Ancient Psychoactive Incense and Preparations

For millennia, humankind has lived with nature, utilizing the flora and fauna to survive. Over the centuries, through trial and error, they learned which plants were the most nutritious, healthy and beneficial, and consequently which plants possessed unique healing, spiritual and magical properties. Early in antiquity, humankind discovered the healing properties and magical qualities of plants like Papaver somniferum, Cannabis sativa and fungi like Amanita muscaria. In addition to directly consuming these magical healing plant, ancient peoples also discovered that many plants possess psychoactive properties when they are burned and used them as part of their sacred ceremonies. Over time and after many trials people discovered that potent incenses could be made by combining several different plants, resins, barks and roots and that they could enhance their effects by utilizing special breathing techniques to help trigger or intensify trance states.

Although psychoactive incenses have been used for thousands of years, there has been very little modern research into their efficacy and historical use. What is known is that psychoactive incense can have powerful effects on an individual’s psychology, it can enhance hormonal levels, and can be a catalyst to experiences of altered states of consciousness. Many people have been able to reach higher states of consciousness through the ceremonial use of these special incenses, applying meditative breathing techniques, employing yoga positions and using trance inducing rhythms. By using drums, rattles, chants and deep breathing methods the effects of these ancient incense blends can truly thrust one through the doors of perception and into new realms of consciousness.

Currently there are three mechanisms that are believed to cause the psychoactive effects of sacred incense blends. These three modes of consciousness alteration can act alone or in combination to produce profound states of experience:

1) The plant material itself contains pharmacologically active compounds that can induce altered states of consciousness.

2) The plant’s fragrance, aroma and smoke closely resemble the structure of neurotransmitters already present in the brain, and therefore act as a catalyst causing higher forms of awareness.

3) The plant’s fragrance, aroma or smoke contains naturally occurring pheromones that transmit messages directly to the brain when they enter sensory organs.

Pheromones are naturally occurring compounds that are closely related to hormones. They are produced by almost every living creature in every kingdom, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and even plants and fungi. In the animal world pheromones act as subconscious sexual signals to the opposite sex. They also signal virility, health and a strong immune system. They function as sexual attractors for plants and insects as well. Humans produce pheromones in varying degrees throughout their life, to attract potential mates and to signal estrus. Certain aromas produced by plants and fungi are known to closely mimic human pheromones. Vanillin has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac, and recent research into the aromas produced by the vanilla bean have shown that the aromatic fragrances inherent in vanilla are very similar to the structure of human pheromones and has a similar effect on the human nervous system.

There are many plants and fungi that produce pheromones which, structurally, closely resemble human pheromones. These plant and fungi pheromones are known as pheromone analogs, and include: ambergris, balsam, benzoin, cloves, copal, labdanum, rockrose, sandalwood, and storax.

Closely related experiments on aromas and brain function have shown that certain smells can trigger powerful reactions in brain function and can induce altered states of consciousness. One commonly experienced example of this is the ability of an aroma to trigger long forgotten memories. Certain essential oils are known to produce powerful (and sometimes dangerous) psychoactive responses, although their exact physiological mechanisms are not completely understood.

The following list of plants and essential oils that are derived from them is by no mean comprehensive; there are still many other plants that need further study. The following incenses have been known to posses special properties since antiquity: Acacia, Camphor, Copal, Coriander, Damiana, Frankincense, Henbane, Juniper, Laurel, Lignum aloe, Mugwort, Rosemary, Shorea robusta, Salvia and Wormwood. Some of the active constituents of these essential oils are eugenol, ledol, myristicin, safrole and thujone.

Several recipes for psychoactive incense have been refined and passed down through the generations. Here are several recipes that have been taken from various sources. In no way am I recommending any of these blends, nor am I vouching for their effectiveness or accuracy. I simply offer them as a curiosity for those interested in the historical use of incense to induce, enhance, or alter states of consciousness.

