Using charcoal to burn loose incense (like resins, herbs, or powders) involves heating special incense charcoal and placing the incense material on or near the heat source. A particularly effective method, detailed in the reference, utilizes ash to control the temperature, ensuring a gentler heating process.
The Ash Mound Method
One of the most favored ways to use charcoal incense focuses on regulating the heat to prevent the incense from burning too quickly. This technique, often referred to as the "ash mound method," leverages a layer of ash to provide indirect heat.
Here's how to apply this method, based on the provided reference:
- Prepare your Charcoal: Start by lighting your incense charcoal disc (using tongs and a lighter) until it is fully glowing and covered in ash.
- Add Ash to Censer: Place a layer of clean ash (such as wood ash or sand as a substitute) in a heat-proof censer or dish.
- Bury the Charcoal: Take the hot charcoal disc and bury it about 1/2 inch under the ash in the censer.
- Cover with Ash: Cover it with ash completely, creating a small mound.
- Add Incense: Sprinkle your incense on the mound of ash.
Benefits of This Method
The reference highlights the key advantage of this approach:
- It allows the incense to be gently heated with less burning compared to placing the incense directly on the hot charcoal. This results in a slower, more consistent release of aroma.
Essential Tools
To use charcoal incense effectively and safely with this method, you will need:
- Incense charcoal discs
- A heat-proof censer or dish
- Ash or sand
- Tongs (for handling hot charcoal)
- Your chosen loose incense (resins, herbs, wood chips, powders)
By following the ash mound method, you can enjoy the rich and nuanced fragrances of loose incense with controlled heat and reduced burning.
