JOURNAL

Stories and knowledge from Chinese incense making.

We write about aromatic materials, traditional formulas, paozhi, blending, and the everyday work of making Chinese incense.

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Sep 29, 2026

What Is Gansong? The “Hundred-Flower” Aroma in Chinese Incense

Gansong, also known as spikenard or jatamansi, is a traditional aromatic material used in Chinese blended incense. Learn how paozhi transforms its raw scent into the “hundred-flower” fragrance described in old Chinese incense texts.

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Sep 28, 2026

Same Material, Different Purpose: Why Chinese Incense Materials Are Processed Before Blending

Why are Chinese incense materials processed before blending? This Jiangzhenxiang case study explains paozhi, oil reduction, smoke, aroma, and intended use.

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Sep 27, 2026

What Is Jiangzhenxiang (降真香)? Chinese Incense Material Explained

What is Jiangzhenxiang (降真香)? A clear guide to its Dalbergia origins, its difference from Jiangxiang and Acronychia, its naming history, and its scent when burned.

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Sep 26, 2026

Wearable Incense: Why It Should Be Personal

Why wearable incense should be personal—from scent and wrist size to made-to-order incense beads and YINN’s custom bracelet builder.

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Sep 25, 2026

Jiangzhenxiang Incense: Its History, Processing and Aroma

What is jiangzhenxiang (降真香), and how does processing change it? Explore its botanical ambiguity, Daoist history, aroma and YINN’s current workshop method.

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Sep 22, 2026

What Does It Mean for Chinese Incense to “Nourish” a Person?

In Chinese incense, “nourishing” is not treatment. It describes balance within the formula, suitability for the person and the relationship between a person and their environment.

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