The Sanskrit name for these sticks is 'Agarbatti' which literally means 'Incense Stick'. Considering how long humans have been using these incense sticks, a lot of myths and folklore have sprung up around these sticks. One of the most popular ones is that they are believed to ward off evil spirits! It's a popular belief that just being in the same room as these sticks will give you protection from negative energies. A similar belief to this one is that the incense sticks improve the smell of the environment and soothe the mind. Scientific research shows that there might be some truth to these beliefs as well!