中文 (中国)An indispensable ingredient in the incense industry that we cannot take lightly is Joss powder. And if we go deeper to find out, we will be even more surprised with how wonderful the benefits of joss powder are. Let’s learn with Wodagri the interesting things of this powder!
Joss powder is made by grinding bark of Litsea glutinosa tree. This plant is distributed mainly in tropical countries such as southern China, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia. This is a light-loving plant that grows well in the edges of forests, clearings, bushes, and streams. The tree grows very strongly from the root, stem, shoot and foliage if it encounters hot and humid climate all year round.
Uses of Joss powder in the production of incense
The bark and wood of Litsea glutinosa tree contain gluten ground into powder that is used as a natural binder in the production of herbal incense sticks. Depending on the type of incense, the profession gives different ratios for each product. If the ratio of this powder is high, the incense will be turned off halfway when used, so the quantification of this material in the production of incense is a valuable secret.
In addition, the bark of this tree has a bitter taste and is used as a flavoring agent to stimulate the aroma of other incense-producing herbal ingredients. That is the reason joss powder is one of the main ingredients to create the incense that people burn every day.
Other uses and applications of Litsea
Used as medicine: Roots, leaves, bark are used as medicine with the effect of reducing fever, reducing swelling, treating diarrhea, resin. The resin has a binder used to make a poultice for the skin. The crushed seeds of Litsea are used to treat boils.
Candles and soaps: Litsea seeds contain up to 50% aromatic oil essence, they often press the seeds to get oil to produce soap and scented candles.
Making furniture and flooring: Mature wood is moderately hard and heavy, the wood is yellow-brown in texture and dense. So wood is also harvested for furniture and parquet.