Agarbattis or incense sticks have been an indispensable element of Indian culture since the dawn of time, used to commemorate practically everything from religious festivals to family gatherings. Growing up in and around the southern portion of India, Kotari Rama Devi was lured to this ancient practice of crafting aromatic agarbattis using a blend of temple flowers and other organic ingredients.
In order to satisfy her interest, she conducted extensive studies and spent time with incense stick makers to learn about their methods and the challenges they confront. That’s when Rama uncovered the somewhat terrible side of the product’s origin, which is generally associated with inducing calm and a positive atmosphere in homes.
Rama shares, “The women we witnessed rolling incense sticks were just scraping by on the minimum daily salary, implying a broader issue. We were inspired by the strength and ingenuity of these women and decided to play a part in preserving this aspect of Indian culture and promoting self-sustainability in female-led entrepreneurship by providing a platform for skilled artists and craftswomen to showcase their talent to the rest of the country and even globally.”
That was when Incense Story was born. Today, Incense Story is a luxury brand producing premium-quality incense sticks made out of natural herbs & flowers.
Though the journey began in July 2021, the pandemic threw up many challenges. But providing natural and organic products gave the company a lot of loyal customers.
Rejuvenating aromas
The brand’s premium range of incense sticks is carefully crafted with ethically-sourced raw ingredients from different parts of India such as the Himalayas & help declutter your mind and uplift your mood. Furthermore, Rama actively engages the craftsmen in the entire manufacturing process.
Improper management of floral waste is another serious issue that can lead to serious health-related problems for people, caused due to fungus and harmful gases. So Incense Story’s products are entirely prepared from a mix of fresh & waste flowers that are put together to produce incense sticks that bear the essence of India’s rich culture.
Rama says, “The product line is ‘Rejuvenate. Empower. Preserve’. Incense is made up of an aromatic material that produces a scent and a combustible binding material that holds it together in a particular shape. The aromatic materials used for making incense are typically plant-based and can include a variety of resins, barks, seeds, roots, and flowers.”
Incense Story typically offers products through the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, the company website, and social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram. Our products are not eco-certified as yet but we are working towards it.
Currently, Incense Story does not export any of its products. However, Rama plans to do so in the future and is also looking at certifications. Rama plans to introduce aroma candles, handmade soap, hand sanitisers and hand washes which will be 100% natural and organic.
What’s in a whiff?
Incense sticks can help in relaxing your senses, improve your physical and mental well-being.
a. Offers aromatherapy
According to research, essential oils in the incense sticks assist in removing nasal obstructions and enhance the air around you to replicate the advantages of aromatherapy. It is therefore especially used regularly in therapeutic centres.
b. Creates relaxing ambience
Incense sticks contain essential oils extracted from plants, seeds, barks, roots and fruits. Inhalation absorbs chemicals via the olfactory system, which delivers signals to the limbic system of the brain, influencing the processing of emotion and memory. Incense is commonly used for the purpose of yoga, meditation, air cleansing, and a relaxing ambience. A stick of incense consists of aromatic elements from vegetations like plants, herbs and bark of trees. When lighted, the space is enveloped with a welcoming, spiritual fragrance, a pleasant aromatic flavour.
c. Destroys germs
Incense Sticks are composed of naturally occurring components that have antibacterial characteristics. Thus, burning incense help prevent illnesses by destroying germs and sanitising the environment. Because they also contain anti-inflammatory elements such as Boswellia acid, burning agarbattis is also known to improve blood flow in the system.
d. Reduces stress
It also helps reduce stress and mental impediments. Incense may also help calm your mind and uplift your mood. Essential oils excite your senses, soothe your nerves and reduce your anxiety. Fragrances such as peppermint lower heart rates and palpitations, which allow a peaceful feeling from inside.
e. Improves sleep
The powerful fragrances work as natural sedatives, give your body a calming feeling and enable your body to unwind and sleep better.
Read More: Lavender, Bergamote, Sandal, Jasmine and more – the Ultimate Aroma Guide for this festive season
