Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Which agarbatti is good for health?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Body Detox
Question #10089
252 days ago
421

Which agarbatti is good for health? - #10089

Genesis

I’ve been using agarbattis daily during my morning prayers and meditation, but lately, I’ve been wondering if it affects my health. I know there are different types of agarbattis available, but I’m not sure which agarbatti is good for health. Some brands advertise natural ingredients, while others have a really strong smell that feels synthetic. Recently, I noticed that after lighting certain agarbattis, my throat feels slightly dry, and I start sneezing sometimes. I’m worried that some agarbattis might have chemicals or synthetic fragrances that could be harmful, especially if I’m using them every day in a closed room. I read somewhere that natural ingredients like sandalwood, camphor, and certain herbs are better, but I don’t know how to identify such products in the market. Can you suggest which agarbatti is good for health and safe for regular use? I’ve also been trying to create a calming environment at home, especially because my mom has anxiety and often feels stressed. I was thinking if there are specific agarbattis with therapeutic or Ayurvedic benefits, they might help her. Does lighting agarbattis with ingredients like lavender or rose oil actually help with relaxation, or is it just a marketing gimmick? Another concern I have is for my kids. They sometimes sit with me during prayers, and I don’t want to expose them to anything harmful. Are there any agarbattis that are 100% safe for children? Also, my dad has asthma, and I’ve read conflicting opinions about whether agarbattis are suitable for people with respiratory problems. Should I completely avoid them in his case? Lastly, I came across Ayurvedic agarbattis in a local shop. They claim to be natural and beneficial for health, but they are much more expensive than the regular ones. Are they really worth the price, or can I just choose a more affordable option? Please help me figure out which agarbatti is good for health and what ingredients I should look for while buying them.

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign‑up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors’ responses

When selecting agarbattis (incense sticks) for health and safety, it’s important to consider the ingredients and their potential effects on your respiratory system.

Safe & Healthy Agarbattis: Natural Ingredients: Look for agarbattis made from sandalwood, camphor, lavender, rose, and herbs. These have calming and therapeutic effects without harmful chemicals. Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: Many commercial agarbattis use synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances, which can irritate the throat and respiratory system, as you’ve noticed. Choose agarbattis labeled “natural” or “organic,” and avoid overly strong-smelling ones. Ayurvedic Agarbattis: Ayurvedic agarbattis often contain a blend of medicinal herbs that may have healing properties, such as tulsi (holy basil), frankincense, or saffron. They are generally considered safer, but the higher price may be due to the quality of ingredients used. Sandalwood and Camphor: These are popular in Ayurvedic agarbattis and known for their calming, purifying, and therapeutic effects. They also promote better air quality. Concerns for Respiratory Issues: For Asthma & Children: If your dad has asthma or your children are sensitive to smoke, it’s better to avoid agarbattis altogether, as even natural incense can irritate the respiratory system. You might want to consider using essential oil diffusers or herbal oils instead. For Relaxation: Agarbattis with lavender and rose oil are known for their calming and stress-relieving properties, which can help with anxiety and relaxation. Price vs. Quality: Ayurvedic agarbattis may be pricier, but they often use higher-quality ingredients with fewer additives. If you’re looking for a natural and therapeutic option, they could be worth the extra cost. For a more affordable alternative, look for 100% natural agarbattis without added chemicals, even if they are not marketed as Ayurvedic. Recommendations: Safe Options: Look for sandalwood or tulsi agarbattis from trusted natural brands. Avoid: Strongly scented, synthetic varieties that could harm respiratory health. Alternatives: Essential oil diffusers with lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile for a calming effect. For daily use, especially in a closed room, ensure good ventilation to minimize inhaling smoke and to keep the air fresh.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Alright, using agarbattis sounds like a pretty common part of your daily routine, and it seems you’re quite mindful about health, which is a good thing! You’re right, not all agarbattis are created equal. Some brands do have chemicals that might cause irritation, especially if you’re noticing dry throat or sneezing. Sounds like you might be reacting to synthetic fragrances or low-quality materials.

When it comes to choosing an agarbatti, going for ones made from natural ingredients like sandalwood, camphor, and herbs indeed more health-friendly. Sandalwood, with its cooling properties and soothing aroma, is particularly good for creating a calming atmosphere during prayers and meditation. If you’re looking to support relaxation and help your mom’s anxiety, you’re in the right direction thinking of lavender or rose oil-infused agarbattis. They’re not just marketing fluff; both have calming effects.

For your kids, you’d ideally want an agarbatti with no synthetic chemicals. Look for labels indicating pure essentials oils and no artificial colors or fragrances. Avoid burning them in closed spaces, keeping good ventilation helps a lot. However, with your dad’s asthma, things get a bit trickier. Generally, agarbattis aren’t recommended for respiratory conditions. So it’d likely be better to steer clear, or use them sparingly and in open, airy places.

