Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What Is Agarbatti (Incense) Used For?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Geriatrics & Rejuvenation
Question #9337
229 days ago
362

What Is Agarbatti (Incense) Used For? - #9337

Levi

I’ve seen agarbatti, or incense sticks, being used in various settings, but I’d like to understand their full purpose and benefits. My question is: What is agarbatti (incense) used for? Agarbatti is most commonly used in spiritual and religious practices. Burning incense is said to purify the air, create a calming atmosphere, and enhance focus during prayers or meditation. How effective is it for improving mental clarity and fostering a sense of peace, and are certain fragrances better suited for specific spiritual goals? In addition to religious uses, agarbatti is often used for aromatherapy. Scents like sandalwood, lavender, and jasmine are said to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep. How do these fragrances affect the mind and body, and can burning incense be an alternative to essential oils for relaxation? Agarbatti is also used for its ability to repel insects. Traditional formulations with neem or citronella are particularly effective as natural insect repellents. How do they compare to modern sprays in terms of safety and effectiveness, and are they safe to burn indoors? Lastly, some people use agarbatti purely for its pleasant fragrance to enhance the ambiance of their homes. Are there any health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to incense smoke, and how can these risks be minimized? If anyone has experience using agarbatti for meditation, relaxation, or other purposes, I’d love to know which types and scents worked best for you and how they impacted your environment and well-being.

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

Doctors’ responses

Agarbatti (incense) serves various purposes:

Spiritual Use: It purifies the air and creates a calming atmosphere during prayers or meditation, enhancing focus. Fragrances like sandalwood or lavender are known to aid mental clarity and peace. Aromatherapy: Scents such as sandalwood, lavender, and jasmine reduce stress, uplift mood, and promote relaxation or better sleep. While incense is an alternative to essential oils, it works well for creating a peaceful environment. Insect Repellent: Incense made with ingredients like neem or citronella is effective in repelling insects and is safer than chemical sprays when burned indoors. Fragrance & Ambiance: It can elevate home ambiance, but prolonged exposure to incense smoke may cause respiratory issues. To minimize risks, burn incense in well-ventilated spaces. Many use agarbatti to enhance their spiritual practices, relaxation, or to improve the environment, with different scents tailored to their needs.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
228 days ago
4.83

Agarbatti, or incense sticks, are traditionally used in spiritual, religious, and therapeutic practices, with multiple benefits depending on the purpose. In spiritual settings, incense is believed to purify the air, create a calming atmosphere, and help improve mental clarity and focus during meditation or prayers. Fragrances like sandalwood, lavender, or jasmine are commonly associated with enhancing peace, concentration, and relaxation. Each fragrance can serve specific spiritual goals, with sandalwood known for grounding, jasmine for uplifting energy, and lavender for relaxation. As part of aromatherapy, burning incense can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep, acting as an alternative to essential oils in creating a soothing environment. Certain incense formulations, like those with neem or citronella, can effectively repel insects naturally, and in terms of safety and effectiveness, they are considered a more environmentally friendly option than chemical sprays, although precautions should be taken when burning them indoors due to the potential for smoke inhalation. While incense has its benefits, prolonged exposure to the smoke can lead to respiratory issues or irritation for sensitive individuals, so it’s essential to burn incense in well-ventilated spaces to minimize risks. If you’ve used agarbatti for meditation or relaxation, it would be interesting to hear which scents you prefer and how it impacted your environment and well-being.

13739 answered questions
68% best answers

0 replies

Agarbatti actually finds its roots deep in various traditions, not just for worship but serving several purposes… they’re quite versatile. Primarily, they’re used to create a calm and purified environment, so spot on there! The aroma from incense sticks has a subtle way of enhancing focus and mental clarity during meditation and prayer. It’s like setting a serene stage for your mind to calm down. Incense made from sacred woods like sandalwood can particularly stimulate spiritual awareness — it’s been prized for centuries for this reason.

Speaking of scents, let’s talk aromatherapy. Aromatic herbs, like lavender and jasmine, are believed to uplift mood and reduce stress. They interact with our mind and body through the limbic system, the one controlling emotions. Burning agarbatti can be similar to using essential oils for relaxation, but with a more gentle, pervasive presence. It’s less direct than oils, yet often more immersive, filling spaces with soothing fragrances.

Now about those pesky insects… Neem or citronella agarbatti is a natural alternative to chemical sprays. They’re generally safer and nothing like having your space feel like a toxic storm. But while they’re effective, they might need a bit longer to do the job compared to sprays. Still, keep an eye on the smoke not being too intense indoors—ventilation is key!

Health concerns? Sure, like with any smoke, there’s always a potential downside. Long-term exposure, especially in closed spaces or when using low-quality incense, could lead to respiratory issues. Opting for natural, chemical-free agarbatti and ensuring good airflow can mitigate these risks pretty well.

I’d say for meditation or relaxation, experiment with different scents and see what clicks. I personally find sandalwood incredibly grounding, but say you might resonate more with something like jasmine or even a frankincense. Each aroma has its unique warmth and impact, affecting us in slightly distinct ways, sometimes surprisingly so!

