Chinese incense: ancient ritual, medicine smell, a revival

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorChinese incense is having a revival, and the craft is drawing new students, the South China Morning Post reports.

2. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe claim under review: incense is just a pleasant smell for ambience. I swear by it. My whole apartment is a candle with a lease.

3. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorShanghai incense master Sun Na says many people first describe the classic kind as smelling like Chinese medicine.

4. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWhich is a warm, herbal, wellness-forward scent profile. Medicine is just a premium word for it.

5. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorShe says it's primarily medicinal in character. And in winter you could put a spherical censer under the blankets to scent and warm the bedding.

6. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA scented hot water bottle. I'd call that a cozy product launch.

7. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorShe also suggests herbs burned during major epidemics had anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and that the rituals were practical, not superstitious.

8. 

   Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat's her suggestion, not a trial.

9. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo the ruling is MYTH. It's not just a smell. Verdict delivered, and it was gentle with me. Now I'm buying a blanket censer.

10. 

    Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThere is no blanket on this desk, Vera.