Perhaps you’ve been thinking about how each incense works in Pokemon. Maybe you’ve been thinking about how one could make similar scents work in a similar way. Here’s a list of each incense and what I think their scent in the real world would be.
Pokemon Go Incense: Too broad, though may be based on the idea in general; any scent could thus work, theoretically.
Full Incense: Unsure, though considering the bloated effect, perhaps seasonal and other “spicy” scents like cinnamon could work. If handmade, other spicy spices should also work.
Lax Incense: Chamomile and Lavender come to mind. It’s best to use the powders; essential oils produce a stronger smell, which can have effects closer to Odd Incense or Full Incense.
Luck Incense: Patchouli and Jasmine are common in money and luck spells. If you want something more floral or otherwise easy to make at home, cinnamon is also commonly used. Something about it being a common trade spice. Same with salt and pepper. Any combination of essential oils used in Holy Chrism also work, as they were used during the time of Jesus to flaunt one’s wealth.
Odd Incense: Lavender is commonly used in magic to enhance spells, same with psychic powers. I use essential oils for this one instead of floral ones, because the essential oils are stronger and thus smell more “odd”.
Pure Incense: Ok so, this one’s a bit more confusing. Despite its effect, it’s nothing like bug spray; canonically (as explained in a Japanese-only pamphlet for one of the old movies, though it seems like it hasn’t been retconned, so much as it’s just never mentioned, in English dubs, with the exception of Arceus calling the Creation trio “magical creatures”.) youkai, so what Pure Incense actually is is Holy Chrism! Though, any sacred scent should do. Perhaps the scent of sake? For homemade stuff, sage and salt are your best bets.
Rock Incense: Earthy tones, like apple, cinnamon, pumpkin, etc are common. Salt, in small doses, can also be effective.
Rose Incense: Anything floral. Need help picking one for homemade stuff? Buy some tea!
Sea Incense: Ocean Breeze comes to mind. For natural ones, seasalt seems to be the best bet. But uh...there’s a problem...
Wave Incense: Ocean Breeze. This is that problem. There’s little distinction between the two incenses, except maybe one’s supposed to be lighter, like river or pool-based scents? To be honest, this one doesn’t even need to exist, they could have made Mantyke use the Sea Incense like Azurill.
