Palo Santo Wood

For Transformation

Hand-graded Palo Santo with a high resin content

What is Palo Santo: From one of the world's last remaining tropical dry forests, Palo Santo wood is used as a natural incense and smudge stick. It has been traditionally used by the indigenous peoples of Peru and Ecuador and Andean Shaman since the time of the Inca

The Palo Santo tree (Bursera Graveolen) belongs to the same fragrant tree genus as Frankincense and Myrrh. Palo Santo or Holy Wood is one of the most aromatic woods in the world

After a Palo Santo tree dies, or a limb falls the wood begins an alchemical process. It is a very hard wood. The tree must be left undisturbed on the forest floor for several years, allowing the wood's very dense matrix to begin softening and releasing its fragrant oils. With time, the oils and aromatic compounds become stronger and more refined

Quite extraordinarily, the wood's aromatic oils will not mature in limbs cut from a tree or if the tree is felled

Palo Santo Benefits: Transformation and metamorphosis! Palo Santo is about letting go and discovering what lies beyond the seen. It teaches us respect, patience and surrender

Palo Santo is traditionally used in ceremonial practices for its cleansing and healing qualities. As the wood burns, it releases a very pleasant, fresh-smelling smoke. Its scent is uplifting and rejuvenating with a citrusy sweet earthy-ness

What is Palo Santo used for: Excellent before meditation, to clear the air following conflict or strife and when creating sacred space to attract benevolent energies. Use when energetics or dynamics are stuck are need transforming

Palo Santo is very protective - helping to facilitate clarity, harmony, and restore balance. As an alternative to White Sage, the sticks are convenient to take when travelling compared to loose herb bundles

Palo Santo Incense

Each Palo Santo stick may smell slightly different due to the varying concentration of essential oils

Impeccably sourced: The spirit of Palo Santo is a living essence and the wood must be collected, split, and traded respectfully. The organisation we've partnered with works with their local communities who appreciate the wood's sacredness. It is very valuable and an important part of the Andean culture

Imported direct from Peru
Click here for info on our sourcing policy

Burning Palo Santo

How to burn Palo Santo: Hold a stick pointing down at a 45 degree angle and light with a pocket lighter. Allow the wood to catch, so there is a little flame and let it burn for 20-30 seconds. The flame will either naturally fade or gently blow it out

The wood will then begin to release its aromatic oils in the smoke. The sticks can be relit again and again

Smudge an area by lightly blowing on the stick to encourage the embers to keep smoldering as you move around the room. Hold a fireproof bowl underneath to catch any falling ash. Or leave the stick (in a fireproof dish) to scent an area whilst you meditate, clean or relax

To finish: In a fireproof smudging bowl, it's helpful to have a little sand. Simply dip the end of the stick into the sand to help extinguish any embers

Wood vs Incense: Our palo santo sticks are pure wood, properly aged and traditionally harvested. The sticks will not burn in the same way as commercial incense / joss sticks - these are made from powdered ingredients (sometimes with a binding agent) to ensure they burn continuously

Precautions: Check that the burning end has fully extinguished when you have finished and never leave a burning item unattended

Store in a cool, dry place: Keep dry and keep the packaging sealed to stop the wood from drying out