Olfaction is one of the most fascinating senses, with a special ability to revive cherished memories and lift our moods — as long as the scent is pleasant, of course! Aromatherapy, the practice of using scent for therapeutic purposes, has been around unofficially for thousands of years. Many cultures have used incense and essential oils to enhance well-being, promote relaxation, and aid in healing rituals.
In Japan, the use of incense dates back to the sixth century and became an integral part of Zen Buddhist rituals. Initially, incense wood was imported from China, but over time, Japanese artisans began using local materials like cedar wood to create their own incense.
Today, Japanese incense craftsmen are renowned for their attention to detail and dedication to preserving traditional practices. Here is Mr. Takeshi Baba's inspiring journey of craftsmanship and the profound benefits of his natural Japanese cedar incense.
Embracing Natural Purity: Cedar Incense Making
Modern commercial aromatic products like candles and incense sticks often contain synthetic ingredients that can be harmful if inhaled in large doses. To avoid these negative side effects and enjoy aromatherapy in its purest form, it's best to use natural materials — “gifts from nature.”
When purchasing aromatic candles or home fragrances, check the ingredient labels. You might be surprised to find unexpected and unrecognized ingredients, including artificial coloring and fragrances. Artisanal quality incense, made by hand using traditional, all-natural ingredients, is increasingly rare.
Mr. Baba and his 100-year-old cedar wood watermill: Crafting Japanese Cedar Incense from Nature’s Bounty
When we first introduced Baba Watermill Incense to the global audience in 2020, many quickly became fans of Mr. Baba’s work. Baba Incense stands out not only for its artisanal handmade process and all-natural ingredients but also for its heritage story that connects users to the cedar forests.
Mr. Baba grew up as a “wild child” in the forest, with nature always being a part of his life. When he inherited the century-old watermill, he decided not just to produce and supply raw cedar powder to Japan’s incense industry but to create his own incense. After trial and error, he perfected the formula, making cedar incense using only two natural ingredients without adding artificial binders, coloring, or fragrance. He proudly packaged his labor of love under the name of his watermill, listing only the two ingredients.
The True Gift of Nature: The Full Circle from Trees to Tranquility
Mr. Baba owes much to the cedar forest and is blessed by many gifts from nature. The natural water stream from the mountain powers his waterwheel 24/7. After loggers cut down the cedar trees for other uses (including building large structures like his waterwheel), Mr. Baba gathers the fresh leaves that provide the most aroma. The branches are then used to fuel the boiler for drying the fresh leaves.
As the waterwheel pounds the dried cedar leaves into fine powder, Mr. Baba kneads the powder with water from the stream and a plant binder to turn them into incense sticks. When the incense stick has burned, the ashes return to nature with minimal environmental footprint.
Mr. Baba’s all-natural Japanese cedar incense has a humble, woody scent that reminds many of camping in the forest. Additionally, his incense serves as a natural insect repellent.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your meditation or yoga practice or simply want to layer your home with a natural fragrance, consider trying Mr. Baba’s cedar incense sticks.
Baba Watermill incense may not have the premium department store packaging or sweet aromas of most fancy home fragrance products, but you will find his incense exceptionally humble, rustic, and filled with human spirit and appreciation for nature.
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