What is the method of making traditional incense in China?

For the production of incense, China formed a set of theories in ancient times, which are in the same strain as the theories of Chinese medicine and Taoism, and have a very mature and perfect craft system, which is also an inseparable part of the traditional culture of China. Details are as follows:

1, which has a set of strict and effective methods and specifications, is very elegant in the establishment of incense formula, the use of spices, compatibility processing and manufacturing technology. It can be said that the traditional aroma-making process is to seek "fragrance to nourish the heart", while the modern aroma-making process is to seek "fragrance to nourish the nose", and the difference between the two types of spices is very significant.

2. To make traditional incense, we should first comprehensively consider the use, fragrance type, taste and other factors of incense, and then select spices or medicinal materials according to these basic requirements, and mix them according to monarch, minister, assistant and assistant. Monarch, minister, assistant and assistant are in their places, and different spices can be brought into full play. Such as yamen incense, letter incense, tribute incense, curtain incense, healing incense, etc., each has its own principles and methods, but the materials used by the monarch, minister, assistant and helper are basically determined according to the deduction of the five elements and six qi, the five elements and the generation of grams, and heavenly stems and earthly branches.

3. Some special fragrances not only have strict requirements on materials, processing and compatibility, but also their ingredients, materials, fragrance and other processes must be carried out according to solar terms, dates and hours to achieve specific effects. For example, the production of Xu Lingxiang requires that Jiazi Rihe material, Bingzi Rimo, Wuzi Rihe grain, Gengzi Rixiang and Renzi Ribao warehouse should be stored with a cold water stone as a companion.