RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application no. 202121044736 filed on Oct 1, 2021 and the entire provisional specification.

TECHNICAL FLIED

[0002] The present relates to an incense stick. More particularly, the invention relates to an eco-friendly, harmless incense sticks. The invention relates to use of coconut mid-rib for preparing incense stick. More particularly, the invention relates to non-irritating, fragrant incense sticks made of coconut mid-rib which is also non-toxic in terms of the fumes released after burning.

[0003] The invention further relates to a process for preparing a incense sticks with non-toxic fumes.

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] An incense stick is lit to introduce pleasant fragrances and to cleanse the air of negative energy. Incense Sticks are every day need of every household, pilgrimage, as every ceremonial utility, and for every auspicious occasion. The practice of Incense as healing tool was assimilated into religious practices of the time.

[0005] The particulate matter in incense smoke not only contains carcinogens but also irritants. This means it could lead to a number of respiratory diseases, such as asthma. A study also found an association between higher cancer risk and incense use. Most of these cancers were upper respiratory tract carcinomas or lung carcinomas. Another study found inhalation of incense could be more cancerous than smoking a cigarette (healthline.com, health, is incense bad for you). This study was performed only on animal cells in vitro. However, many toxic and irritant compounds were detected in the smoke alongside its aromatic compounds, meaning that it could create other health effects, too. These compounds include polyaromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, carbonyls. With an aim to instill aroma, manufacturers put in poly aromatic hydrocarbons within incense sticks which has been found to trigger chances of asthma, cancer, headache and cough. Recent research suggests there are overlooked health hazards in incense. For example, the study stating incense smoke may be worse than cigarette smoke was undertaken by researchers who worked for a tobacco company. This could have contributed to a certain bias, which may have had an effect on results.

[0006] A typical composition of stick incense consists of 21% (by weight) of herbal and wood powder, 35% of fragrance material, 11% of adhesive powder, and 33% of bamboo stick. Incense smoke (fumes) contains particulate matter (PM), gas products and many organic compounds. On average, incense burning produces particulates greater than 45 mg/g burned as compared to 10 mg/g burned for cigarettes. The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and others. Incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The air pollution in and around various temples has been documented to have harmful effects on health. When incense smoke pollutants are inhaled, they cause respiratory system dysfunction. Incense smoke is a risk factor for elevated cord blood IgE levels and has been indicated to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Incense smoke also has been associated with neoplasm and extracts of particulate matter from incense smoke are found to be mutagenic in the Ames Salmonella test with TA98 and activation. In order to prevent airway disease and other health problem, it is advisable that people should reduce the exposure time when they worship at the temple with heavy incense smokes, and ventilate their house when they burn incense at home (Lin et al, Incense smoke: clinical, structural and molecular effects on airway disease, Clin Mol Allergy, NCBI, PMC, 6; 2008)

[0007] All incense sticks are made up of bamboo stick and these bamboo sticks incense fumes are very dangerous to human health, which we neglect or are unaware of the side effects. It is not advisable to burn bamboo indoors if there isn't proper ventilation. It should be avoided if you are asthmatic or have a lung disease. Continuous burning of bamboo, especially indoors increases the risk of lung cancer.

[0008] Bamboo contains lead and other heavy metals like chromium, copper, arsenic, cadmium, nickel. Burning of bamboo produces lead oxides in gaseous form which are harmful if inhaled. So, bamboo should not be burnt. The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, SO2 and others. Incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylenes as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

[0009] 1183/KOL/2013 relates to a novel incense stick for mosquito repelling. More particularly, the present invention relates to the herbal formulation of the incense stick which is prepared by using 150 g of Eucalyptus and 400 g of citronella and 100 g of methi and 150 g of Arrowroot and 100 g of coconut dust and 200g of Tea leaf and 100g of Tulsi, 150 g of Dhuno and 300g of Neem etc. Moreover, this invention relates to the process for the preparation of the above composition and stick.

