Your Complete Guide on How to Use Bakhoor
With its exquisite fragrance and delicate aromatic notes, bakhoor is a treat for all perfume enthusiasts. Originating from Yemen, these earthy-scented wood chips are soaked in essential oils and other potent natural ingredients that give it a unique long-lasting fragrance, unlike any modern perfume. In this guide, we will be discussing how to use bakhoor.
The word Bakhoor is derived from the Arabic language which refers to aromatic wood chips. The product comes in different forms and shapes and is mainly imported from various Middle-Eastern countries. While the practice of regular application of bakhoor is confined to Saudi Arabia, products having this similar woody scents are found across the Arabian Peninsula.
When it comes to bakhoor application, you can either rub the aromatic oil on your skin or burn the wood chips on charcoal. Instead of applying oud oil, burning incense sticks allows you to experience the scent profile of bakhoor according to its full potential. In a traditional setting, you are supposed to stand near the bakhoor burner and allow your clothes to be fully covered in incense smoke. This not only makes the fragrance more intense but also allows it to last long on your garments.
With its exquisite fragrance and delicate aromatic notes, bakhoor is a treat for all perfume enthusiasts. Originating from Yemen, these earthy-scented wood chips are soaked in essential oils and other potent natural ingredients, giving it a unique, long-lasting fragrance unlike any modern perfume. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss how to use bakhoor, including various methods and tips to enhance your experience.
What is Bakhoor Made Of?
The word bakhoor is derived from Arabic, referring to aromatic wood chips. Traditionally, bakhoor is made from natural agarwood chips (also known as oud), which are infused with fragrant oils and mixed with other natural ingredients like resins, musk, sandalwood, and essential oils. This combination creates a rich, aromatic incense that releases an enchanting scent when burned.
The Cultural Significance of Bakhoor
Bakhoor holds a special place in Middle Eastern culture, especially across the Arabian Peninsula. It's more than just a fragrance; it's a tradition passed down through generations. Burning bakhoor is a customary practice during special occasions, gatherings, and daily routines, symbolizing hospitality, warmth, and a sense of welcome.
How to Choose Good Quality Bakhoor?
If this is your first time buying bakhoor, you can easily be duped into buying a counterfeit product with toxic ingredients. Many unregulated dealers sell bakhoor with minimal agar wood content to reduce costs. Because of this low agar wood concentration, these products quickly evaporate and don’t last long.
Due to the rarity of agar wood, you are highly likely to come across cheap bakhoor products having no natural agar wood extracts. Long-term usage of these substandard products can be harmful to your respiratory health.
One of the easiest ways to distinguish an original bakhoor product from a counterfeit one is to set it on fire. If you smell a faintly sweet aroma emitting from the smoke, then it is genuine bakhoor. On the other hand, if you smell a sour or alcohol-like odor, then it is most likely fake oud. We suggest buying bakhoor and oud from trustworthy sellers so that you enjoy the traditional fragrance without running into scams.
How to Use Bakhoor at Home?
As mentioned before, burning bakhoor allows you to enjoy its potent scent with its full intensity and let it spread in the entire living space. This is how the traditional users like their bakhoor and for good reason, as it allows the aromatic oil particles to release into the air inside your house.
Whether you want to fill your room or imbue your clothes with this potent fragrance, you need to take certain instructions and precautions into account. Let’s take a look at the two most common ways you can burn bakhoor at home.
1. The Traditional Way
Traditionally, people have been enjoying the fragrance of bakhoor by burning it on coal. Following are some essential steps that you might want to follow:- First, extinguish the charcoal tabs with a handheld lighter over a fire-proof surface.
- Keep on igniting the coal until it gives a glowing red color and is fully covered in grey soot.
- You can also blow on it from a distance to see if it turns red.
- Place the burning charcoal tabs in an oud burner with the help of a pair of tongs.
- Sprinkle some bakhoor powder or chips over the charcoal. Keep on adding small amounts of it until the aroma intensifies around the burner.
