Single vs. Blend: Navigating the Fragrant World of Incense
Lately, I’ve received many messages asking whether single note incenses are better than blended ones. There’s no definitive answer to this question—it truly depends on personal preference.
Single Note Incense: This type uses a single ingredient, either directly, ground into powder, or crafted into forms like stick or disk incenses. Common examples include agarwood, sandalwood, rhinoceros, and cypress. The primary goal is to showcase the unique aroma and benefits of the ingredient, without the addition of other scents.
Blended Incense: These are crafted from a mix of several fragrances, popular types include medicinal and floral. Medicinal blends often have therapeutic effects and are part of traditional Chinese medicine. Floral scents are more common and have been particularly popular lately, like the “GoosePear|鹅梨帐中香” incense, which is more about aromatherapy.
However, the realm of blended incense is often plagued by synthetic and industrial fragrances. Many products claim to include ingredients like agarwood and sandalwood, but in reality, they contain none. Agarwood’s scent is naturally subtle and easily masked by other aromas, making it hard for newcomers to detect.
Blends are where most beginners make mistakes, so I urge caution!Consider purchasing samples to verify if the product is synthetic, and only stock up once the quality is confirmed.
This guide should help you better understand the complexities of choosing between single note and blended incenses, enabling you to make informed decisions in your aromatic journey.