About those Ayurvedic agarbattis you mentioned, they might just be worth the few extra bucks if they truly contain high-quality natural ingredients. But price shouldn’t be the only factor. Check their ingredient list—frankincense, tulsi, cedarwood—which usually indicate a more genuine product. And don’t shy from asking the shopkeeper about what goes into them; transparency is a good sign.

In the end, balance is key. If using them contributes to well-being without worsening any health conditions, you’ve found a good fit. Don’t forget, healthy practices like burning agarbattis should harmonize with overall health goals, not disrupt them.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
I am an Ayurvedic physician with an MD from AIIMS—yeah, the 2008 batch. That time kinda shaped everything for me... learning at that level really forces you to think deeper, not just follow protocol. Now, with 15+ years in this field, I mostly work with chronic stuff—autoimmune issues, gut-related problems, metabolic syndrome... those complex cases where symptoms overlap n patients usually end up confused after years of going in circles. I don’t rush to treat symptoms—I try to dig into what’s actually causing the system to go off-track. I guess that’s where my training really helps, especially when blending classical Ayurveda with updated diagnostics. I did get certified in Panchakarma & Rasayana therapy, which I use quite a lot—especially in cases where tissue-level nourishment or deep detox is needed. Rasayana has this underrated role in post-illness recovery n immune stabilization, which most people miss. I’m pretty active in clinical research too—not a full-time academic or anything, but I’ve contributed to studies on how Ayurveda helps manage diabetes, immunity burnout, stress dysregulation, things like that. It’s been important for me to keep a foot in that evidence-based space—not just because of credibility but because it keeps me from becoming too rigid in practice. I also get invited to speak at wellness events n some integrative health conferences—sharing ideas around patient-centered treatment models or chronic care via Ayurvedic frameworks. I practice full-time at a wellness centre that’s serious about Ayurveda—not just the spa kind—but real, protocol-driven, yet personalised medicine. Most of my patients come to me after trying a lot of other options, which makes trust-building a huge part of what I do every single day.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Nisha Bisht
I am an Ayurvedic physician with over 10 years of real, everyday experience—both in the clinical side and in managing systems behind the scenes. My journey started at Jiva Ayurveda in Faridabad, where I spent around 3 years juggling in-clinic and telemedicine consultations. That time taught me how different patient care can look when it’s just you, the person’s voice, and classical texts. No fancy setups—just your grasp on nidan and your ability to *listen properly*. Then I moved into a Medical Officer role at Uttaranchal Ayurved College in Dehradun, where I stayed for 7 years. It was more than just outpatient care—I was also involved in academic work, teaching students while continuing to treat patients. That phase really pushed me to re-read things with new eyes. You explain something to students one day and then end up applying it differently the next day on a patient. The loop between theory and practice became sharper there. Right now, I’m working as Deputy Medical Superintendent at Shivalik Hospital (part of the Shivalik Ayurved Institute in Dehradun). It’s a dual role—consulting patients *and* making sure the hospital ops run smooth. I get to ensure that the Ayurvedic care we deliver is both clinically sound and logistically strong. From patient case planning to supporting clinical staff and overseeing treatment quality—I keep an eye on all of it. Across all these years, my focus hasn’t changed much—I still work to blend classical Ayurved with today’s healthcare structure in a way that feels practical, safe and real. I don’t believe in overloading patients or selling “quick detox” ideas. I work on balancing doshas, rebuilding agni, planning proper chikitsa based on the person’s condition and constitution. Whether it’s lifestyle disorders, seasonal issues, chronic cases, or plain unexplained fatigue—I try to reach the cause before anything else. I still believe that Ayurved works best when it’s applied with clarity and humility—not overcomplicated or oversold. That’s the approach I carry into every patient room and every team meeting. It’s a long road, but it’s one I’m fully walking.
5
255 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
401 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am an Ayurvedic doctor who kinda grew into this path naturally—my roots are in Kerala, and I did my internship at VPSV Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, which honestly was one of the most eye-opening stages of my life. That place isn’t just a college, it’s a deep well of real Ayurveda. The kind that’s lived, not just studied. During my time there, I didn’t just observe—I *practiced*. Diagnosing, treating, understanding the patient beyond their symptoms, all that hands-on stuff that textbooks don’t really teach. It’s where I learned the rhythm of classical Kerala Ayurveda, the art of pulse reading, and how Panchakarma ain’t just about detox but more about deep repair. I work closely with patients—always felt more like a guide than just a doctor tbh. Whether it's about fixing a chronic issue or preventing one from happening, I focus on the full picture. I give a lot of attention to diet (pathya), routine, mental clutter, and stress stuff. Counseling on these isn’t an ‘extra’—I see it as a part of healing. And not the preachy kind either, more like what works *for you*, your lifestyle, your space. Also yeah—I’m a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence. This kinda allowed me to mix mindfulness with medicine, which I find super important, especially in today’s distracted world. I integrate meditation where needed—some patients need a virechana, some just need to breathe better before they sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all and I kinda like that part of my job the most. I don’t claim to know it all, but I listen deeply, treat with care, and stay true to the Ayurvedic principles I was trained in. My role feels less about ‘curing’ and more about nudging people back to their natural balance... it’s not quick or flashy, but it feels right.
