My encounter with the magic of Palo Santo began while I was searching for “Incense sticks” & “Energy Cleansing plants”
At first, I experimented with White Sage (which I still use) but then I discovered the amazing powers of this rare and magical fragrant tree, also known as the wood of saints. It has been an experience to relish.
What is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo only grows in the wild tropical dry forests of South American countries like Ecuador, Peru Galapagos Island & some areas in Mexico like the Yucatan Peninsula. It was discovered by Spanish monks who gave the tree its name which means “Holy Wood” or “Wood of Saints”.
This mystical gift of nature is regarded highly by monks and shamans who say that Palo Santo has spiritual purifying qualities that help to clear out “mala energia” (bad energy) and bring fortune to those who believe in its power.
According to some monks, it’s believed that the Palo Santo tree has a special spirit that resides even when it has been cut down and should be treated respectfully so as to enjoy all the benefits that it offers.
This is one of the reasons why Palo Santo trees are never uprooted or cut down. Instead, they die naturally. This is why the oils and all the nature’s goodness that the tree possesses can only be harvested years after the Palo Santo tree has fallen down.
Benefits of Palo Santo
And now let’s look at some of the benefits I love about the Palo Santo.
With its sweet scent of pine, mint, and lemon, Palo Santo is one of the most fragrant woods in the world creating a soothing aromatherapy experience in your space whenever it’s lit.
But this wonderful plant is known for more than just its sweet scents. Palo Santo can be used to protect, experience, heal and so much more.
Spiritual Benefits of Palo Santo
As mentioned before, it is believed that a spirit lives in Palo Santo and still resides in it long after the tree dies.
So, when you light up a stick in your home, the tree spirit helps to clear off negative energy, ward off evil spirits and help to bring fortune to your home.
If you’re using Palo Santo during meditation and the scent engulfs your room, the warmth of the scent uplifts your spirit and a certain feeling of wellness settle in every part of your body, while at the same making you feel an overwhelming bond with nature.
Trust me, the unimaginable energy this tree exudes is best experienced not narrated.
Health & Mental Benefits of Palo Santo
Let’s imagine spirituality isn’t your thing and you’re not a fan of having baths daily or smelling good. So, the above-mentioned benefits might not really be your thing.
But what if I told you that the Palo Santo wood also heals?
Not spiritual healing this time, Palo Santo can also be used to treat common ailments like colds, depression, anxiety. The oils of Palo Santo contain high levels of D-limonene & Monotrepenes that are used to serve as pain relief for joint pain and arthritis, help regulate the immune system, relieve stress, headaches, cold and other pains while also emitting a strong but soothing smell.
It’s no wonder it’s used in oils and perfumes. So, with the Palo Santo, you don’t only feel good. You smell good!
Palo Santo as Repellant
The heavenly scent of Palo Santo might do wonders for us as humans but it definitely makes some members of the insect world cringe. The oils of Palo Santo repel the critters from your space in a natural and unharmful way.
How to Burn Palo Santo
Easy-Peasy! Unleashing the wonders of the wood of saint in your space is not rocket science.
Just follow the instructions below and you’re on way to some sweet soul upliftment and emotional balance.
- Light the Palo Santo stick with a match, candle or lighter.
- Allow the stick to burn for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then blow it out.
- Move around the space that you want to clear and also move the stick around your body.
- A rich scent will engulf your room and you will feel a sense of peace and positivity at that moment.
- Once you feel you have cleansed all the spaces that need cleansing, place the stick in a fire-proof bowl of metal, glass or clay.
- The glow will end on its own unless you blow the ember.
Palo Santo vs Sage
The Palo Santo vs Sage topic is a very common one when it comes to the matter of energy cleansing.
I’m not comparing these wonderful plants to help you choose which is better because there are a lot of other energy cleansing plants.
But these two are the most popular in the world and I just want to show you the power these two plants possess so you are able to explore your options instead of focusing on only one plant.
Let’s dive in!
Palo “Holy wood” Santo can mostly be found in areas in Southern America while Sage is commonly found in Southwest of the US and some parts of Mexico.
History
Taking a look at the history of these two plants, Sage was discovered to be used by Native Americans and the Celtic Druids of the Celtic nations while Palo Santo was traced back to the ancient Inca people of South America.