[0010] 1399/MUM/2007 relates to an incense composition having God/planets/stars (Nav Grah) influencing ingredients particularly Sun/Surya comprising wood powder-40-60%; binding agent-10-20%; guar gum-5-10%; herbs powder-2-4%; Lotus flower-5-8% red chandan-10-17%; coconut powder-2-5%; rose flower-7- 14%; madaar samdidha- 17-25%; Red pink colour- 1-4%; fragrance and water.

[0011] IN201841032438 relates to a bio-degradable means for use as drinking straw, stirrer and chop stick and a method for making the bio-degradable means is provided. The biodegradable means includes at least one dried leaf strip configured to be at least one of straight rolled and spiral rolled along an entirety of an elongated guide member to facilitate formation of an elongated bio-degradable means. The dried leaf strip is at least one of a coconut tree leaf strip, palm tree leaf strip and a plantain leaf strip.

[0012] US20070275025 disclosed a combustible coil or stick for controlling mosquitoes is disclosed containing an insecti ci dally effective amount of bifenthrin.

[0013] 391/MUM/2005 disclosed a joss stick, being a rod having a circular cross section, for use between sunrise on Sunday and sunrise on Monday comprising an intimate mixture, prepared in a golden vessel on a Sunday, in demineralised water of a base or fumigant made from Sawdust (wood powder) 40-75%, Coconut shell powder 5-15% as combustible materials and Litsea chinesis (Meda lakdi) powder 15-30% as a binder, a special aromatic fuel mixture comprising dry powders of bark of Gossypium indicum (Rui) as samidha 40-55% Cyperus rotundus (Bhadra mustakhya) as dhoop 15-20% Nymphaea lotus) Lal-kamal) petals as pushp 15-20%, Santalum album (Sandal wood) as chandan 15-20% Santalum album (Sandal wood) fragrance.

[0014] Karmankar et al (Engineered Technology for Value Enhancement of Natural Producing Coconut Residues as Industrial Application, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume 08 Issue 08, Aug 2021) discloses a review on use of coconut residues for production of various industrial products.

[0015] Kumar et al (Modeling and Analysis of coconut shell grinding machine for utilization of temple waste for specific application as manufacturing of incense sticks/cones, International Education and Research Journal, Volume: 3, Issue: 6, Jun 23, 2017) in this study various techniques were studied and among all those available techniques using temple waste in the form of flowers and coconut shell which remains unused after offering are used for making fragrant incense sticks. For making incense sticks various parameters were considered which are convenient, economical and eco-friendly and easy to reach for the small scale and household enterprises.

[0016] Das et al discloses an (effective use of mid-rib of coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaves for pulp and paper industry evaluating pulp quality, Research gate, Sept, 2013) summarizes results of a research aimed at assessing of the pulp properties of Cocos nucifera (coconut) for using coconut as an alternative raw material for pulp and paper industry.

[0017] The above reported prior arts nowhere disclose incense stick made of harmless material, which will not affect the human respiratory health or cause irritation. Bamboo is the basic material used in preparing all the incense stick until now. However, bamboo when burnt can be hazardous and releases toxic gases. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has made an effort to replace incense stick made of toxic bamboo material and have replace it with harmless coconut mid-rib.

[0018] Thus, the inventor of the present invention has successfully addressed the existing drawbacks and prepared harmless, non-irritating incense sticks. To improve the present market commodity and to make available a non-hazardous alternative to bamboo incense sticks, the inventor of the present invention has prepared incense sticks from harmless coconut mid-ribs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0019] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0020] In one aspect, the present disclosure envisages a non-toxic incense stick. The incense stick comprises a coconut leaf midrib treated with a colorant and a binding mixture coated on the at least a portion of said coconut leaf midrib.

[0021] In one embodiment, the colorant includes natural color, natural dye, edible dye or combinations thereof.

[0022] In an embodiment, the binding mixture consists of a first oil, a second oil, a binding agent, gum and an additive. In a preferred embodiment, the first oil is a fragrant oil based on the fragrant flowers, barks roots, leaves, buds, stems, fruits, medicinal or non-medicinal herbs, plants, trees and non-fragrant oil is based on coconut oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, palm oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, any non-fragrant edible or non-edible oils or combinations thereof.

