What Is Palo Santo and How Do You Use It?
If you've ever caught a whiff of something warm, woody, and faintly sweet in a yoga studio or a friend's home and wondered what is that? — there's a good chance it was palo santo.
The Story Behind the Wood
Palo santo means "holy wood" in Spanish. It comes from the Bursera graveolens tree, native to the dry forests of South America — particularly Ecuador and Peru. For centuries, it has been used by Indigenous healers and shamans in ceremony, meditation, and healing rituals. What makes it special is that only naturally fallen trees and branches are harvested; the wood must rest on the forest floor for years before its aromatic oils fully develop. This makes sustainably sourced palo santo a product of patience and respect for the land.
What Does Palo Santo Smell Like?
Palo santo has a distinctive scent — warm and woody with hints of citrus, mint, and something almost resinous. It's grounding without being heavy, uplifting without being sharp. Many people find it easier to work with than white sage, especially indoors.
How to Use Palo Santo
Using palo santo is beautifully simple:
- Hold a stick at one end and light the other tip with a match or lighter.
- Let it burn for 30–60 seconds, then blow out the flame so it smoulders.
- Move through your space or hold it near your body, letting the smoke drift where it's needed.
- Rest it in a fireproof dish when you're done — palo santo often extinguishes on its own.
Our Palo Santo 3pc Bundle is a great way to start, giving you enough wood to explore the practice at your own pace.
Palo Santo vs. Sage: What's the Difference?
Both are used for energetic cleansing, but they have distinct personalities. White sage is more assertive — its smoke is dense and its scent is strong, making it ideal for deep clearing. Palo santo is gentler and sweeter, often used to invite positive energy in after a sage cleanse, or on its own for a lighter refresh. Many practitioners use both together.
Where to Find Ethically Sourced Palo Santo
Not all palo santo is created equal. Look for suppliers who can speak to their sourcing — wood that has been harvested from naturally fallen trees, not cut. Browse our Native Collection for palo santo and other ceremonial tools we've chosen with intention.