This slim 7.5 × 14.5 cm box holds 15 incense bricks and a terracotta, or fired-clay, holder. The bricks are small, olive-green blocks lying in three rows on a pull-out tray. They are made in India, and the lid shows the ISHOM name and a drawing of a green sprig.
A green scent from rue
Arruda is the Portuguese name for rue. The bricks smell fresh, green and lightly herbal, with no sweet notes. If you have mostly burned woody or floral incense so far, this one goes in quite a different direction.
In Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America, people believe rue keeps bad luck away, and many grow it in a pot by the front door. The word “smudge” on the box is the English name for clearing a space with smoke, and that is what these bricks are made for.
Stand a brick in the holder
Right in the middle of the holder is a round hole. Set a brick upright in it, light the top and blow out the flame after a few seconds. From then on the brick smoulders slowly and gives off smoke, much like an incense stick.
The brick has no wooden stick inside, so only ash is left in the holder once it has burned. Empty it when cool and the holder is ready to use again. Before you light a brick, always put the holder on a heat-resistant surface such as a ceramic plate, because the glowing brick warms the clay as well.
Fresh air and supervision
Choose a well-ventilated room and do not breathe in the smoke directly. Keep it away from curtains, paper and anything else that can catch fire. Never leave it unattended while it smoulders, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. When you have finished, open a window for a few minutes.