The History of Hem Incense

In the table of contents...

1. The birth of the HEM brand 2. HEM's first products 3. HEM, the dhoop specialist 4. HEM Corporation's best-sellers 5. HEM's values 6. The HEM brand in figures 7. Where can you buy genuine HEM incense?

Among the best-known and most highly regarded incense brands, HEM is one of the most popular. In addition to its traditional manufacturing in India, it offers a very wide range of incense, whether in sticks (also called Agarbatti), resins, cones, as well as numerous fragrances, religious incense and intention incense (fortune, well-being, meditation, love, purification,...).

1. The birth of the HEM brand

The Hem Incense brand was founded in 1983 in Mumbai, India, by visionary entrepreneurs Mr. Anil Agrawal and Mr. Ashok Agrawal. The Agrawal brothers decided to create a company that would honor India's incense traditions while meeting modern demands for product quality and diversity. Their goal was clear: to offer authentic incense made with natural ingredients and promote the spiritual and medicinal benefits of these products to a global audience.

2. HEM's first products

The first products launched by the brand were classic incense sticks made from carefully selected natural ingredients. These sticks, infused with traditional Indian fragrances such as sandalwood, jasmine and rose, quickly gained popularity thanks to their superior quality and captivating aromas.

HEM then expanded its product range by introducing incense cones, dhoops (incense sticks without a central stick), as well as natural resins and essential oils. Each product was designed to offer a unique olfactory experience, combining ancestral incense-making knowledge with modern production techniques.

3. HEM, the dhoop specialist

HEM dhoops differ from traditional incense sticks in several ways. Unlike classic incense sticks, which are mounted on a bamboo stick, dhoops have no internal support structure and are made entirely of compressed incense paste. This dense composition allows for complete combustion and a more intense, even diffusion of the fragrance. Generally shorter and thicker than incense sticks, HEM dhoops often come in the form of sticks, cylinders or cones.

Made from blends of natural ingredients such as wood powders, resins, herbs and essential oils, dhoops offer richer, more pronounced fragrances. Because of this composition, they generally burn for longer. Dhoops are ideal for religious rituals, spiritual ceremonies and special occasions when a strong olfactory presence is desired. Their ability to produce larger volumes of smoke also makes them more suitable for large rooms or open spaces (and less recommended for small spaces).

4. HEM Corporation's best-sellers

HEM offers a wide range of incense products, and some stand out and have built the brand's reputation:

1. Frankincense & Myrrh incense (Olibanum and Myrrh)

2. Sandalwood incense

3. Dragon's Blood incense

4. Lavender incense

5. Patchouli incense cones

6. White Sage incense

7. Copal resin

8. Myrrh resin

5. HEM's values

The HEM brand is guided by a set of core values that reflect its commitment to quality, authenticity and respect for tradition. Here are the main values that define HEM:

• Premium quality: HEM is committed to offering the highest-quality incense products. Every stage of the manufacturing process, from the selection of raw materials to the finished product, is subject to rigorous controls to guarantee flawless quality.

• Authenticity and tradition: the brand respects traditional incense-making methods, drawing inspiration from ancestral Indian practices. HEM combines these techniques with modern innovations to offer authentic, contemporary products.

• Innovation: HEM values innovation in its products and processes. Research and development is a priority, enabling the creation of new fragrances and new forms of incense that meet consumers' evolving needs and preferences.

• Sustainability and respect for the environment: aware of the importance of preserving the planet, HEM uses renewable raw materials and favors recyclable packaging. The company aims to minimize its ecological footprint while producing quality incense.

• Social responsibility: HEM is committed to social responsibility by supporting local communities and ensuring fair working conditions. The company works closely with local artisans and contributes to the economic development of these communities.

• Well-being and spirituality: HEM products are designed to enhance consumers' well-being. Whether for meditation, relaxation, purification or spiritual rituals, HEM creates incense that enriches users' spiritual and emotional experience.

6. The HEM brand in figures

With two main factories and more than 200 employees, HEM produces over 400 different types of fragrances, meeting growing global demand. Its products are exported to Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Australia and Asia. HEM has an infrastructure including perfumery laboratories and design studios, enabling constant innovation.

7. Where can you buy genuine HEM incense?

You will find genuine Indian HEM incense at Aeternum, our online esoteric shop! Since the range is extremely extensive, with regular new arrivals, we add to it regularly. You can also enjoy a wide selection of incense sticks, incense cones, backflow incense, powdered incense and resins for your home. You will benefit from fast, carefully prepared shipping, all dispatched from France (Finistère) by us!