Palo Santo

Natural palo santo sticks, sold by weight: about 3 to 4 sticks in every 25 g. Palo santo, Spanish for "holy wood", is the fragrant wood of the Bursera graveolens tree from the dry tropical forests of South America. Ours is cut only from trees that have fallen and dried naturally, never from living trees. It belongs to the same plant family as frankincense and myrrh, and when lit it gives a sweet, woody smoke with soft notes of citrus, mint and pine.

Quick facts

• Botanical name: Bursera graveolens (family Burseraceae)
• Aroma: sweet, woody and resinous, with notes of citrus, mint and pine
• Form: natural wood sticks; sizes vary, as each is cut from natural wood
• Pack size: about 3 to 4 sticks per 25 g; sold by weight from 25 g to 500 g
• Sourcing: cut from trees that have fallen and dried naturally
• Reusable: a stick can be lit again and again

How palo santo is traditionally used

• Burned to clear and refresh a space before puja, meditation, yoga or prayer
• Lit after cleaning a room, or at the start of the day, to mark a fresh start
• Used to cleanse crystals, malas and other sacred objects by passing them through the smoke
• Kept unlit in a drawer, wardrobe or on the altar for its gentle natural fragrance

Many find its sweet aroma calming, which is why it is often part of evening and meditation routines.

How to burn palo santo

1. Hold the stick at a 45-degree angle and light one end with a match or candle.
2. Let it burn for 30 to 60 seconds, then gently blow out the flame.
3. Let the fragrant smoke rise and move it slowly around the room, or rest the stick on a heat-proof dish.
4. It usually goes out on its own within a few minutes. Relight it the next time you need it.

Safety: Burn over a heat-proof dish in a well-ventilated room, keep away from children and pets, and never leave it unattended. If you are sensitive to smoke, use it sparingly, or keep it unlit for its fragrance.

Frequently asked questions

What is palo santo?

Palo santo is the aromatic wood of the Bursera graveolens tree. Its name means "holy wood" in Spanish, and it has long been burned in South American folk traditions to clear a space and to accompany prayer.

Is your palo santo ethically sourced?

Yes. Our palo santo is cut only from trees that have fallen and dried naturally; living trees are never cut for it. This is also how the wood develops its fragrance: the aromatic oils mature as the fallen wood dries over time.

How many sticks are in a pack?

Palo santo is sold by weight, and there are about 3 to 4 sticks in every 25 g. Stick sizes vary because each one is cut from natural wood.

What does palo santo smell like?

Sweet, woody and slightly resinous, with notes of citrus, mint and pine. Its smoke is lighter and sweeter than that of sage.

Palo santo or sage: which should I choose?

Both are traditionally burned to cleanse a space. Sage gives a stronger, herbal smoke; palo santo gives a sweeter, gentler one that many prefer for everyday use and smaller rooms. Some people use both: sage for a thorough cleanse, palo santo afterwards.

Is palo santo the same as sandalwood?

No. Sandalwood (chandan) comes from the Santalum album tree and is mostly used as a paste or in incense. Palo santo comes from a different tree, is burned as a stick, and has a sweeter, citrusy aroma.

How long does a palo santo stick last?

Because it is burned for a short while and then put out, one stick can be relit many times, until it becomes too short to hold safely.

How should I store palo santo?

Keep it in a closed box or pouch, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, so it keeps its fragrance.

Note: We neither guarantee, nor claim any of the said benefits. These are points which are known in spiritual circles, and customers should use their discretionary power to decide on the benefits.