controlled burn. That's why it's ideal for shorter rituals or quick bursts of fragrance. The small size also makes them convenient to use in compact spaces.

4. Stick incense

Stick incense is one of the most versatile and commonly used forms of incense. Depending on tradition, the sticks are either straight or coiled. Stick incense is easy to light and burn, so it's popular for daily use. The scents aso vary, from floral and fruity to woody and spicy.

5. Loose incense

This type comes in powdered form. Some call it a more traditional and customizable way to enjoy incense. They are often used in incense burners.

Loose incense lets you mix different herbs, resins, and powders to create a unique blend that suits your tastes. This type of incense is mostly used in rituals and ceremonies where the act of preparing and burning the incense is part of the spiritual experience.

6. Charcoal incense

As the name suggests, this incense uses charcoal as a base. It's associated with traditional Chinese incense ceremonies.

To use charcoal incense, a small piece of charcoal is heated, and loose incense or powdered herbs are sprinkled on top. The charcoal evenly spreads the heat and lets the incense burn slowly and consistently. In turn, it releases deep, rich aromas that fill a space with a lasting fragrance.

Check out our best selling incense sticks

Africa Imports has a large collection of high-quality and affordable wholesale incense in the site. Each bundle has about 85-100 premium sticks with scents that your customers would love.

Here are a couple of our best sellers that might help you get started on your incense shopping journey.

• Egyptian Musk: A fragrance popular for its light, clean, and slightly sweet aroma. It's perfect for setting a romantic or relaxing atmosphere after a long day.
• Barack Obama: Sophisticated and inspiring. This unique scent is known for being clean and refreshing. Made with a blend of spices, woods, and hints of sweet undertones. It's great for setting a motivational mood in your home or office.
• Lavender: Known for its sweet and herbaceous understone. The scent of lavender is famous for lessening stress, insomnia, and nervous tension.
• Sandalwood: Who doesn't love the classic and soothing aroma of sandalwood? This fragrance is famous for being smooth, creamy, and warm. It improves mental clarity and helps you relax --- perfect for meditation, yoga, or for creating a peaceful atmosphere.

How to Use Incense Sticks

Using incense sticks is very easy, and you can expect them to burn for a while. In general, it takes 20-40 minutes for an incense stick to burn out completely, but the length of time it takes will depend on the thickness, length, and quality.

Here's a general guide on how to use incense sticks effectively.

1. How to Light an Incense Stick

• You can hold one end of the incense stick, or place it on an incense burner to keep it steady and angled upwards.
• Light the other end of the stick with a match or lighter. Wait until the incense ignites into a small flame.
• Let the flame burn for a few seconds. Afterwards, gently fan or blow out the flame.
• Check the incense tip where the flame was. If there is a small glowing ember and smoke coming out of the tip, then the incense is correctly lit. But if you can't see a glowing ember and there are no smells or ash, you might have put out the incense by accident. Just repeat the 4 steps above if it happens.

2. How to Put Out an Incense Stick

• Remove the incense from the holder.
• Press the lit tip of the stick against a heat-resistant surface until the piece with the ember breaks off.
• Wait for the ember to die out on top of the non-flammable surface before touching it and cleaning up.

There are times when you don't want to use up an entire stick of incense. In that case, you'll be putting out an incense that is burning halfway.

Some will advise putting the burning stick in water, but we'll tell you not to do that as water affects the quality of the incense stick. It might not burn properly the next time you want to use it.

Just follow the steps outlined above to preserve the stick's quality.

Final Thoughts

It's time to expand your business offerings. Buying wholesale incense at Africa Imports is a great chance to offer scents that cater to your customers' preferences --- from calming and meditative aromas to exotic fragrances.

Take a look at what else Africa Imports has to offer. You can find everything from perfume oils to pure essential oils, oil blends, and more. Sell them as they are, or use them to make your own custom fragrances.

Contact us for any questions you might have. We'd be happy to help you and your business grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right incense for my needs?