[0023] The second oil includes at least one selected from ghee, sesame oil, coconut oil, palm oil, groundnut oil, mustard oil, jasmine oil, lavender oil, rose oil, vanilla oil, cherry oil, mango oil, lemon oil, candy oil or combinations thereof.

[0024] In another embodiment, the binding agent is at least one selected from amber, myrrh, frankincense, bark extract of Ailanthus triphysa, red bark, green bark, and leave of Litsea Glutinose tree, natural resin, man-made resins or combinations thereof.

[0025] In another embodiment, the gum is at least one selected from gum arabic, natural gum, synthetic gums or combinations thereof. [0026] In another embodiment, the medicinal herb is at least one selected from grown herbs, flowers, roots, gums, stems, seeds, barks and combinations thereof having medicinal properties of healing, cleansing, and creating a fragrant environment.

[0027] In another embodiment, the length of the coconut mid-rib is in the range of 7.5 to 15 inches; wherein the coating of the binding mixture over the coconut mid- rib is in the range of 10 to 90%.

[0028] In another embodiment, incense stick further comprises an oxidizing agent coated over the binding mixture located at the tip of the incense stick. The oxidizing agent is coated over the binding mixture and present in the range 1 to 10 % w/w of the binding mixture.

[0029] In another embodiment, the oxidizing agent is at least one selected from natural oxidizing agent, inorganic oxidizing agent and combinations thereof.

[0030] In second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a non-toxic incense stick comprising a) pretreating a coconut leaf to obtain a coconut mid-rib of predetermined length. b) treating coconut mid-rib with natural colorant; c) mixing a second oil, a binding agent, gum and additive under temperature ranging from 25°C to 50°C and pressure at less than 1.5 bar to obtain an incense binding mixture; d) applying the obtained incense binding mixture on the treated coconut midrib to obtained a wet incense stick. e) dipping the said wet incense stick into the first oil; and f) drying the wet incense stick to obtain an incense stick.

In one embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprises a step of adding first oil in the mixture while preparing the incense binding mixture. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprises a step of adding a coating of oxidizing agent on at least a portion of binding mixture of the wet incense stick.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] In the description that follows, a number of terms are used, the following definitions are provided to facilitate understanding of various aspects of the disclosure. Use of examples in the specification, including examples of terms, is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope and meaning of the embodiments of the invention herein. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. In the specification, the word “comprising” is used as an open-ended term, substantially equivalent to the phrase “including, but not limited to,” and the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning.

[0032] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0034] In the present invention, “incense stick” includes not only Buddhist incense sticks but also fragrance sticks, fragrance coil sticks, and the like. The shape is not limited to a linear shape, and may be any shape such as a spiral shape or a plate shape.

[0035] In the present invention, the “coconut midrib” includes a potion coconut leaf arising from proximal to distal end of the coconut leaf. The midrib is separated from coconut leaf or any suitable part of coconut tree which has rigidity to form a stick of predetermined length and size.

[0036] In the present invention, the “colorant” includes a colorant used as a food colorant and a natural colorant (dye) having the same features as the colorant. In order to ensure safety, pigments used as food colorants are not only limited in type but also strictly limited to natural dye.

[0037] In the present invention, the “first oil” includes a fragrant or nonfragrant oil applied on the coconut midrib. The first oil is generally selected from coconut oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, palm oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, any non-fragrant edible or non-edible oils

[0038] In the present invention, the “second oil” includes an oil selected from ghee, sesame oil, coconut oil, palm oil, groundnut oil, mustard oil, jasmine oil, lavender oil, rose oil, vanilla oil, cherry oil, mango oil, lemon oil, candy oil. The second oil is used in preparation of the binding mixture.

[0039] In the present invention, the “oxidizing agent” includes natural oxidizing agent, inorganic oxidizing agent and combinations thereof.

[0040] The incense stick of the present invention is an alternative to traditional bamboo incense sticks which are not suitable for burning and oxidizes to toxic fumes when ignited. Ultimately there was a need for an incense stick producing nontoxic fumes when ignited.

