No Image Available
Visual representation of palo santo
Spiritual and Wellness Product
Updated August 31, 2025
Palo santo
Palo santo releases a calming, sweet-smelling smoke when burned. It's often used to cleanse spaces and promote relaxation.
Category
Spiritual and Wellness Product
Use Case
Burned as incense for spiritual cleansing, meditation, and aromatherapy purposes
Variants
Sticks, Chips, Essential Oil
Key Features
-
Palo Santo Wood Smudging
-
Cleansing Negative Energy & Vibes
-
Promoting Relaxation and Calm
-
Natural Insect Repellent Properties
In Simple Terms
Palo santo is a type of wood that comes from a tree native to South America. The name means "holy wood" in Spanish. It's known for its pleasant, sweet, and woody smell when burned, similar to incense.
Why people use it
People often use palo santo to create a calm and positive atmosphere. It's like lighting a scented candle to make a room feel cozy, but many believe it has deeper benefits. Burning it is thought to clear away negative energy, reduce stress, and help with focus. Some also use it for its soothing scent to relax or meditate, much like how lavender can help you unwind.
Basic examples
In everyday life, you might see someone use palo santo in a few simple ways. For instance, after a long and tiring day, lighting a stick and letting the smoke drift through a room can make it feel fresher and more peaceful. It's also common before starting yoga or meditation to help set a calm mood. Some people even use it to gently scent their clothes or living space naturally, avoiding artificial air fresheners. Think of it as a natural way to hit the "reset" button on your environment.
Why people use it
People often use palo santo to create a calm and positive atmosphere. It's like lighting a scented candle to make a room feel cozy, but many believe it has deeper benefits. Burning it is thought to clear away negative energy, reduce stress, and help with focus. Some also use it for its soothing scent to relax or meditate, much like how lavender can help you unwind.
Basic examples
In everyday life, you might see someone use palo santo in a few simple ways. For instance, after a long and tiring day, lighting a stick and letting the smoke drift through a room can make it feel fresher and more peaceful. It's also common before starting yoga or meditation to help set a calm mood. Some people even use it to gently scent their clothes or living space naturally, avoiding artificial air fresheners. Think of it as a natural way to hit the "reset" button on your environment.
Technical Details
What it is
Palo Santo, scientifically known as Bursera graveolens, is a tree species native to the dry tropical forests of South America, particularly prevalent in Peru, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands. It belongs to the Burseraceae family, which also includes frankincense and myrrh. The term "Palo Santo" translates to "holy wood" in Spanish. It is categorized as an aromatic wood, traditionally harvested from fallen branches of dead trees, ensuring sustainability and allowing the wood to develop its signature rich, complex scent profile over time.
How it works
The mechanism by which Palo Santo functions is primarily through combustion and the subsequent release of aromatic compounds. When the wood is burned, it smolders rather than ignites into an open flame, producing a fragrant smoke. This smoke carries volatile organic compounds, including limonene and ?-terpinene, which are released from the wood's natural resins and essential oils. The technology involved is simple and ancient, relying on direct thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) to vaporize these compounds without complex machinery, making it accessible for personal and ceremonial use.
Key components
The efficacy and aroma of Palo Santo are derived from its chemical composition, primarily consisting of natural resins and essential oils embedded within the wood's cellular structure.
Common use cases
Palo Santo is utilized in a variety of contexts, both traditional and modern, centered around its aromatic smoke.
Help us improve
Was this information helpful?
What could we improve?
Your feedback helps us create better content.
Thank you for your feedback!