Palo Santo

The Sacred Wood

Palo Santo, known as Bursera graveolens, is a tree native to coastal South America.

For generations, it has been used in intentional rituals to bring a sense of calm, clarity, and presence to a space.

 

What is Palo Santo

 

Palo Santo is a naturally aromatic wood.

It comes from trees that grow in regions of Peru, Ecuador, and other parts of South America.

When burned, it releases a warm, grounding aroma with soft notes of wood, citrus, and earth.

Each piece varies naturally depending on its resin content and age.

 

 

How Palo Santo is used

Palo Santo is traditionally burned as part of simple, intentional rituals.

It is often used:

• to create a calm atmosphere

• during meditation or reflection

• to mark a transition, a beginning, or an end

• as part of daily rituals in the home

When lit, the smoke moves gently through a space, creating a subtle, aromatic experience.

How to use Palo Santo

 

Light one end of the stick

Allow it to burn for 30 to 60 seconds

Blow out the flame

Let the smoke move through your space

Relight as needed

Always use in a well ventilated area and place on a heat safe surface.

 

 

What Palo Santo smells like

Palo Santo has a distinctive scent that is both grounding and uplifting.

Most people notice:

• warm wood notes

• soft citrus undertones

• a slightly sweet, resinous finish

The scent can vary depending on the age of the wood and its natural oils.

How Palo Santo is sourced

 

Palo Santo is not cut from living trees.

It is only harvested after the tree has naturally fallen and rested over time.

This resting period allows the wood to develop its characteristic aroma.

In Peru, harvesting is regulated and requires permits from local authorities.

We work with suppliers who follow responsible harvesting practices, supporting local communities and preserving traditional knowledge.

How to know if Palo Santo is real

Authentic Palo Santo:

• has a natural, noticeable aroma even before burning

• lights easily and produces aromatic smoke

• varies in size, color, and shape

• is never artificially scented

High quality Palo Santo is not uniform. Variation is part of its natural character.

Wood vs oil

Palo Santo wood and Palo Santo oil are different.

The wood is burned to produce aromatic smoke as part of a ritual.

The oil is distilled from the wood through a separate, time intensive process.

They offer different experiences and are used in different ways.

A note on tradition

Palo Santo has been used for generations within cultural practices in South America.

Today, it is also used more broadly in everyday rituals around the world.

We approach this practice with respect, focusing on the material itself and where it comes from.