[0041] In one aspect, the present disclosure envisages a non-toxic incense stick. The incense stick comprises a coconut leaf midrib treated with a colorant and a binding mixture coated on the at least a portion of said coconut midrib, preferably coconut leaf midrib.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the coconut midrib is isolated from coconut leaf to obtain a stick of predetermined size in the range of 7.5 to 15 inches. Further the midrib is cleaned with water. The coconut midrib can be selected from any coconut leaf selected from dried leaf or fresh leaf, present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the coconut midrib is dried.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the incense stick wherein after cutting the coconut mid-rib is treated with natural colors at least one including but not limited to natural colors, more particularly organic color derived from extracts from natural products or from natural by-products. The natural colors are applied on incense stick such that the natural properties of the ingredients applied on the sticks are not destroyed. [0044] In an embodiment, the colorant source is at least one but not limited to extracts of Bixa Orellana, Beta vulgaris, Daucas carota, Gardenia jasminoides, Capsicum annuum, Raphanus sativus, Brassica oleracea, Arthrospira plantesis, Solanum lycopersicum, Curcuma Longa, Dioscorea alata Catechu or Cutch tree, Coffee beans, Gamboge tree, Chestnut hulls, Hibiscus, Indigofera leaves, Kamala seed pods, Pomegranate rind, Tumeric, Lichen, Gold lichen, Carrots, Onion skin, Madder root, Berries, Cherries, Red sumac berries, Basil leaves, Hibiscus, Logwood, Sorrel Roots, Spinach, Peppermint Leaves, Myrobalan fruit, Black berries, Iris Root, Walnut hulls, Red cabbage, Teak leaf and combinations thereof.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the natural colors are further treated to be used for getting the desired effects in creating the color on the sticks and on the binding agents. The fumes generated from these natural colors do not have any harmful effects.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the invention describes a binding mixture comprising a first oil, a second oil, a binding agent, gum and additive. The binding mixture forms an ignitable composition which is coated on at least a portion of incense stick. In a preferred embodiment the binding mixture in paste form is coated on at 10 to 90 percent of coconut midrib stick, more preferably 60 to 90 percent of coconut midrib stick. The binding mixture when dried are ignited which results into fumes having fragrant with least toxic gases.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to the first oil based on fragrant oil which includes at least one but not limited to oils derived from fragrant flowers, barks roots, leaves, buds, stems, fruits, medicinal or non-medicinal herbs, plants, trees. The fragrant oil is preferably derived from natural sources mainly comprises organic sources which do not releases harmful and toxic fumes while burning. In another embodiment, the invention relates to the first oil based on non-fragrant oil which includes at least one but not limited to coconut oil, till/sesame oil, linseed oil, palm oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, and or any non-fragrant edible or non-edible oils. The fragrant oil or non-fragrant oil are preferably derived from natural sources mainly comprises organic source which does not release harmful and toxic fumes while burning.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the present invention second oil used for preparing binding mixture is at least one including but not limited to A2 ghee, till oil, coconut oil, palm oil, groundnut oil, mustard oil, jasmine, lavender, rose, vanilla, cherry, mango, lemon and candy. In preferred embodiment, the second oil used for preparing binding mixture is at least one selected from A2 ghee, till oil and coconut oil.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the present invention the binding agent used for preparing binding mixture is at least one including but not limited to amber, myrrh, frankincense bark extract of Ailanthus triphysa, red bark, green bark, and leave of Litsea Glutinose tree, natural resin, man-made resins and combinations thereof. The binding agent performs the function of burning which causes release or smoke with fragrant fumes in the environment.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the gum used for preparing binding mixture is at least one including but not limited to gum arabic and natural, artificial or laboratory made gums. The binding agent holds the binding mixture attached to the coconut midrib stick while maintaining the fragrant of the incense stick for longer duration.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the gum used for preparing binding mixture is at least one including but not limited to Medicinal herbs, Coconut powder and Agnihotra yagna products. In one embodiment, the medicinal herb medicinal herb includes but not limited to grown herbs, flowers, roots, gums, stems, seeds, barks having medicinal properties of healing, cleansing, and creating a fragrant environment. The binding mixture of the incense stick does not give out toxic fumes on burning.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the invention provides coconut mid-rib incense stick wherein the tip of the incense stick coated with oxidizing agents such as potassium chlorate, mixed with sulfur, fillers and powdered glass, which when stroked to the side of the package (a slim strip) containing red phosphorus, binder & powdered glass, will ignite the fuming procedure of the sticks.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the invention provides coconut mid-rib incense sticks wherein the property of ignition on striking provides convenience and ease to the user and no need to carry an additional match stick box to light the coconut mid-rib incense sticks.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the invention provides coconut mid-rib incense sticks with the property of ignition on striking wherein the flames will be lighted for few seconds to light the incense sticks. The rest of the procedure is similar to the traditional use of match box sticks.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the invention provides coconut mid-rib incense sticks with the property of ignition on striking wherein as soon as the match stick tip has lighted the coconut mid-rib sticks, the fumes evolved from the coconut mid-rib incense sticks are harmless and do not carry over any effect of the match stick.

