How To Make Incense Cones Without Makko?

Are you looking for an inexpensive, easy way to make your home smell better? Incense cones are a great option as they provide a unique, calming scent that can fill the air! Unfortunately, incense cones aren’t always easy to come by in stores… but what if we told you there was a way to still use them without having to buy the pricey makko powder used in store-bought versions? With our handy guide and a few simple ingredients, it's entirely possible to make incense cones at home - without requiring any special tools or additives like makko. With this method, you can customize your cones to your desired scent and strength. 

We'll walk you through the process of creating your own custom blends so you can experience firsthand all the benefits of homemade incense.

1. Some benefits of making your own incense at home

1.1. Saving money

Making incense at home has many benefits, including saving money. When making incense at home, you can also save on packaging costs, since you only need to purchase what you actually need. In addition, instead of spending money on pre-made incense sticks, you can use the leftover ingredients to create new scents and blends. 

1.2. It also allows you to create unique blends that are tailored to your personal preferences

Making incense at home allows you to tailor your products to your own tastes instead of being limited by what is available in stores. This means that you can make unique blends that are tailored specifically to your needs

Homemade incense also gives you the freedom to experiment with different combinations of herbs and oils, creating a one-of-a-kind scent that can become special to you. 

1.3. You can control the ingredients in the incense

Making your own incense means you have total control over the ingredients used in its creation. This means being able to avoid any questionable ingredients or chemicals found in commercial products and making sure everything is as natural as possible. The use of essential oils or hydrosols also ensures that the fragrance produced will be long-lasting without being overpowering or too strong. 

1.4. Help your mind unwind and relax

Lastly, making your own incense at home is surprisingly easy and may even become a therapeutic hobby. The process of creating custom blends and experimenting with different fragrances can be quite soothing as one takes the time to observe the subtle nuances in smells and consider how they could blend together. Crafting your own incense can be an enjoyable activity that not only relaxes you but also fills your home with beautiful aromas! 

2. How to make incense cones without makko

Making incense cones without makko is a simple process that can be done with just a few ingredients. For newbies who don't have much experience in making incense, it is possible to create an enjoyable scent without the use of makko materials. By using all-natural ingredients such as essential oils, herbs, spices, and other organic materials you can create unique and customized blends of scents that are free from any synthetic fragrances or toxins.

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Drying time: 24 - 30 hrs
• Yield: 10 to 12 small cones
• Cost: $5

Equipment

• Dropper
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl
• Mortar and pestle

Materials

• Cinnamon or any other herbs you like
• Natural essential oils
• Distilled water

Instructions

Step 1 | Gather your dry herbs.

There are many kinds of herbs that can be used for incense, but typically you’ll find it made from things like Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Myrrh, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Vanilla, Pine Resin, Sandalwood.

Step 2 | Grind the herbs

Place the raw herbs in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and grind them into a fine powder. Be sure to crush any large chunks into smaller pieces so that your incense cones will burn evenly.

Step 3 | Mix together

Combine 10 teaspoons of your ground herb mixture with five drops of essential oil or fragrance oil in a bowl.

Step 4 | Add water

Slowly add water to the mixture until it forms a paste-like consistency that is not too wet or sticky. 

Step 5 | Form into cones

Shape the dough into cones about 1 inch tall and half an inch wide with your hands. If creating a cone shape is proving to be a challenge, use the metal tip of a piping bag to press the dough. To release it from the tip and ensure it is free from any imperfections, use a toothpick and then finish smoothing it out with your fingers. Take a bamboo skewer or chopstick and roll the paste into small cone shapes. 

Step  6 | Let it dry overnight

Place them on parchment paper to dry for 24 -30 hours, flipping once halfway through. Once your incense cones are completely dry, they’re ready to use! 

3. Some tips when making incense cones

• When using essential oils in place of makko powder, be aware that some essential oils can be skin irritants. If this is a concern, consider using fragrance oils instead.
• You should create a small hole in the middle using a stick. This allows for more efficient burning of the incense cone, as it ensures that air can flow through and provide oxygen for the fire to consume. 
• To create the cone shape for your incense cones, you can use either an incense mold or roll the mixture by hand between two pieces of parchment paper to form the desired size and shape.
• After shaping the cone, add small amounts of liquid binding agent (such as honey water) to help the mixture hold its shape better.
• Allow your cones to dry completely before lighting or storing them away for future use. 
• Store your incense cones in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. This will help protect them from humidity and keep their aroma fresh. Use within 6 months to a year.
• When burning an incense cone without makko, use a charcoal disk or an electric incense burner to enjoy the fragrance. 
• Be sure to extinguish the cone when finished for safety and to preserve the scent for later use. 

Conclusion

Making incense without makko materials is an easier and more cost-effective option for those seeking an alternative method of creating scents. And with just a few simple ingredients, you can create beautiful incense cones that will be sure to please.

With just one base ingredient, the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether you choose an herb-rich blend like sage or prefer something sweeter like lavender, creating your own incense cones with whatever smells you love is a fabulous way to relax and self-soothe after a long day. Give it a try today!