5
127 reviews
Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
108 reviews
Dr. Akshay Negi
I am currently pursuing my MD in Panchakarma, and by now I carry 3 yrs of steady clinical experience. Panchakarma for me is not just detox or some fancy retreat thing — it’s the core of how Ayurveda actually works to reset the system. During my journey I’ve handled patients with arthritis flares, chronic back pain, migraine, digestive troubles, hormonal imbalance, even skin and stress-related disorders... and in almost every case Panchakarma gave space for deeper healing than medicines alone. Working hands-on with procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana gave me a lot of practical insight. It's not just about performing the therapy, but understanding timing, patient strength, diet before and after, and how their mind-body reacts to cleansing. Some respond quick, others struggle with initial discomfort, and that’s where real patient support matters. I learnt to watch closely, adjust small details, and guide them through the whole process safely. My approach is always patient-centric. I don’t believe in pushing the same package to everyone. I first assess prakriti, agni, mental state, lifestyle, then decide what works best. Sometimes full Panchakarma isn’t even needed — simple modifications, herbs, or limited therapy sessions can bring results. And when full shodhana is required, I plan it in detail with proper purvakarma & aftercare, cause that’s what makes outcomes sustainable. The last few years made me more confident not just in procedures but in the philosophy behind them. Panchakarma isn’t a quick fix — it demands patience, discipline, trust. But when done right, it gives relief that lasts, and that’s why I keep refining how I practice it.
5
36 reviews
Dr. Ayush Bansal
I am an Ayurveda doctor with about 1 yr of hands on clinical practice, still learning everyday from patients and the science itself. My journey started as a VOPD doctor with Hiims Hospital under Jeena Sikho Lifecare Ltd. For 6 months I was into virtual consultations, understanding cases online, preparing treatment protocols and doing follow ups to track progress. That phase trained me well in quick patient assesment and also in explaining Ayurveda in a way that fit with modern expectations. I dealt with many chronic and acute cases during that time.. things like gastric issues, joint pain, stress related complaints, skin problems. The remote setting forced me to sharpen my diagnostic skill and rely more on careful history taking, prakriti analysis, and lifestyle understanding. After that, I moved to a Resident Doctor role at Chauhan Ayurved and Panchkarma Hospital, Udaipur. This was very different.. more practical, hands on, and really grounded me in classical Panchakarma. I was actively part of planning and performing therapies like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and other detox and rejuvenation procedures. Many patients came with long standing spine issues, metabolic disorders, skin complaints, or hormonal imbalance and I got to see how tailored Panchakarma protocols and lifestyle advice together can bring changes that medicines alone couldn’t. Working closely with senior consultants gave me better clarity on safety, step by step planning and how to balance classical texts with practical hospital settings. Now, whether in OPD consultations or Panchkarma wards, I try to meet patients with empathy and patience. I focus on root cause correction, using herbs, diet, daily routine guidance, and therapy whenever needed. My belief is that Ayurveda should be accessible and authentic, not complicated or intimidating. My aim is simple—help people move towards long term wellness, not just temporary relief. I see health as balance of body, mind and routine.. and I want my practice to guide patients gently into that space.
5
147 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
331 reviews
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
718 reviews
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
76 reviews

Latest reviews

Isabella
9 minutes ago
Thanks so much for the detailed response! Really helped me understand my symptoms a lot better and feel more at ease about what's going on.
Thanks so much for the detailed response! Really helped me understand my symptoms a lot better and feel more at ease about what's going on.
Gabriel
9 minutes ago
This answer was super helpful! The doc explained my symptoms so clearly and gave me practical tips to follow. Appreciate the insight and guidance.
This answer was super helpful! The doc explained my symptoms so clearly and gave me practical tips to follow. Appreciate the insight and guidance.
Logan
4 hours ago
Seriously grateful for the comprehensive advice! Cleared up the confusion I had. Especially appreciate the lifestyle tips, they’re practical and doable.
Seriously grateful for the comprehensive advice! Cleared up the confusion I had. Especially appreciate the lifestyle tips, they’re practical and doable.
Christopher
4 hours ago
Thanks so much for breaking down the info in a way I could understand! Feel a lot calmer now about these number quirks. Super helpful!
Thanks so much for breaking down the info in a way I could understand! Feel a lot calmer now about these number quirks. Super helpful!