Ancient China has a long medical incense tradition for treating various ailments—see below for 10 varieties of medical incense available on our site 🌿 Starting from the Wei to Tang dynasties (~300-900 AD), we start to see advanced application of incense in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. The fourth century “Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergency” details inhaling the vapors of pokeweed root to alleviate mental illness, fermented black bean powder incense to alleviate cataracts, and inhaling burning pepper to treat headaches. During this period, ancient Chinese physicians also began developing a theory of the healing mechanism of incense. They had already recognized that pathogens entered through the nose and mouth, then spreading to the head cavities, lungs and abdomen. They believed that aromatics, which had a “penetrating and mobile” nature (走竄) could penetrate into these areas and neutralize the pathogen. Additionally, incense, due to its ethereal nature, was seen as a “purely yang substance” (純陽之物), which meant that it could serve as an antidote to “yin substances” like cold, dampness and evil spirits which settled and lodged in the interstices of the body. From the Tang and Song dynasties onward, the use of aromatics in the treatment of diseases also became widely popular. Tang dynasty physician Cui Zhiti detailed using honey-treated coltsfoot incense to cure a “30 year chronic cough”. 7th century physician Sun Simiao, known as the King of Medicine, described using smoked ephedra inhaled through a bamboo pole to treat pain and swelling in the throat—our newest incense features a Sun Simiao incense recipe for insomnia, worry, and restlessness. Our popular medical incense collection on our site includes 10 all-herbal formulas based on traditional Chinese medicine as well as Buddhist recipes. These include incense for: • Insomnia, worry & restlessness (new) • General health and immunity • Refreshing & resuscitation • Headache and bloating • Mind opening and digestion • Remove damp-cold and negative energy • Sinus congestion • Stress and anxiety relief • Dispel cold • Lift mood and calm mind . . . #incense #chinesemedicine #holistichealth #herbalmedicine #ancienthistory #herbology #fragrance