Smoke From Burning Juniper Leaves

Juniper leaves along with the berries are used as substitute for incense sticks in the Himalayas where Juniper trees are found in abundance. Juniper berries have a very rich, balsamic scent when burnt and the aroma of the smoke fill the surrounding air, giving the Himalaya mornings a distict smell. In fact, the Juniper tree is known as a tree of fragrance for their aromatic smell. The leaves along with the berries are dried out and then burnt for the beautiful smell. These can often be seen in gompas on the altar during prayers and ceremonies. Smoke from Juniper trees is considered auspicious and regarded as an important element in many prayers and ceremonies without which a ceremony is seldom carried out.