Chomolung Snow Tibetan incense stick burning in the Sacred OM Ceramic Incense Holder, surrounded by books, a singing bowl, and morning sunlight — a calm ritual space.

How to Use Incense Sticks the Right Way: A Beginner’s Guide

Incense has been used for thousands of years to cleanse energy, connect with spirit, and elevate everyday moments. But let’s be honest—if you’ve ever lit one and then wondered “uhh… now what?”, this guide is for you. 💨

Here’s how to use incense sticks properly so you can get the most out of your ritual, whether you’re doing a full moon cleanse or just trying to chill after work.

A close-up of an incense stick burning with delicate trails of smoke swirling in the air against a dark, peaceful background, evoking a sense of calm and ritual.

🔥 Step 1: Choose the Right Incense

First things first: not all incense is made equal. Some are heavy with synthetic fragrances (headache city), while others—like our Tibetan incense—are made with pure herbs, flowers, and roots.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want to relax or focus?
  • Are you cleansing a space or setting a vibe?

🌿 For relaxation: Try Sera Serene (White Sandalwood + Amber)
🌬 For clarity: Try Chomolung Snow (Sacred Himalayan Herbs and Tsaoko)
🌱 For grounding: Go with Potala Palace (Dong Quai and Clove)

Lhasa Remedy’s All-in-One Box featuring five signature Tibetan incense blends—Nimu Village, Potala Palace, Chomolung Snow, Lucky Zaki, and Sera Serene—styled with a mantra-engraved incense holder on natural linen in golden sunlight.

🪔 Step 2: Set Up a Safe Burner

Tibetan incense is usually thicker and coreless, so it needs a holder that can support its weight. Use a heat-safe burner and place it on a stable surface—away from fans, pets, or curtains.

Need one? Our handcrafted holders are coming soon 👀

Lotus Blossom Incense Holder with hand-painted red, green, and blue floral design, centered on a square wooden base and placed on a woven mat in natural light.

💭 Step 3: Set Your Intention

Close your eyes. Take a breath. Decide why you’re lighting it.

Examples:

  • “I clear this space of all stress and anxiety.”
  • “I call in peace and clarity.”
  • “This is my time to ground and reset.”

Intention amplifies energy—don’t skip it!

Two women sitting cross-legged in meditation, eyes closed and hands resting on knees, practicing mindfulness in an outdoor setting bathed in soft sunlight.

🕯️ Step 4: Light It Up

Hold the incense at a slight angle and light the tip. Let it catch for 5–10 seconds, then gently blow out the flame. You should see a glowing ember and a soft stream of smoke.

Pro tip: If it keeps going out, it may need a longer burn before blowing it out—or the airflow in your room might be too strong.

Lighting a Chomolung Snow incense stick placed on a Tibetan Six Syllable Mantra incense holder, with a soft flame touching the incense tip.

🌀 Step 5: Let It Burn & Be Present

Now for the best part. Sit, stretch, breathe—whatever feels right. Let the smoke do its work.

🧘 Use it while:

  • Meditating
  • Journaling
  • Cleansing a space
  • Taking a mindful break

Tibetan incense burns longer than most (30–60 mins), so you’ve got time to enjoy it.

Chomolung Snow Tibetan incense stick burning in the Sacred OM Ceramic Incense Holder, surrounded by books, a singing bowl, and morning sunlight — a calm ritual space.

🧯 Step 6: Extinguish Safely (If Needed)

If you want to put it out early:

  • Press the tip gently into sand or a ceramic dish
  • Don’t use water—it’ll ruin the stick

Or just let it burn all the way down in your incense holder.

🌿 Ready to Start?

You don’t need to be a monk to use incense—just a little intention and a safe space. Try adding it to your weekly rituals or your “I need to chill” moments.

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