Sacred Use of Smoke

History of ‘Smoking’

Smoke has been used throughout multiple cultures for various purposes in history. It has been done so either via the use of incense or via burning loose plant material. Burning of herbs and incense has been recorded to have originated first from major civilisations such as Ancient Egypt and India around 3500BC. ‘Smoking’ was mainly used as a medical treat form, in fact it is one of the earliest forms of medical treatment recorded in history. This treatment involved the burning of medicinal herbs to drive out evil spirits from a person’s body. It is commendable to note that these ancient civilisations clued into the fact that burning different herbs brought about different effects - sleepiness, heightened awareness, visions, etc. ‘Smoking’ has been tied to ritualism and spirituality in many different cultures to date. For instance, Smudging is a cultural ceremony widely practiced by Indigenous cultures around the world while Incense has been used during Puja(worship) by Indians for centuries. Several traditions consider ‘Smoking’ to be a way of cleansing either one’s body or the atmosphere or a way to treat illnesses, even if they have different ways of ‘Smoking’.

Indigenous practice of Smudging

Smudging is a well known cultural ceremony practiced by Indigenous people throughout the world. Smudging was used for medicinal, spiritual and other practical purposes. Sacred herbs are burnt while prayers are chanted throughout the ceremony. These sacred herbs can include sweet grass, cedar, sage or tobacco depending on the indigenous groups. During the smudge, plant leaves are placed in a container i.e abalone shell, and ignited preferably with an wooden matchstick. The flames are gently blown out and the smoke is wafted over the person by hand or eagle feather. The person being smudged pulls the smoke in towards them and inhales the smoke. The ashes are traditionally returned to the Mother Earth by disposing them onto bare soil. It is said that negative emotions and feelings have been absorbed by the ashes.

The different materials used during smudging each have their own meaning:

• The container, traditionally abalone shell, represents water (1st element)
• The four sacred plants - cedar, sage, sweet grass, tobacco, are gifts from the Mother Earth. (2nd element)
• The fire produced when lighting the sacred plants. (3rd element)
• The smoke produced from the fire represents air. (4th element)

Use of Incense in Hinduism

Incense has been a fundamental part of Hinduism for thousands of years. Incense called batti or agarbatti, is used to purify and cleanse the air to create a sacred atmosphere. Used in any place of worship, it is also known to help quieten one’s mind and tune in to the present moment of worship with one’s God(s). In Indian culture, purification is the first step before a puja. Fire is offered to purify the sense of sight, a conch or bell is rung to purify the your hearing and so on. Similarly, incense is used as a way to purify the mind via the olfactory sense.

Traditionally during puja, a special thick paste is made and burned during the ceremony. This thick paste is known as dhoop. It is made up eight fragrant powders, sandalwood, jigat, charcoal powder and some soft resins. The composition of the dhoop can be varied depending on the producer. This thick paste is formed into a cone shape and when burned produce large amounts of smoke. This then is offered to the gods during worship. The dhoop is then brought around the house while ringing a bell, to spread the smoke around. This is believed to spread good wishes and invite in the gods into the house.

European Cultures

Incense was used in Greece in the 8th century BC, woods and resins were burned as an oblation and protection against demons, a practice and ported my Orphic. In Rome, incense became popular in public and private sacrifices and in the cult of the emperor.

In the 4th century AD, the early Christian church began to use incense in Eucharistic ceremonials, in which it came to symbolise the ascent of the prayers of the faithful and the merits of the saints. Soon after, incense became widely used in the East and West for divine worship and during processions.

Asian Cultures

In Asian cultures, Buddhism has adopted Incense for festivals and initiations as well as daily rites. Buddhists consider incense to be something that mimicked divine aroma. It’s smell is meant to evoke the presence of the Buddhist divinities during worship. Burning incense is also considered to be a way to create mindfulness when offering worship towards their gods. There are different meanings in the number of incense burned. Commonly 3 incense sticks tend to be burned to worship the Buddha.

Benefits of ‘Smoking’

Inducing calm and reducing stress and anxiety

The different fragrances carried by the smoke has the ability to calm down the mind and body. This could be due to nostalgic scents conjuring up positive memories/emotions or the reduction of an alleviated heart rate maybe due to a flight and fight reaction. There are so many things that could throw our state of serenity out of balance and fragrances have that ability to help us return to that still state. It might even be because the scent gives us something to be distracted about. It draws our attention and keeps our sense of smell occupied. This may help stop negative thinking, your innermost harshest critic, and help you take a breather, allowing you to become more calm and less stressed.

