How to Make Incense Cones (Lavender and Bay Incense Recipe)

Learn how to make incense cones with this easy DIY project! Made with a soothing blend of herbs like lavender and bay leaf, these homemade incense cones will make your home smell so fragrant and enjoyable.  

I’m big on relaxation, calming the mind, and boosting creativity. Whether it’s yoga or meditation, I found that using aromatics like incense sets the mood for these activities amazingly well! And with incense-making being something you can do right at home, there’s no need to buy from stores anymore. Just gather the ingredients together and get your hands working, and you’ll have a fantastic, tranquil-smelling space. Happy making!

Why You’ll Love This Incense Recipe

• Easy to follow.
• Uses all-natural ingredients. You’ll find no harmful chemicals here! 
• Produces incense with a delightful, calming scent. 
• The fragrance of incense cones can be changed to suit your preferences.
• It gives you a cheaper alternative to store-bought incense cones. 
• A thoughtful gift idea for family and friends on any occasion. 

Benefits of Aromatherapy Incense Cones

• Calming scents like lavender can help reduce stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the olfactory senses.
• The use of incense cones can enhance meditation practices. It can create a focused, serene, and spiritually uplifting environment, aiding in deeper concentration and mindfulness.
• These can also boost mood, enhance creativity, and reduce anxiety.

Ingredient Notes

Bay leaf powder: Provides your incense cones with a light, fresh, and uplifting smell. It’s also one of the best herbs for luck!

Ground lavender flowers: Dried lavender lends a sweet and delicately floral scent to the incense cones.  

Marshmallow root powder: Has a woodsy and floral scent that complements the other herbs well. It also acts as a binder to hold the herbs together. 

• Makko powder, guar gum powder, or incense powder can be used as a substitute.  

Water: Helps moisten and soften the mixture so you can shape them into cones later on. 

How to Make Incense Cones

1. If necessary, use a mortar and pestle to crush dried bay leaves and lavender flowers until powders form. It’s okay if the powders are slightly coarse. Alternatively, you can buy pre-packaged powders. 
2. Combine the bay, lavender, and marshmallow root powders in a small mixing bowl. Mix well.
3. Add the water to the mixed powders and stir until a pliable and uniform mixture forms.
4. If you want perfect incense cones, use the conical tip of a piping bag as a mold. Press the mixture into the piping tip, then gently push it out with a toothpick inserted into the hole on the piping tip.
5. Alternatively, you can take a teaspoon-sized amount of the incense mixture and then roll and shape it with your fingers.
6. Place the cones on parchment paper at room temperature to dry for at least one day before using. The longer they dry, the better they will burn.
7. To use, place a cone on a heat-safe dish or incense burner, light the tip and then blow out or waft with your hand until you have a constant stream of fragrant tendrils of smoke.
8. Enjoy!

Top Tips

• You can use fresh herbs, but make sure to dry them well before using them in this recipe. Otherwise, they won’t burn as effectively. 
• If using other herbs, make sure to choose those that remain potent for long periods of time. Marjoram, rosemary, sage, sweetgrass, myrrh, sandalwood, frankincense, and peppermint are all solid choices for making incense cones. 
• Add the right amount of water to the herb blend so they won’t end up either too dry or too wet. Use just enough water to give your cones a dough-like texture for the best results.  
• You can use a coffee grinder to crush the herbs into powder instead of mortar and pestle.  
• You can also add your favorite perfume or essential oil to boost the fragrance. 

Storage Tips

Store unused incense cones inside airtight containers (like Mason jars or glass jars), then place them away from heat and direct sunlight. Also, keep them away from pets and small children. 

These can be used for up to 6 months. However, if they become crumbly and fall apart easily, it’s time to toss them away and make a new batch instead. 

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How to Make Incense Cones

Immerse yourself in the calming scent of lavender and the earthy aroma of bay leaves with these delightful DIY incense cones. Creating your own fragrant atmosphere at home has never been easier or more enjoyable. Follow this simple recipe to craft these wonderful incense cones and infuse your space with a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Active Time: 10 minutes mins

Drying Time: 1 day d

Total Time: 1 day d 15 minutes mins

Yield: 12 cones

Author: Kristen Wood

Cost: $3

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl

Materials

• 1 tablespoon dried bay leaf powder
• 1 tablespoon dried ground lavender flowers
• 1 teaspoon marshmallow root powder
• 2 tablespoons water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• If necessary, use a mortar and pestle to crush dried bay leaves and lavender flowers until powders forms. It’s okay if the powders are slightly coarse. Alternatively, you can buy pre-packaged powders.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the bay, lavender, and marshmallow root powders. Mix well.
• Add the water to the mixed powders and stir until a pliable and uniform mixture forms.
• If you want perfect incense cones, use the conical tip of a piping bag as a mold for the cones. Press the mixture into the piping tip, then gently push it out with a toothpick inserted into the hole on the piping tip.
• Alternatively, you can take a teaspoon-sized amount of the incense mixture and then roll and shape it with your fingers.
• Place the cones on parchment paper at room temperature to dry for at least one day before using. The longer they dry, the better they will burn.
• To use, place a cone on a heat-safe dish or incense burner, light the tip and then blow out or waft with your hand until you have a constant stream of fragrant tendrils of smoke.
• Enjoy!