Palo Santo: Uses, Benefits & Origins Guide

A balanced guide to understanding Palo Santo, its benefits, origins, and mindful use

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.

Explore Palo Santo, Ritual Tools & Sacred Traditions

Palo Santo is often just the beginning. For many people, it becomes part of a wider journey — one that connects incense, crystals, sacred sprays, tarot and personal ritual into something that feels meaningful and grounded in everyday life.

Traditionally used by indigenous communities across Peru and South America, including the Q’ero Paqo’s, Palo Santo has long been combined with other sacred elements such as Florida Water (Agua de Florida), textiles and ceremonial tools to support cleansing, intention and spiritual connection.

At Sacred Essence, we honour these traditions by offering a carefully selected range of products that support both personal practice and a deeper connection to these origins.

Explore Related Ritual Tools & Collections

Each of these tools can be used individually or combined, creating a practice that feels personal, intuitive and easy to return to.

Featured Brands & Traditions

Sacred Essence – our own curated range supporting everyday ritual and wellbeing
Peruvian & South American Incense Traditions – rooted in ancestral practice
Q’ero Paqo Wisdom – connection to Andean spiritual traditions
Agua de Florida (Florida Water) – widely used in cleansing and ceremonial work

Related Guides

Working with Palo Santo is often less about the act itself, and more about the intention behind it. Whether used for cleansing, grounding or quiet reflection, it can become a simple way to create space — both physically and mentally.

Visit Us or Explore Online

You are always welcome to visit our shop in Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District, where we are happy to guide you in person. Or browse online and explore our full range of incense, crystals, sprays and ritual tools.

Visit us in Coniston or explore online at Sacred Essence

You can also follow along on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration, new arrivals and updates from our Coniston shop.

A Final Thought

Across different traditions, places and practices, one thing remains constant — the value of creating small, intentional moments within daily life.

A gentle practice, returned to often, can become something quietly supportive ✨

Sacred Essence 🌈