Bodhanath Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Indian juniper

– Balu

– Pama

– Shupa

Sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.

———- — ———-

Conjuring Spirits Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix:

– 1 part Salu Henbane

– 1/4 part cinnamon bark

– 1/4 part coriander seed

– 1/4 part fennel root or seed

– 1/4 part olibanum

Grind the ingredients into a fine powder and sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.

———- — ———-

“Hadra” Asthma Incense



Hadra was once available in pharmacies throughout Europe, to treat asthma attacks. The ingredients were clearly established, however their proportions were not.

Thoroughly dry and mix:

– Cannabis indica

– Datura stramonium

– Hyoscyamus niger

– Lobelia inflata

– Eucalyptus

– Saltpeter

– Menthol oil.*

* This incense has illegal and dangerous ingredients…DO NOT TRY AT HOME!

———- — ———-

Hecate Incense

Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Coriander seed

– Hemlock root

– Henbane

– Laurel leaf

– Myrrh

– Olibanum

– Opium resin

– Sandalwood

– Storax

– Syrian rue seed

Sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.*

* This incense has illegal and/or dangerous ingredients…DO NOT TRY AT HOME!

———- — ———-

Incense for Divining the Future



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Olibanum

– Psilocybe cubensis or Psilocybe semilanceata

– Salvia divinorum

– A pinch of parsley root

Sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.*

* This incense has illegal and/or dangerous ingredients…DO NOT TRY AT HOME!

———- — ———-

Incense for Leaving That Which Is Hidden Unknown



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Celery seed

– Coriander seed

– Henbane

– Opium poppy

– Saffron

Add freshly pressed hemlock juice to the mixture and sprinkle the incense onto glowing charcoal embers.*

* This incense has illegal and/or dangerous ingredients…DO NOT TRY AT HOME!

———- — ———-

Kaempher Traveling Incense

Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Combretum

– Kaempferia galanga root

– Shorea robusta resin

Being exposed to the vapors and smoke of this combination (or wild galangal by itself) when burned as an incense is thought to increase energy and overcome exhaustion, melancholy, and sadness. Many Tibetan incense formulas still use galangal, especially in formulas to promote awareness, overcome physical exhaustion and create a mood for contemplation.

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Mongolian Purification Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Juniper branch

– Sade tree

– Silver fir

– Wild thyme

Sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.

———- — ———-

Mongolian Shaman Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Juniper branch

– Rabbit dung

– Wild thyme

Grind the ingredients into a fine powder and sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.

———- — ———-

“Pressant” Asthma Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix parts:

– 4 parts Datura stramonium

– 3 parts Saltpeter

– 1.5 parts Gum arabic

– 1 part Cannabis indica

– 1/4 part Hyoscyamus niger

– 1/5 part Anethol

Sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers; smoke is to be inhaled to subdue asthma attacks.*

* This incense has illegal and/or dangerous ingredients…DO NOT TRY AT HOME!

———- — ———-

Roman Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Laurel leaf

– Juniper branch

– Vervain

– Salvia officinalis

– Thyme

Sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.

———- — ———-

Spirit-Herb Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Celery

– Coriander seed

– Hemlock root

Sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.*

* This incense has illegal and/or dangerous ingredients…DO NOT TRY AT HOME!

———- — ———-

Tarahumara Ritual Incense



Thoroughly dry and mix equal parts:

– Copal

– Peyote

Grind the ingredients into a fine powder and sprinkle incense onto glowing charcoal embers.*

* This incense has illegal and/or dangerous ingredients…DO NOT TRY AT HOME!

———- — ———-

There are many more preparations that have been lost to time and antiquity. However, the idea of psychoactive incense has piqued the interest of many people and as knowledge of these potent incenses spreads, perhaps the tradition will be revived and revitalized. If you know of any psychoactive incense recipes that we have not included here, please leave a comment below and contribute. We will gladly quote you and give you full credit if we post the recipe.