Palo Santo, a widely controversial topic in many respects and one of which we love to talk about. Seeing first hand the amazing results of this wonder wood we thought we would address both the pros and cons so you can make your own decision about using this as your incense of choice. Enjoy this blog: Palo Santo: The Ultimate Guide to uses, benefits, & origins.
What is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo comes from a a tree that’s native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. It grows in dry tropical forests and produces very fragrant resin that has been used for centuries by healers and in native rituals. Indigenous people have longed used it to help clear negative energy and it has been burned on altars and in sacred healing practices. For this reason its often know as ‘holy wood’.
Sustainably sourced Palo Santo
Many people are concerned about the sustainability of Palo Santo trees which are found growing in tropical rain forests. These forests are home to many animals and plants that can’t be found elsewhere. In the past these habitats and trees have been drastically affected by deforestation, tree farming, and other human activities.
While the Palo Santo tree is not nearing extinction, it has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as over-harvesting can lead to extinction. In Peru and Ecuador, it is illegal to cut down these trees.
Traditional sacred beliefs don’t support the cutting down of this special tree believing that the tree should be left to rest on the forest floor to age for four to ten years prior to using for smudging or extracting the oils.
Here at Sacred Essence our Palo Santo wood incense is harvested in such a way that only naturally fallen trees are selected, honouring the sacred wood's heritage. This process is entirely sustainable, ensuring the preservation of these trees while respecting their spiritual significance. These plantations prioritise environmental harmony and support the local economy. Trees are allowed to grow for 10-20 years, and only after naturally falling and resting on the forest floor are they harvested, allowing the tree's essence to cleanse and rejuvenate the surroundings.
Real Vs Fake Palo Santo
Fake Palo Santo may be made from different wood types, often treated with artificial fragrances to mimic the scent, but it typically lacks the natural depth and complexity of authentic Palo Santo. Genuine Palo Santo also has an oily resin that contributes to its slow burn, whereas fake versions tend to burn faster and smell less complex.
It is not cost effective to make fake Palo Santo wood or make wood like Palo Santo! Also if Palo Santo is purchased from a forest that has accidently mixed the woods, then this would become a genuine mistake with the energy of the product coming from a merchant rather than a ethical plantation that only works in wild harvested with sustainability as a part of it values!
Palo Santo wood Vs Oil
For those unfamiliar with Palo Santo, it’s scent is an uplifting scent of citrus, pine, and mint and it fills any space with calming energy. Palo Santo fragrance oils, Palo Santo Pure Essential Oil; 5ml, 10ml, & 1000ml, is an incredible aid in meditation and welcome addition to any yoga practice, it can inspire creativity and bring love and good fortune. The oil can be burnt in an Aroma Diffuser or Aroma Pendant.
Palo Santo wood (Incense 1 stick, 30g, 50g, 100g, 500g & in multiple 1kg) is the most traditional form of Palo Santo and often comes available in sticks, chips or powder form. It typically comes directly from the tree and is 100% wood, see the different options here. There is a common misconception that the wood should stay lit but in fact we recommend letting the Palo Santo stick burn for 30-60 seconds, depending on how strong of a scent you want. After 60 seconds, blow on the stick until you extinguish the flame and it only emits embers. The stick should continue burning embers for up to an hour.
The pros of Palo Santo
Palo Santo has many benefits including energy clearing and use in relaxation and spiritual practices. It is relatively inexpensive and when purchased from sustainable means can be a way of bringing calm and peace to your practices.
Other ways to use Palo Santo:
Cleansing your space: Move the Palo Santo stick around your space, focusing on corners, doorways, and areas where the energy feels heavy. State your intention for cleansing while doing this.
Aura cleansing: Gently fan the smoke around your body, starting from your feet and moving upward. Envision any negativity or tension dissolving with the smoke.
Meditation and spiritual connection: Hold a Palo Santo stick in your hand or place it on your altar during meditation. Allow the aroma to guide you deeper into your practice.
Healing rituals: If you’re using Palo Santo to heal, focus on discomfort and gently direct the smoke towards it. Repeat your healing intention as you do so.
Daily affirmations: Create rituals by lighting Palo Santo and reciting affirmations that align with your spiritual goals, helping you to set your intention for the day.
Read more about the benefits of Palo Santo in this previous blog post here.
The cons of Palo Santo
Apart from the sustainability debate, some people worry about the air pollution around Palo Santo burning with some concerns over inhaling smoke directly which is suggested to be detrimental to your health. However, as is the case with all our incense products, we always promote using any type of incense in a well-ventilated room and. especially after space clearing, we would suggest opening a window to allow negativity energy to leave the space. When used correctly and in a safe and considerate environment then the burning of Palo Santo can bring about many more benefits than cons.
Sacred Essence Recommends
Palo Santo Wood Incense Sticks 30g (4-6 Sticks) - Natural & Wild-Harvested
For other types of incense sticks; Incense Sticks other types, Smudge Wands & White Sage
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