- Finally, the heat released from coal tabs will allow the rich aroma of bakhoor to spread in the entire room within a few minutes.
2. With an Electric Bakhoor Burner
For first-time users, before you use Wani’s personalized set of Bakhoor burners, using an electric bakhoor burner is a convenient method of enjoying the Arabian scent.- Place the electric incense burner over a fireproof surface and plug it in a wall socket to turn the power on
- After switching the burner on, sprinkle some powder or chips on the top plate.
- To avoid ending up with a mess of melted bakhoor pieces, we recommend covering the top plate with a foil
- After about 15 to 20 minutes you can unplug the device and indulge in the exotic fragrance in your room.
Tips To Remember To Burn Bakhoor
To avoid any potential dangers and health hazards, there are various safety measures that you need to take before burning bakhoor. Here are some key points to consider:
- You need to ensure that the area around you is well ventilated and that there are no loose papers, curtains, or other flammable materials around.
- Before burning bakhoor, ensure that the room has proper ventilation and there are no loose objects in the room such as newspaper and tissue paper.
- Use little amounts of powder or chips at a time, as it is made from natural ingredients that release into the air slowly. If you add large amounts of bakhoor in the incense burner, your room will be covered in smoke in no time which can make it difficult for you to breathe.
- Instead of buying cheap artificial bakhoor sticks, we recommend using natural bakhoor products that have natural ingredients such as herbs and flowers.
- Always use bakhoor in a porcelain pottery burner that has fire-resistance features.
- Finally, never resort to buying cheap charcoal tabs, as that can affect the time it takes to burn bakhoor initially. Also, high-quality charcoal tabs have a long lifespan after being lit.
Perfuming clothes with bakhoor is a cherished tradition. Here's how to do it safely and effectively:
- Burn the Bakhoor: Use either the traditional charcoal method or an electric burner.
- Expose Your Garments to the Smoke: Hold or hang your clothes above the bakhoor smoke, allowing the scent to permeate the fabric.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Ensure the clothes do not touch the burner or the charcoal to prevent any damage.
- Even Distribution: Move the garment around to allow the smoke to reach all areas evenly.
To enhance the longevity of your bakhoor and enjoy its fragrance for extended periods:
- Proper Storage: Keep bakhoor in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve its scent.
- Use High-Quality Charcoal or Burners: Good-quality charcoal burns evenly and longer, allowing for a steady release of fragrance. Similarly, quality electric burners can enhance the bakhoor experience.
- Add Small Amounts Gradually: Using small amounts of bakhoor at a time ensures it burns thoroughly without wasting any product.
- Experiment with Different Scents: Bakhoor comes in various fragrances such as Muattar Jasmine Bakhoor, Muattar Rose Bakhoor and Mabsoos Kab Sehar. Try different types to discover your personal favorites.
- Use During Special Occasions: Incorporate bakhoor into celebrations, gatherings, or relaxation routines to enhance the atmosphere.
- Gift Bakhoor to Loved Ones: Sharing bakhoor can be a thoughtful gift, introducing others to this fragrant tradition.
Conclusion
It wasn’t that difficult, was it? Now you know how to use bakhoor at home like a pro. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you will be able to enjoy the rich aroma of bakhoor in all its glory.
If you are a novice, we recommend always buying middle-eastern scented products from reputable perfume shops in your neighborhood or on the internet like Wani Perfumes. Purchasing products from our shop can also help you make an informed buying decision, as you can always ask our support team for expert advice. By making the right buying choice, you can achieve a deep relaxation state with the aroma of bakhoor at your home.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use bakhoor if I have allergies?
A1: If you have respiratory sensitivities or allergies, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using bakhoor, as the smoke may trigger symptoms.
Q2: How should I store bakhoor to maintain its fragrance?
A2: Store bakhoor in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This helps preserve its aromatic oils and keeps the fragrance potent for longer.
Q3: Is bakhoor used only for special occasions?
A3: While bakhoor is often used during special events and gatherings, it can also be enjoyed daily to freshen your home, enhance meditation practices, or simply create a relaxing environment.
