How to Make Cedar Incense Sticks at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

For us, the journey of creating cedar incense sticks begins in the mountains of western Sichuan, the gateway to Tibet. Our team often hikes these trails, climbing snow-capped peaks, walking through lush forests, and resting by clear mountain lakes. These experiences have left us with some of our most cherished memories, and we wanted to preserve the scent of these cedar forests in a tangible form — a way to bring the essence of the highlands into daily life.

Although we are surrounded by natural beauty, fresh cedar leaves are not easy to obtain in large quantities. Fortunately, we met a horticultural company in Qingdao that has been cultivating Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), an imported variety not native to China. They supply us with high-quality cedar needles, which form the foundation of our incense.

Cedar is just the beginning. Globally, cedar comes in many varieties, each with a unique aroma. Atlas cedar offers a dry, slightly sweet fragrance that blends beautifully with other aromatic woods and resins. Combining cedar with Makko powder (Nanmu powder) and fine woods such as sandalwood allows us to create incense sticks that burn evenly and release a consistent scent.

How to Make Cedar Incense Sticks – Step by Step DIY Incense

Making your own cedar incense sticks is a delicate but rewarding process. Each step affects the aroma and burn quality.

Step 1: Drying Cedar Leaves

Freshly harvested cedar leaves contain a lot of moisture. Before grinding, they must be dried thoroughly. Spread the leaves under sunlight or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct high heat, which can damage the natural aroma. Leaves are ready when they are crisp and break easily. Proper drying ensures the incense burns evenly without excessive smoke.

Step 2: Grinding Ingredients

Once dried, grind the cedar leaves into a fine powder. Use a mortar and pestle or a grinder, aiming for a uniform, soft texture. Coarse pieces can make sticks brittle or uneven during burning. Prepare Makko powder and sandalwood powder at the same time. Makko powder acts as a binder, holding the incense dough together and helping it burn consistently, while sandalwood enhances the cedar fragrance.

Step 3: Mixing Powders

Combine all powders thoroughly. Uneven mixing can result in some sticks burning faster or slower, or releasing inconsistent scents. This is especially important if you use incense holders, burners, or censers for even aroma distribution. At this stage, you can also experiment with small amounts of resin powders or aromatic herbs for additional scent layers.

Step 4: Adding Water Gradually

Slowly add purified water, a little at a time, while stirring or folding the powders. The goal is a soft, pliable dough. Too much water makes it sticky and hard to shape; too little leaves it crumbly. Knead gently to evenly distribute moisture. This ensures your incense sticks burn smoothly.

Step 5: Kneading the Dough

Knead until smooth, ensuring there are no dry pockets or lumps. Well-kneaded dough improves burn quality and prevents cracking. 

Step 6: Shaping Incense Sticks or Cones

Form the dough into sticks, typically 2–3 mm in diameter, or cones for incense cones. Consistent size ensures even burning.

Step 7: Drying Incense

Lay the shaped sticks or cones on a clean, dry surface or rack. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods to prevent cracking or color fading. Depending on humidity, drying can take several days. The incense is ready when it feels solid, light, and fully dry. Once dry, they can be stored in airtight containers or used immediately.

Tips for Customizing Your Incense

• Add resins like frankincense or myrrh to enhance aroma or prolong burn time.
• Mix flowers or herbs, such as rose petals or white sage, for layered fragrances.
• Start simple: one base powder (cedar or sandalwood), one secondary powder, and a small amount of enhancer.

How to Enjoy Your Cedar Incense Sticks

Once your cedar incense sticks are ready, enjoy them in various settings:

• Meditating, reading, or practicing yoga at home
• Using incense holders, burners, or censers to create a serene atmosphere
• Sharing with friends as a handcrafted gift, adding a personal and ceremonial touch

The aroma evolves subtly over time, like fine wine. Proper storage in airtight containers or dry places preserves fragrance.

Cultural and Aromatic Value of Cedar Incense

Each incense stick embodies our connection to nature and traditional craftsmanship. From hiking in western Sichuan to using imported Atlas cedar in Qingdao, every step reflects care and attention.

Handcrafted incense is not just a product; it’s a ritual that brings nature, history, and mindfulness into daily life. Through cedar incense sticks, we aim to capture the essence of our beloved highlands and share it with you.