Incense Sticks and Asthma?

[LoneWhiteWolf]

So I've had asthma for quite a number of years now, and I've always loved making my room smell nice but I always use scented candles. The scented candles I have right Now are a bit sucky. I never use aerosols to freshen up the air, I even spray my deodorant in another room then run away from it haha

Anyway, a few years ago while I was over a friends she lit an incense stick without the window open and I my asthma absolutely hated it, even with the window open it just couldn't handle the smoke.

Now that I'm wiccan, I'd love to know: Do I have to burn incense, cones, herbs etc during rituals, sabbats and circles?
Or can scented candles take there place?

I'd really love to test out incense again to see if I react any different to them now, but it involve buying a whole pack of incense and if I can't handle it then it's a bit of a waste of money.
My ex's landlady used to burn one in the hallway and I was fine.. But that was an open kind of house, I only have my room available.

Also, where can I purchase decently scented candles that won't cost an arm and leg? (Yankee candles are nice but overpriced) I'm in the UK and I don't live close to any pagan shops so I have to go online.

<3
Wolf.

[YanaKhan]

Everyone reacts differently to incense, but I would imagine if you reacted badly to it once, you may react the same way. The good news is, you don't really have to burn incense. You can substitute it with aromatic oils and/or candles. Now, I'm not sure of where you can buy candles, but I would try Poundland or any big supermarket you live nearby. I used to buy very nice aromatic candles from ASDA, the last time I was in London, I saw aromatic candles in Tesco and their prices were normal (as in cheaper than in Bulgaria).
Everyone reacts differently to incense sticks, I for one have no problem with them (I have asthma too), but my mother in law, who hasn't got asthma, coughs suffocates when near any.

[Sakura Blossom]

I have asthma and they used to bother me but don't anymore. Honestly, I think it's similar to allergies that asthma changes over time but of course you always want to be careful. If you do try them again, please make sure you have your inhaler with you.
Yana brings up a lot of good substitutes as well, if this doesn't work out for you. (:
I can't help with where to buy the candles, but I wish you luck! I love scented candles. I just can't have anything like that or incense anymore because of my parrot. I use the aromatic oils like Yana said. ^_^ Unless I'm outside, then that changes things. Haha. (:

[dualhands]

I have asthma and incense does not bother me unless I'm smothered in it. I burn mine in a semi closed off room with no windows. I do fine with this. However like Yana said, everyone reacts differently. Some peoples asthma is worse than others. If you believe that the incense sticks are going to hinder your ability to breath then I would stay away from it. Upside of this? You'll build up an essential oil collection much faster!!!

[SnowCat]

Incense smoke has scent and particulates. It can cause an airway reaction with or without asthma. If it bothers you, but you feel that your working is incomplete without it, particulate respirators are available at Home Depot and similar places. Not exactly attractive, but they do work. I had to use one in a patient home that had a non-maintained evaporative cooler. I ended up with pneumonia from the mold spores.

Snow

[corvidus]

You can substitute it with aromatic oils and/or candles.

You can also make infused herbal oils easily and cheaply at home, and use them with an oil incense diffuser (which is basically a bowl of the infused herbal oil over a candle or other heat source)

[LoneWhiteWolf]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! Think I'll steer clear of incense sticks and use oils instead

Yanakhan, I have some scented tea lights from poundland and thing me bobs and there not very good.. Think Yankee candles are the only decent candles around. Tescos prices for candles I don't find reasonable (plus they never have any nice scents in my tesco)
Making my own herbal oils does sound tempting though

[dualhands]

There are plenty of books on aromatherapy that provide recipes for different things such as anxiety, insomnia, pain, even fleas! Picking up one of these books might be a good idea. Although I'm sure there are plenty of website that provide this information for free.

[Cernunnos]

I'd experiment to see what works for you. I've got some stick incenses I barely ever use because I am an asthmatic and they seem to interfere with my practice because of that, but I've also got some cone incenses I got from the 99c store which don't bother me @ all... Find whatever you're most comfortable with, physically and otherwise.

[Chalice]

Now that I'm wiccan, I'd love to know: Do I have to burn incense, cones, herbs etc during rituals, sabbats and circles?

No

Or can scented candles take there place?

Yes

Also check out scented magical sprays people sell like Sage scented water in a spray bottle.
I also use essential oil in a demister.

[Seraphin]

For those who are sensitive to smoke, those who have asthma and allergies, instead of incense, use the same herbs (and a variety of others) and place them in a bowl or mug and covered with freshly boiled water. The steam can be used the same way as smoke; I usually use a large feather to distribute it for clearing; just add more hot water as needed to keep the steam coming.

[LoneWhiteWolf]

For those who are sensitive to smoke, those who have asthma and allergies, instead of incense, use the same herbs (and a variety of others) and place them in a bowl or mug and covered with freshly boiled water. The steam can be used the same way as smoke; I usually use a large feather to distribute it for clearing; just add more hot water as needed to keep the steam coming.

Ohhh wow I never knew that That's certainly something new no one else suggested, thank you so much ^w^

I have a little Oil burner that I got from poundland (It's red, I love it!), I just need something to put incense oils into, then I can start putting it to use. Or just order some dried herbs and boil them.

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice, guys
<3