looks like several options mica, salt peter,[potassium nitrate] charcoal and makko are the binder options
to get the powders you use a mortar and pestle and ground or pulvarize the source of scent. You start with the leaves and stems or seeds etc. to get to the powder form then use the powders with other ingredients to make the cones.
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Making Incense
The process of making herbal incense without the use of salt peter, or even charcoal is actually quite easy. Perhaps the easiest way is by using a binder commonly called Makko. Makko not only serves as a water soluble binder, but as a burning agent as well. Makko is a natural tree bark from an evergreen tree and contains no synthetic chemicals, charcoal, or salt peter.
To make incense, simply mix the desired ingredients, in powdered form, with makko and add some warm water. Knead the incense-dough thoroughly and form into cones or sticks and let dry at room temperature for about twenty-four hours.
Sandalwood is common to almost every incense formula, and serves as a wonderful base aroma as well as a burning agent of it's own right. If you were making an incense of sandalwood alone, the amount of makko required may be a little as 10%. However, resins like Frankincense are more difficult to burn and must be used in much lower percentages to burning agents such as sandalwood or makko. Otherwise, your incense won't burn properly and may me too smoky or keep going out.
Here is an incense recipe you can use to get you started:
Recipe for Cone Incense...
Mix together:
2 parts Makko
1 part Sandalwood powder
1 part Cassia powder
1/2 part Clove powder Add a little warm water and knead dough completely.
Form in small incense cones.
Dry at room temperature for 24 hours.
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/article/incense.html
http://www.essenceoftheages.com/info/makeins.html
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