Choosing the right incense depends on what you want to achieve with it.

• For relaxation or stress relief, go for calming scents like lavender, sandalwood, or chamomile.
• For spiritual practices or meditation, try frankincense or myrrh, which have been used for centuries in religious rituals.
• For freshening up spaces or getting rid of odors, go for scents like citrus or eucalyptus.

Don't forget to consider your own scent preferences and what makes you feel relaxed or uplifted. Think about the size of the room as well as larger rooms might require stronger-smelling incense.

And finally, test different scents to see what works for you. Burn a small amount of incense to test the scent and intensity. Buy samples from trusted incense wholesalers before committing to buying wholesale incense for your business.

Can incense be used outdoors?

Yes, you can use incense outdoors. It's a great way to enjoy the scents in a larger, open space. Just remember that wind can affect how the incense burns and how far the scent travels. If you don't want that to happen, try using a windproof holder or placing the incense in a sheltered area to ensure a steady burn. Outdoor-friendly scents, like citronella, also help keep insects away.

Can incense help with sleep or concentration?

Certain incense scents can help you relax and improve sleep quality. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are popular choices for relaxation. For concentration, scents like peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus are popular. Just be careful not to let the incense burn unattended while you sleep.

Can incense be used for spiritual cleansing or energy clearing?

Many cultures and traditions use incense for spiritual cleansing or energy clearing. Incense, like sage, palo santo, and frankincense, are believed to purify spaces, clear negative energy, and create a sacred environment.

To use incense for cleansing, light the incense and let the smoke fill the room. You can also pass it over objects or yourself while focusing on your intentions. This practice is often part of spiritual rituals, meditation, or simply to refresh the energy in your home.

Lots of people find that this helps them feel more balanced, grounded, and at peace.

Can incense be used in combination with other aromatherapy methods?

Absolutely, yes! You can mix incense with other aromatherapy methods like essential oil diffusers, candles, or herbal sachets to improve the overall sensory experience.

For instance, you can burn incense while using an essential oil diffuser to layer complementary scents. You can also light an aromatherapy candle that matches the incense aroma to create a richer atmosphere.

Combining different methods lets you create a more personalized experience, whether you want to relax, meditate, or energize your space. Start with small amounts and adjust until you find the perfect balance.

How do I burn incense safely?

Burning incense safely is important to prevent accidents.

• Always place your incense in a sturdy holder that can catch any falling ash or embers. Make sure it's far from flammable materials like curtains, paper, or clothes.
• Keep the area well-ventilated, especially if you're burning incense indoors, to avoid excessive smoke buildup.
• Never leave burning incense unattended, especially if you have kids or pets.
• Put out the incense completely before leaving it unattended.

How long does incense burn?

The burning time of incense can differ depending on the type, size, and quality. In general, incense sticks can burn for anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour or more.

How can I dispose of used incense sticks or ashes safely?

Let the incense cool completely before throwing it away. Always place the used incense in a non-flammable container, like a metal can or ceramic ashtray. Do not flush incense ashes down the toilet either, or you might end up with clogged pipes.

Are there health risks associated with burning incense?

Incense can bring many benefits, but it's important to be aware of any potential health risks. Burning incense produces smoke, and smoke can have particles that are harmful if inhaled in large amounts over time.

Long exposure to incense smoke in places with poor ventilation can cause respiratory issues and trigger asthma.

To minimize risks, burn incense in well-ventilated spaces and limit how often you use it. Be mindful of people who might also be allergic to certain fragrances or ingredients used in incense. If you have respiratory concerns, try using other forms of aromatherapy, like essential oil diffusers, which do not produce smoke.

How should I store incense to preserve its fragrance?

• Store your incense in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive humidity.
• Keep incense in a tightly sealed container to stop moisture and dust from affecting the fragrance.
• Don't crush the incense. Handle the sticks carefully to avoid crushing or damaging them.