Our Journal

Beyond the Typical Sandalwood Incense Shroff's True Sandal is one of the finest sandalwood incenses on the market. Revered by long-time incense enthusiasts, it has earned a reputation for capturing the fragrance of genuine sandalwood with remarkable accuracy. Sandalwood is one of the most recognisable fragrances in the world of incense. Walk into almost any gift shop or browse online, and you'll find countless sticks labelled Sandalwood. Yet despite the name, many of them bear only a passing resemblance to the fragrance of the wood itself. Inexpensive sandalwood incense often relies heavily on fragrance oils or synthetic sandalwood accords. The result...

Resin incense is one of the oldest forms of incense in the world. Long before incense sticks and cones became common, aromatic tree resins were being burned in temples, homes, and ceremonial spaces across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Unlike incense sticks, resin incense is made from the hardened sap of trees and shrubs. When heated, these natural resins release rich and often complex aromas that many enthusiasts consider to be among the purest incense experiences available. If you're new to resin incense, this guide will introduce the different types of resin we stock, what they smell...

A Japanese Take on a Western Classic Minorien's Frankincense Fu-in is one of the more unusual offerings in the world of Japanese incense. While most Japanese incense houses focus on sandalwood, aloeswood, and traditional blends, Minorien chose to build an entire incense around frankincense resin, a material far more commonly associated with churches, monasteries, and Middle Eastern incense traditions than Kyoto workshops. The incense is part of Minorien's well-known Fu-in range, a collection that includes Sandalwood, Aloeswood, Kyara, and Frankincense. The name 'Fu-in' roughly refers to the lingering impression or after-effect left by a fragrance, and that idea feels particularly...

Best Incense for Cleansing (2026 Guide) Incense has been used for centuries in spiritual rituals, meditation practices, and homes around the world to cleanse negative energy and create a calmer, more grounded atmosphere. Whether you're cleansing a room after a stressful day, preparing for meditation, or simply refreshing the energy of your home, choosing the best incense for cleansing can make a huge difference. But not all incense is ideal for cleansing. Many cheap incense sticks are heavily perfumed with synthetic fragrances that create a harsh, artificial scent rather than the clean, grounding aroma traditionally associated with energetic cleansing and...

Inside the Anubhav Collection At Lotus Zen, we’re always searching for incense that offers something distinctive beyond the familiar profiles found across much of the modern incense market. We’re excited to introduce a new incense house to the UK: Anubhav, a respected Bangalore incense maker known for high-quality hand-rolled sticks and an unusually diverse catalogue of fragrances. Based in Bangalore, one of India’s historic centres of incense production, Anubhav creates incense rooted in traditional Indian masala craftsmanship while exploring a more refined and layered fragrant style. Their range moves comfortably between classic temple-style blends, smooth florals, rich woods, patchouli compositions,...