[0056] According to a further embodiment, the invention provides coconut mid-rib incense sticks with the property of ignition on striking wherein the quality of the fumes evolved from these sticks will be similar to the coconut mid-rib incense sticks made without the burning tips.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the provided match stick tip can be used on other type of igniting products with the striking strips on the sides of its packages, such as on the tips of the coconut mid-rib incense sticks, bamboo-based incense sticks, tips of candles of any quality and on the tips of cigarettes.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the invention provides non-hazardous incense sticks made of coconut mid-ribs wherein the fragrance bounded to the stick is non-evaporable.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the invention provides non-toxic incense sticks made of coconut mid-ribs wherein the mixture bounded to the stick entraps the fragrance to the stick.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the invention provides harmless incense sticks made of coconut mid-ribs wherein the fragrance is released only when the stick is burnt.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the invention provides non-toxic incense sticks made of coconut mid-ribs wherein the fragrance is not evaporated during storage, even for a very long period.

[0062] According to a further embodiment, the invention describes a method for preparation of the incense sticks comprising a) pretreating a coconut leaf to obtain a coconut mid-rib of predetermined length. The pretreating coconut leaf includes isolating coconut midrib from coconut leaf and cleaning the coconut midrib with water followed by cutting into desired length ranging from 7.5 to 15 inches. The coconut midrib forms the base and support of the incense stick. The selection of coconut midrib is due to it fumes properties while burning, more preferrable properties is generating negligible toxic gases and particulate matter which can be hazardous to human upon inhalation. b) treating coconut mid-rib with a natural colorant;

The pretreated coconut midrib is treated with first oil and natural colorant under temperature ranging from 25°C to 50°C and pressure at less than 1.5 bar for a predetermined time; In a preferred embodiment, the coconut midrib is dipped in first oil and natural colorant under temperature ranging from 25°C to 50°C and pressure at less than 1.5 bar for a period till the coconut midrib is fully soaked with the first oil and natural colors. The combinations of coconut prove to be an incense stick generating fewer toxic fumes while burning. c) mixing a second oil, a binding agent, gum and additives under temperature ranging from 25°C to 50°C and pressure at less than 1.5 bar for a predetermined time to obtain an incense binding mixture;

The binding mixture comprising mixture of a first oil, a second oil, a binding agent, gum and additives. The components of binding mixture in paste form are prepared separately by known traditional method such as kneading and mechanical mixer. The function of first oil is to impart fragrance to the incense stick. In preferred embodiment, the first oil is a fragrant oil . Further, the function of second oil is to impart consistency and binding properties during the binding mixture dough preparing process. d) applying the obtained incense binding mixture on the treated coconut mid-rib to obtained a wet incense stick.

