The word incense originates from the Latin verb incendere, which means "to burn”. There is historic proof that the burning of incense was accomplished throughout the ancient world. Ever since the dawn of civilization mankind has used incense, dates back to biblical era and may have originated in Egypt, where the gums and resins of aromatic trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts to be used for several reasons among them medical and religious practices. The origin of incense came about most likely by accident through the burning of fragrant woods such as cedar, pine and cypress, and aromatic resins, roots, berries and other natural resources. The forms taken by incense have changed with advances in knowledge, differences in the underlying culture, and diversity in the reasons for burning it.

All through history, a broad variety of materials have been used in making incense. Historically there has been a first choice for using locally available ingredients. Flouting down the five elements and their Ayurvedic connection to plants and common incense ingredients we find them falling into five classes. The following chart shows the relationship:

Numerous essential oils and artificial fragrances are used for scenting incense. Liquid aromatics are usually added to a base formed from charcoal powder. Incense making is a meditative and pleasant way to exercise our creativity. It awakens us to the pleasures of earth's aromatic treasures and our interconnection with nature.