Smell
The scent of the Sage isn’t one you would enjoy but the rich and refreshing scent of mint and citrus that Palo Santo possesses gives you a wonderful olfactory experience during cleansing.
Burn & Energy Cleansing
When it comes to burning, Palo Santo burns slower than the Sage. When the Sage is lit, it can be quite smoky and its smoke can cover large areas but the slow burn of Palo Santo makes it ideal for small spaces.
With respect to energy cleansing, just like the Palo Santo, sage is used to clear out all kinds of vibe. Set the intention on what you want to clear and visualize positive energy entering your space once you’re done the cleansing with sage.
My favorite Palo Santo Wood
So now let’s talk about my favorite Palo Santo wood!
Here’s the thing about picking the brand of Palo Santo wood you want to buy.
Never buy a freshly harvested Palo Santo wood as they burn faster and don’t have that heavenly, rich and refreshing mint, vanilla and pine scent.
Not only that!
Make sure they are sustainably sourced, as you don’t want the endangerment of this species on your conscience and also if you’re lucky, get the center of the dead tree. You would experience the complete power of Palo Santo as the center of the tree is where the essential oils and remarkable healing properties are dominant.
Back to me, so after months of research and recommendation from other users, I found my personal plug for Palo Santo wood. And that is the Alternative Imagination.
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Their brand of Palo Santo is truly unique because most of the woods they sell are widely harvested from naturally falling trees.
Other Palo Santo Products
Not a fan of Palo Santo wood?
Don’t worry, there are other options apart from the wood that could help you experience the natural goodness of Palo Santo.
*Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. To learn more, click here.*
Palo Santo Incense Sticks
These sticks are much thinner and lighter than the wood which is usually milled and might contain hand-cut pieces that would have different aromas intensity and coloration.
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Palo Incense sticks are usually handcrafted and used for creating and inviting fresh aura during mediation but while Palo Santo woods also offer the same uses, they are not handcrafted & rarely alike.
Palo Santo Candle
Another product you can try out instead of the wood is the Palo Santo Candle.
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These candles are made with natural soy wax, a led free cotton wick combined with Palo Santo oil which is usually derived from the distillation of the resin of the Palo Santo wood. A nice plus is that the candles are poured into a matte glass jar, which makes them a nice piece of decoration.
This would save you the hassle of having to burn sticks or wood and makes smudging very easy.
Palo Santo Oil
Calm your spirit and cleanse the senses with the magic of the essential oil of the Palo Santo.
With its long-lasting uplifting fragrance and cleansing qualities, the Palo Santo oil is one of the best oils to attain emotional balance and spiritual upliftment.
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Palo Santo Oil is steam-distilled produce of the Palo Santo tree. The oil can only be derived from dead and fallen Palo Santo trees through a non-chemical process known as “Vapour Distillation”.
Using the oil can serve as a relief or aromatherapy unleashing a calming scent in your olfactory and the limbs preventing conditions like arthritis.
Palo Santo Smudge Spray
The Palo Santo Smudge Spray is a more convenient way to cleanse your space of negative energy, and invite protection, clarity, and peace.
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Its handy frame combined with the delicious scent of Palo Santo makes it easy to use the Palo Santo Smudge spray anywhere from your home, office, car, or school.
This is perfect if you like to pack light, especially during travels or hate the free spirit stereotyping that comes with the use of the other options.
Conclusion
It’s a crazy world today with all kinds of energy flying around in the atmosphere and as such energy cleansing has become a big deal.
And with the magical wonders of Palo Santo, you can enjoy a sweet escape to a world of your own through meditation/space cleansing, leaving you refreshed, calm and positive amidst all the chaos of today’s world!
Beth says
Of course all cleansing should be done with direct intention, purpose
and purity of heart. Clear speak and thought about what you need ANY
Cleansing material to do is a must!
Your comment about the white sage
Clearing bad AND good bothers me!
Intention, Intention, Intention on what you’re clearing is what is needed. With gentle direction I let the people I help pick what they want to use for cleansing. I will usually let them pick the wand they want to use out of the basket. The same way I do with the stones. Blessed Be
Willemijn says
Hi Beth, Thank you for your comment and I totally agree with you. The way it was stated, didn’t clearly express what I actually wanted to say. Therefore, I changed the article. Thanks so much!