The Forms of Buddhist Incense

Zuko (Rubbing Incense):

Finely ground powder made from various ingredients. The most
common mixture is Sandalwood, Aloeswood, Clove, Turmeric,
and Borneol. Zuko is used for purification before
ceremonies, preparing meals, or even touching another
person. The origins of Zuko are from ancient in India
where hygiene was a major concern. Traditionally it was
spread across the entire body for its antiseptic and
aromatic qualities.

Makko (Ground Incense):

Finely ground powder which is now used as a base to burn raw
incense upon. This mixture functions infinitely better as
a burning base than the use of charcoal. There exist a
variety of recipes for this mixture within the texts of
Buddhism and incense manuals. The main mixture is a
combination of Sandalwood, Aloes wood, and Cloves.

Shoko (Burning Incense):

The various mixtures of raw incense ingredients which are
placed upon the Makko base. There exist a wide variety of
mixtures of Shoko mixtures, each designed for specific
practices and effects. One variety is the basic Buddhist Five Incense mixture of Aloes wood, Sandalwood, Clove, Turmeric, and Borneol. Shoko is commonly used today for religious ceremonies and practices
in a multitude of traditions across the world. Buddhism,
Catholicism, as well many other traditions maintain this
ancient practice of incense burning.

Senko (Incense Stick):

This is what comes to mind when most people think of incense.
Senko is commonly used as an offering, a timer for
meditation practice, to fragrance a room, or just for
personal enjoyment. Most Japanese incense makers clearly
designate which of their incense sticks are for offerings
and which are simply for room fragrances.

Kosui (Fragranced Water):

Used in Buddhist ceremony to bathe in prior to initiations as well as a purification of items, individuals, and areas. It is somewhat similar to the Holy Water of Catholicism. The sacred saffron-colored robes of the monks and nuns are washed in a mixture of this fragrant water as well. Aloes wood or Makko are commonly used to scent the water before it is empowered.