Tucked away in Camden Town market is an incense stall that specialises in completely natural aromatic mixtures, dried herb bouquets, soaps and creams. Ingredients come from distant exotic lands such as Tibet, the Philippines and Mexico.

Lotus Emporium imports the White Sage leaves directly from an indigenous Mexican cooperative -environmentally friendly and politically correct. These leaves were used in ancient Inca rituals as a natural air purifier during religious rituals. The attendants are helpful and knowledgeable and if you are lucky you may be given a sample of their deliciously fragranced soaps after a sizeable purchase!

The loose incenses are all hand blended with organic herbs, pure essential oils and natural gums and resins (mainly the exotic frankincense and myrrh). Their extensive range is imaginatively divided into astrological, festival, Egyptian and oriental religious blends.

You will be informed of the ingredients of the incenses proffered on a wooden spoon for a sniff. The Egyptian blend 'Kyphi', for instance, has 22 ingredients and has a soothing, relaxing aroma that assists in inducing sleep.

To take an example from the festival/seasonal blends - 'Autumn Equinox' is a blend of 16 warm, earthy ingredients. The label on the packet thoughtfully informs you that it is to be burned in celebration of the Autumn Equinox (September 21st).

The 'Temple Balls' are an exotic combination of sandalwood, frankincense and myrrh. Feng Shui is a combination which claims to be in sync with the aims of the ancient Chinese art of the same name - 'to create balance and harmony and bring health prosperity & good fortune. So if you are a believer you must have this incense wafting around. Pick up some quick lighting coal and an incense burner from the same stall and along with a blend or two of incense mixes, you are ready to go!!

Lotus Emporium is on the web and they have a telephone number for enquiries and orders as well. They send mail orders all over the world at basic postage rates.

Prices are good and the incense lasts quite a while as you are only ever meant to use a pinch each time.

www.lotusemporium.com