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. Manasi Gandhi
I am practicing Ayurveda on my own for around 20 years now and honestly, it’s hard to sum up what that feels like in just a line or two. Over these years, I’ve seen health problems change with time — lifestyle disorders becoming more common, stress showing up in ways people don’t even notice until it’s too late, and seasonal illnesses behaving a bit differently than before. My work is all about looking at the root of the problem, not just the part that’s hurting right now. Sometimes that means working with herbal formulations, sometimes with Panchakarma therapies, sometimes just changing how someone eats or sleeps. I’ve treated a mix of acute issues like fever, colds, stomach upsets, and chronic ones like arthritis, diabetes, skin diseases, and digestive troubles. Women’s health has also been a steady part of my practice, whether it’s menstrual irregularities, PCOD, or post-natal care. And I make time for children’s wellness too, especially through immunity-building practices like Suvarnaprashan. I guess what keeps me going is knowing that Ayurveda gives me so many tools to work with — it’s never just one formula for everyone. I like spending time understanding a person’s lifestyle, diet, and emotional state because without that, the treatment feels incomplete. Over two decades, I’ve learned that small, consistent changes can be more powerful than any single “big” remedy, and that’s something I always try to pass on to my patients!!
5
5 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
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. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
55 reviews
Dr. Khushboo
I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.
5
88 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
ChatGPT said: 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
297 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
103 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
39 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I am a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician practicing since 1990—feels strange saying “over three decades” sometimes, but yeah, that’s the journey. I’ve spent these years working closely with chronic conditions that don’t always have clear answers in quick fixes. My main work has been around skin disorders, hair fall, scalp issues, and long-standing lifestyle stuff like diabetes, arthritis, and stress that kinda lingers under everything else. When someone walks into my clinic, I don’t jump to treat the problem on the surface. I start by understanding their *prakriti* and *vikriti*—what they’re made of, and what’s currently out of sync. That lets me build treatment plans that actually *fit* their system—not just push a medicine and hope it works. I use a mix of classical formulations, panchakarma if needed, dietary corrections, and slow, practical lifestyle changes. No overnight miracle talk. Just steady support. Hair fall and skin issues often feel cosmetic from outside—but internally? It’s about digestion, stress, liver, hormones... I’ve seen patients try 10+ things before landing in front of me. And sometimes they just need someone to *listen* before throwing herbs at the problem. That’s something I never skip. With arthritis and diabetes too, I take the same root-cause path. I give Ayurvedic medicines, but also work with *dinacharya*, *ahar* rules, and ways to reduce the load modern life puts on the body. We discuss sleep, food timing, mental state, all of it. I’ve also worked a lot with people dealing with high stress—career burnout, anxiety patterns, overthinking—and my approach there includes Ayurvedic counseling, herbal mind support, breathing routines... depends what suits them. My foundation is built on classical *samhitas*, clinical observation, and actual time with patients—not theories alone. My goal has always been simple: to help people feel well—not just for a few weeks, but in a way that actually lasts. Healing that feels like *them*, not just protocol. That’s what I keep aiming for.
5
430 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
141 reviews
Dr. Karthika
I am currently a PG 2nd yr student in the dept of Shalakya Tantra at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, batch 2024. I joined right after UG—no break—straight into PG (regular batch). I did my undergrad from Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (2017 batch, CCRAS syllabus under Pondicherry Univ). Somehow managed to secure 2nd rank university-wide back then, which I didn’t totally expect. Right now, my core interest lies in the Ayurvedic and integrative management of eye disorders. I’ve got decent exposure to both classical texts and clinical practice. From anatomy to pathology, I try to stay grounded in both the traditional Ayurvedic view and also the modern opthalmic understanding, especially with conditions related to the cornea, retina, and anterior segment. During PG deputation in 2nd year, I handled like 200+ OPD patients daily within 1–2 hrs (felt crazy at first but got used to the pace). I’m also trained hands-on in cataract and cornea surgeries under supervision. Not calling myself a surgeon yet, but I did get a good amout of surgical exposure in the PG postings. In terms of academics, I got 82% in the first-year PG exams—distinction score—secured department 1st and university topper at Parul Institute. Sometimes I do wonder if all this speed actually lets me go deep into each case but I’m learning to balance efficiency with proper patient care. Honestly I think that’s the biggest challenge in clinical ayurveda today—staying rooted in shastra while also being practically useful in today's overloaded OPDs. Anyway, still got a lot to learn, but I try to show up with clarity, humility and the will to keep improving every day.
5
175 reviews

Latest reviews

Theodore
3 hours ago
Wow, this was so helpful! The advice was detailed and really addressed all my concerns about hair fall. Feeling relieved and hopeful now. Cheers!
Wow, this was so helpful! The advice was detailed and really addressed all my concerns about hair fall. Feeling relieved and hopeful now. Cheers!
Penelope
3 hours ago
Thanks for the detailed advice! Switching to Ayurvedic solutions now. Feeling hopeful after your clear steps. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the detailed advice! Switching to Ayurvedic solutions now. Feeling hopeful after your clear steps. Much appreciated!
Theodore
3 hours ago
Thanks doc! Your advice was just what I needed. The steps are so clear. Feeling hopeful about managing my hair fall now.
Thanks doc! Your advice was just what I needed. The steps are so clear. Feeling hopeful about managing my hair fall now.
Christopher
3 hours ago
Super helpful and insightful answer! Really appreciated the detailed breakdown of Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle tips. Feeling more hopeful now, thank you!
Super helpful and insightful answer! Really appreciated the detailed breakdown of Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle tips. Feeling more hopeful now, thank you!