The obtained binding mixture in paste form is applied on the treated coconut midrib by using manual method or automatic machines for coating the binding mixture to obtain a wet incense stick. e) dipping the said wet incense stick into a first oil;

In another embodiment, the wet incense stick is dipped in first oil, preferably fragrant oil, more preferably perfume oil to impart fragrant to the incense stick. e) optionally, adding a coating of oxidizing agent on at least a portion of binding mixture of the wet incense stick;

The coconut mid-rib incense sticks wherein the tip of the incense sticks coated with oxidizing agents such as potassium chlorate, mixed with sulfur, fillers and powdered glass, which when stroked to the side of the package (a slim strip) containing red phosphorus, binder & powdered glass, will ignite the fuming procedure of the sticks. In preferred embodiment, the tip of the incense sticks coated with oxidizing agent at least on the upper tip of the incense stick with the purpose of igniting when rub against red phosphorus f) drying the wet incense stick to obtain an incense stick.

The prepared incense stick in step (d) is kept for drying for pre- determined period of time as per the internal Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which can be dried through drier machine or air drying.

[0063] According to one embodiment, when the first oil is added while preparing the binding mixture, the dipping of incense stick is avoided. Further, when the first oil is not added while preparing the binding mixture, the dipping of incense stick is essential.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, the invention describes a method for preparation of the incense sticks wherein the prepared incense sticks are dried for packaging.

[0065] According to a further embodiment, the invention describes a method for preparation of the incense sticks wherein the coconut mid-ribs are stripped, cleaned and cut into suitable sizes.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the invention describes a method for preparation of the incense sticks wherein the coconut mid-ribs in step (a) are cut into suitable lengths of around 7.5 inches to 15 inches. [0067] According to a further embodiment, the invention describes a method for preparation of the incense sticks wherein after cutting the coconut mid-ribs are treated with natural colors and fragrant oils from 25°C to 30°C or with non-fragrant oils in step (b) under temperature ranging from 30°C to 50°C, both inclusive and applying pressure less than 1.5 bar with predetermined time.

[0068] According to a further embodiment, the coconut mid-ribs in step (b) are treated with fragrant or non-fragrant oil for 15 days to 6 months.

[0069] According to another embodiment, the invention provides non-toxic incense sticks made of coconut mid-ribs with long lasting burning property.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the coconut mid-rib incense sticks can be intended to be used as perfumed incense sticks, masala incense sticks, plain incense sticks, and mosquito repellent incense sticks. These sticks can or cannot be with the match stick properties at tip of the stick.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention further in detail, this invention is not limited to these.

Preparation of a non-toxic incense stick

[0071] After isolating coconut midrib from coconut leaf, the coconut midrib was washed and cut in length of 10 inch. The coconut midrib stick was dipped in a mixture of natural colorants for 15 days to 6 months. The binding mixture was prepared separately by kneading the components of the binding mixture such as coconut oil was added and kneaded to prepare the colored incense composition of the present invention. The resulting incense composition was extruded into a linear shape by a conventional method, then cut and dried to produce an incense stick. The freshly prepared incense stick was dipped in fragrant oil to impart fragrance in the incense stick. Further, the tip of the incense stick with binding mixture was dipped in to oxidizing agent paste to obtained incense stick of the present invention.

[0072] The following tabled shows the after-ignition effect of the incense stick according to one embodiment wherein 5 sticks were used and the total burning time was 35-40 min. Table 1 After ignition effect of the incense stick

From the above chemical analysis of fumes generated by the incense sticks, according to the one embodiment of the present invention. Further, the harmful chemicals like CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, H2S, NH3, TVOC, CH2O, O3 were not found in the incense sticks of the one embodiment. It is clearly established that hardly any harmful chemical or compounds were detected. The above results of prepared incense stick according to the preferred embodiment in Table lis achieved due to the combined effect of coconut midrib treated natural colorant along with the binding mixture. Technical Advantages of the Present Disclosure

[0073] The present disclosure provides following technical advances over the solutions provided by exiting prior arts.

■ Harmless incense sticks for imparting fragrant and positive atmosphere;

■ Gives out non-toxic fumes when burnt;

■ An alternative to hazardous incense sticks made of bamboo;

■ No need to carry an additional match stick box to light the coconut mid-rib incense stick,

■ The fragrance is not evaporated during storage, even for a very long period.

■ The fragrance is released only when the stick is burnt.

■ long lasting burning property

■ Simple in construction;

■ Non-toxic;

■ Non carcinogenic

Non-hazardous; and

Free from fossil fuel consumption.