Message #264 - THE_HERBALIST 
   Date: 03-26-96 16:28
   From: Arwen Nightstar
     To: All
Subject: Incense Trials and Tribu
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@MSGID: 93:9191/0.0 31586188
 * Crossposted from: Book_Of_Shad

Well, I promised to write up my trials and tribulations with cone
incense making....

3-17-96...2:10pm.

First batch

1   t. Sandalwood
1   t. Rosemary
1/2 t. Cinnamon
1/2 t. Basil
1/4 t. Benzoin Gum

Liquid Fire (2 1/2 t.)

4   t. water
1/4 t. saltpeter
3   d  Cinnamon Oil

I was trying to make an incense that utilized mainly kitchen herbs.
This mixture made 4 1/2 large cones of incense.

Burned on 3-19-96.  Smelled terrific, but burned very fast. Also, the
cones were very crumbly; falling apart easily.


Second batch

1/4  t. Cascara Segrada
1    t. Cinquefoil
1    t. Sandalwood
1/2  t. Patchouli
1/4  t. Allspice (scant)
1/2  t. Benzoin

Fire Water (used 3 t.)

8    t. Water
1/4  t. Saltpeter
7    d. Patchouli Oil

This was a specific attempt to make an incense for money rituals. Made
seven small cones.

Burned on 3-19-96.  Smell wasn't really discernible...the patchouli
came off faintly, but perhaps more pat. and more Allspice next time.
Held together really well....Keman used more water because the
Cinquefoil absorbed the water like wool!  Burned for a significantly
longer period of time.

Third batch

2   T. Sandalwood
1/2 t. Benzoin

Quarter Blend (used just over 7 t of water blend)
8   t. Water
1/2 t. Saltpeter
7   d. Lemon Verbena Oil
13  d. Rose Oil
4   d. Pine

I was attempting a scent only (no herb) cone.  This one smelled the
best although there was more of a heavy rose than I had hoped for. I
really wanted something a bit more complex.  Burned well, but really
sizzled at the bottom....I wonder if the Saltpeter bled down to the
bottom.  Perhaps less saltpeter next time...the oils must help it burn
as well.


My final note is that I don't think that the Benzoin is the best
bonding agent.  Maybe that is because it is old, but I am trying to
search out Tragacanth gum.....

So, that was Arwen and Keman's first journey into the realm of incense
making! ANy thoughts or hints?  I can do the powdered variety pretty
well, but I want to become proficient at the cones now.

... "I have written permission to die in the attempt." -- Col. Flagg
___
 * Lapidary...where it's at! *

                        Bright Blessings,
                        Arwen Nightstar

                        arwen@snook.com

___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.20 [NR]

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 * Origin: The Significant Other - New Orleans, LA  (93:9191/0)
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