sources indicate that the Buddhists were the principal means by which these emerging physicians organized, developed and disseminated their emerging art. This begins the classical phase of Ayurveda and the great healer Atreya emerges among others at the medical university at Taxila. Among his students were Jivaku (Buddha's Physician).

Later, Brahmanization of certain medical texts amends the heterodox practices in light of a more orthodox view, and Buddhist medicine appears to split with Ayurveda. From this point, incense evolves in both traditions in association with medicine and herbal remedies, and becomes even more a closely guarded secret passed down primarily in the oral tradition and apprenticeship.

Incense Ingredients

Breaking down the five elements and their Ayurvedic relationship to plants and common incense ingredients we find them falling into five classes. The following chart shows the relationship:
1. Ether (Fruits)
Star Anise
2. Water (Stems & Branches)
Sandalwood, Aloeswood, Cedarwood, Cassia, Frankincense, Myrrh, Borneol
3. Earth (Roots)
Turmeric, Vetivert, Ginger, Costus Root, Valerian, Spikenard Indian
4. Fire (flower)
Clove
5. Air (leaves)
Patchouli
Making Incense
The process of making herbal incense without the use of salt peter, or even charcoal is actually quite easy. Perhaps the easiest way is by using a binder commonly called Makko. Makko not only serves as a water soluble binder, but as a burning agent as well. Makko is a natural tree bark from an evergreen tree and contains no synthetic chemicals, charcoal, or salt peter.

To make incense, simply mix the desired ingredients, in powdered form, with makko and add some warm water. Knead the incense-dough thoroughly and form into cones or sticks and let dry at room temperature for about twenty-four hours.

Sandalwood is common to almost every incense formula, and serves as a wonderful base aroma as well as a burning agent of it's own right. If you were making an incense of sandalwood alone, the amount of makko required may be a little as 10%. However, resins like Frankincense are more difficult to burn and must be used in much lower percentages to burning agents such as sandalwood or makko. Otherwise, your incense won't burn properly and may me too smoky or keep going out.

Here is an incense recipe you can use to get you started:

Recipe for Cone Incense...
Mix together:
      2 parts Makko
      1 part Sandalwood powder
      1 part Cassia powder
      1/2 part Clove powder
Add a little warm water and knead dough completely.
Form in small incense cones.
Dry at room temperature for 24 hours.
 

After that you can get creative and start mixing any incense ingredient into you formula.