Charcoal is a form of carbon that is created when organic materials, such as wood or plant matter, are burned in the absence of oxygen. It has been used for thousands of years as a fuel, as a material for making a variety of products, and as a key ingredient in incense making. It is used to help the incense burn evenly as well as promote the fragrant components of the incense in the best possible way as it doesn’t dilute or mask the fragrance. Some people suggest that charcoal-based incense may release toxic fumes such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Yet, we cannot accept the claim that charcoal-free incense is healthier than incense made with pure charcoal. There are no studies done comparing charcoal-based incense with non-charcoal-based incense.
BENEFITS OF CHARCOAL
1. One of the main benefits of charcoal is that it is a clean-burning fuel that does not produce harmful fumes when it is burned. This makes it a popular choice for cooking and heating in many parts of the world, especially in areas where other fuel sources are not readily available. Charcoal is also a long-lasting fuel that can burn for several hours at a time, making it a convenient choice for outdoor cooking and grilling.
2. In addition to its use as a fuel, charcoal has a number of other benefits. It is an effective water filter, as it is able to remove impurities and contaminants from water. It is also used in the production of certain types of art supplies, such as pencils and paints, as it has a porous structure that allows it to hold onto pigments and other materials. Some people also take charcoal supplements for their alleged health benefits, such as improving digestion and reducing bloating.
3. Charcoal produces a much cleaner burn than wood dust or other organic material because it has already undergone the process of pyrolysis, or carbonization. Wood dust, on the other hand, has not yet undergone carbonization and therefore produces volatile gases, tars, and acidic liquids when burned, which can dilute or alter the characteristics of the fragrant substances in the incense. Some incense manufacturers use charcoal mixed with chemical burning enhancers containing sulfur or potassium nitrate, which may contribute to charcoal's negative reputation. However, for those concerned about the health effects of incense smoke, pure charcoal incense is the best choice as it reflects the fragrance of essential oils, resins, and herbs in the most authentic way.
The origins of charcoal go back thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history, including cooking, heating, and melting metals. Today, charcoal is still an important and widely used material, with a variety of applications in a range of industries.
SOURCES:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/carbonization
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charcoal
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_filtering
- https://www.decimpianti.com/processes/activated-carbon_en.html
- https://connect.uclahealth.org/2018/10/22/does-activated-charcoal-help-with-gas-and-bloating/
- https://incensemaking.com/how-to-burn-incense/using-charcoal/
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