This elecampane incense is made from the dried parts of an ancient European root plant, burned for centuries to cleanse a room and set a mood. Its earthy, rooty and gently spicy smoke brings a warm, almost balsamic feel to a space.
What is elecampane?
Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a tall, thick-rooted perennial in the daisy family. The dried root and plant matter are used for smudging. Among Slavic peoples it was known as a protective and magical herb, and was sometimes called "God's Eye"; in Christian symbolism it was tied to the motif of light.
Tradition and atmosphere
In the incense tradition, elecampane smoke is associated with lifting a heavy, tired mood and creating a clearer, calmer atmosphere. Many light it before meditation or at the close of a long day, when they want to reset the feel of a room.
How to use it
Place a pinch of the dried root on glowing charcoal in a heatproof dish, or on a sieve burner. On a sieve it smoulders more slowly, giving a softer, longer-lasting scent. Elecampane blends easily with resins and other dried herbs, so you can build your own signature mix.
Good to know
This is a natural plant product, so colour and piece size vary slightly. Always burn with good ventilation and handle glowing charcoal on a fireproof surface.