Incense Stick

Esplanda incense sticks are slim, hand-held sticks meant to be lit at the tip and left to smolder, releasing fragrant smoke as they burn. The product details don't list a scent, a burn time, or a material, so check the packaging for the fragrance and the number of sticks before you buy. Incense sticks of this kind are usually stood upright in a holder, with the unlit end seated firmly. Hold the tip to a flame for a few seconds, then blow it out so the end glows and produces a steady thread of smoke instead of an open flame. A shallow ceramic, wood, or metal burner with a bed of sand or ash works well, and it catches falling ash. Place it on a heat-safe, level surface away from curtains, paper, and drafts. A small, closed room usually fills with scent quickly, so a single stick is often enough. In a larger or well-ventilated space you can burn one or two, and cracking a window keeps the smoke from lingering. To put a stick out, press the glowing tip into the sand or ash, or snap it and let it cool in the holder. Let the ash cool completely before you empty it, and never leave a burning stick unattended. Store unused sticks flat, in their original packaging, in a dry place. Keeping them away from humidity and strong odors helps preserve their fragrance.