What is Palo Santo? Meaning, benefits, and how to use it
If you’ve ever walked into a yoga class, meditation space, or wellness store and been greeted by a sweet, earthy aroma, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered Palo Santo.
Often called holy wood, Palo Santo has been used for centuries to cleanse energy, calm the mind, and deepen spiritual connection. But what exactly is it, and how can you use it in your own rituals and daily life?
The meaning and origins of Palo Santo
The meaning of Palo Santo comes from its Spanish translation, holy wood. It comes from the Bursera graveolens tree, native to South America, especially Peru and Ecuador. For generations, Indigenous communities have used it in ceremonies to purify spaces, invite protection, and promote healing.
Authentic Palo Santo isn’t taken from living trees. Instead, it’s collected only from fallen branches and trees that have naturally completed their life cycle. Over several years, the wood matures and its essential oils concentrate, creating the rich, grounding fragrance it’s known for.
Palo Santo benefits for mind, body, and space
Palo Santo’s benefits go far beyond its beautiful scent. Here are some of the most loved ways this sacred wood can support your wellbeing:
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Energy cleansing: Traditionally burned to clear stagnant or negative energy, Palo Santo helps refresh your environment and restore balance.
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Relaxation and stress relief: The gentle, uplifting aroma can calm the nervous system and promote a sense of peace and grounding.
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Meditation and yoga support: Its centring scent helps deepen focus and mindfulness, making it a perfect companion for meditation, breathwork, or yoga.
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Natural air purification: Palo Santo smoke contains natural antibacterial properties that can help purify the air.
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Insect repellent: The same aromatic oils that create its scent also naturally deter mosquitoes.
Whether you use it for emotional release, energy clearing, or simply to create a soothing atmosphere, Palo Santo brings a moment of calm and clarity to any space.
How to use Palo Santo
Knowing how to use Palo Santo is simple - it’s all about setting intention.
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Light one end of the stick and let it burn for around 30 seconds.
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Gently blow out the flame, allowing the wood to smoulder and release smoke.
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Move mindfully through your space, wafting the smoke around you or over objects to cleanse and refresh. Make sure to hold it over a fireproof dish to catch any falling ash.
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Rest the stick safely in a fireproof dish when done. You can relight it many times.
Tip: Always open a window while smudging to allow energy (and smoke) to flow out.
You can find out more about smudging and storing Palo Santo in this blog post. https://seedsofwonder.com/blogs/blog-posts/smudging-and-storing-palo-santo
Choosing ethical and sustainable Palo Santo
Because demand has grown, sustainability is key when choosing Palo Santo sticks. Look for brands that ethically source from reforestation and conservation programs, ensuring no live trees are cut down.
At Seeds of Wonder, my Palo Santo is ethically sourced, gathered only from fallen branches. Each stick carries the pure, sacred essence of the forest, inviting balance, peace, and positive energy into your life.