Fragrances that can help you with calmness and tranquility:

• Sandalwood - Only the pure and best quality form is recommended! Sandalwood is known for its earthy but sweet smell. It is comforting and may help with reducing depression. It is also perfect for boosting self-esteem and reducing stress. Try burning it in the morning for a calm start to the day!
• Lavender (best for evenings) - Lavender in a popular herb in aromatherapy and mainly used for aiding sleep as it helps with soothing the mind and body. Studies have shown that lavender has reduced stress levels on their test subjects and due to its calming and sedative effects it is best used when winding down for the night.
• Rosemary - helps with reducing nervous tension while promoting a positive mood. Combine with sandalwood to have an ultimate mood boosting and calming space.
• Frankincense - since the ancient times, Frankincense had been used as a therapeutic product to heal the mind, body and soul. It aids with cultivating inner peace and can be used for meditation or at any times when stillness is required. It may also have the benefit of cleansing one’s aura or vibe and help with realigning your chakra, promoting balance and ease.
• Chamomile (best for evening) - known as a mild tranquilliser and sleep inducer. Chamomile may increase brain neurotransmitter activity (serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline) thus improving mood and reducing stress. It is also best used for evenings or when winding down is needed.
• Patchouli - commonly used in aromatherapy due to its anti-depressant properties. It encourages the release of serotonin and dopamine(feel good hormones) and these ease the feeling of anger, stress and anxiety.

For Focus

When you have homework, assignment or work projects piling up, you just need some focus and concentration. The time that you’re making for work would be pointless if you were not focused. There are many ways to attain focus, and fragrances are just one way to do that. Fragrances helps with centering the senses which aids in productivity while also lowering cortisol levels related to stress.

Fragrances which can help with focus:

• Cinnamon - has had many studies done in relation to memory. It has been proven that it may delay or reverse cognitive impairment thus being beneficial to Parkinson’s patients. Cinnamon protect dopamine production systems and improves motor function (i.e brain function generally). Moreover, it beneficial for studying or work as it can boost memory when doing a task.
• Lemon Grass - may aids with mental clarity, by relieving any emotional fatigue which can be beneficial after a long day of work or even during work hours. If you’re at work, try using lemon grass inhaler to have the similar effect.
• Vanilla - commonly known for its sweet, alluring scent. It may have grounding effects allowing ones mind to be more focused. It may also aid with memory work.
• Rosemary - a famous culinary herb but less known for its scent benefits. It was found in a study, published in Psychogeriatrics, that Rosemary can prevent and slow Alzheimer’s in patients. Moreover, It also was found to significantly enhance the quality of memory and increased mental alertness as it has the ability to decrease frontal alpha and beta waves.

For creating a mindful space

Your mindful space should be somewhere where you find peace and quiet from the daily bustling of life. We all have been there where its just been so chaotic and we just need a space to unwind where you don’t have your partner, kids or anyone for that matter to come bug you. This space is special and just for you. A mindful space can be used for various activities - yoga, meditation or just purely unwinding and sinking into the chair with a good book. To make it into a special and tailored space for you, it needs to appeal to your 5 senses. Incense is of course one way to appeal to your sense of smell. Other ways can include essential oils or candles, which would be a great addition too.

Fragrances that can help with mindfulness:

• Bergamot - Increases the waves in the right prefrontal region to create a more stable and relaxed mental state. It also soothes the nerves and can help release dopamine and serotonin.
• Lotus & White musk - Great for tuning in with your intuition. Creates a sense of inner peace and calm.
• Frangipani - Intoxicating tropical aroma. Helps with rebalancing your senses and creates a positive and uplifting space.
• Sage (Smudge/Incense) - One of the commonly used smudging herb and it is well known for cleansing a spiritual space. It helps with promoting healing, openness and wisdom.
• Cedar (Smudge/Incense) - Although mainly used for protection. Cedar trees are very old and wise. Helps with eliminating negative energy and inviting in good vibes.
• Palo Santo - Translating to “holy wood” in Spanish, it is an olfactory delight with a earthy scent mixed with hints of pine, lemon and mint. It can help with inflammatory reactions such as head ache and stomachaches induced by stress and also aids with spiritual cleansing.
• Dragon’s Blood - is known for its protective benefits while also cleansing any negative energies. Used by Native Americans for many generations to purify an area from negative energies and may be used when setting intent to start something anew.

Conclusion

‘Smoking’ is an age old practice but it needs to be done right. Please also do remember that these practices are sacred for many cultures so even though there is no right or wrong way to do ‘smoking’ always show gratitude and honor the culture it comes from. Ensure that if you’re interested in “smoking” i.e smudging or incense, make sure to use the best quality. Cheap and low-quality ones contain harmful chemicals and provide little to no beneficial effects. Also ensure that your house is well-ventilated either during or after the ritual to prevent any suffocation. It is also to note that none of these practices are meant to substitute medical help for mental health issues. So please seek a professional if you are suffering from any kind of mental health disorders. Natural practices are meant to complement and not substitute any kind of professional help.