The dried lavender, although it no longer looks so fresh, It preserves a surprising amount of its precious essential oils.

That characteristic fragrance that lulls you and invites you to rest does not disappear over time, It just hides waiting to be taken advantage of.

And one of the best ways to do it is transforming those forgotten flowers into homemade incense cones, perfect to set the mood for summer nights. It’s very easy!

A natural, homemade and simple air freshener

This trick is ideal for those looking for natural, sustainable and easy-to-prepare options. Without the need for special molds or industrial ingredients, You just need dried lavender, chamomile, a little honey and water.

The result is a completely handmade incense, with an intense aroma and relaxing effect.

Prepare the base: crush and mix the herbs

The people of Sal de Mar, a workshop specialized in natural and artisan cosmetics located in Guadalajara, Mexico, explain the process on their Instagram account @saldemar_cosmeticanatural:

1. The first step consists of Grind the dried lavender very well using a mortar and pestle. The idea is not to completely pulverize it, but to break its structures so that the essential oils are better released during combustion. The finer the grinding is, the more homogeneous the final mixture will be.
2. Then dry chamomile is added. This plant not only adds its aromatic properties, it also provides a finer texture which facilitates the integration of the ingredients. The proportion is not strict, the important thing is to achieve a balanced and uniform mixture.
3. Next add a little honey. This ingredient performs a double function, it helps give cohesion to the mixture, acting as a natural binder, and it also enriches the aroma of the incense with a warm and sweet background. You only need a small amount, just enough to bind the herbs together without making the dough too sticky.
4. The preparation is completed with a few drops of distilled water. It is added little by little while mixing, until it forms a firm but moldable paste, similar to soft plasticine. This step is key for cones to maintain their shape during drying.

Molding, drying and lighting

With the dough ready, it is time to form the cones. You can use your hands to shape them into small mountains. or give them other shapes according to your taste.

The important thing is that they are compact, without cracks and of a suitable size to burn slowly.

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The cones are left to dry outdoors on a surface that does not absorb moisture, such as a ceramic plate or metal tray. The ideal is let them rest for at least 24 hoursalthough in humid climates it is advisable to give them more time.

Once dry, they are ready to use. Simply light the tip and let the incense slowly release its aroma. It is perfect for relaxation sessions, reading moments or to decorate your terrace during a summer dinner.

Extra tips and conservation

If you want to keep several cones for later use, Store them in an airtight glass jar or tightly closed cardboard box, away from moisture. This way they will maintain their aroma and burn better.

Also You can experiment by adding other dried herbs, such as rosemary or sage, or add a drop of essential oil to the mixture to intensify the aroma.

Homemade incense is not only customizable, but also much safer for the environment and your health than many commercial options.

Create your own incense cones It is a simple way to reconnect with nature. With each lighting, you will not only perfume your house, you will also be celebrating the aroma of your garden, turned into a ritual that will accompany you all summer.

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