Palo Santo — Spanish for ‘holy wood’ — is a fragrant Andean wood used for centuries in South American cleansing rituals. Lit at one end and allowed to smoulder, it releases a warm, sweetly resinous smoke that lingers gently in a room. Sold in a small bundle of 2–4 sticks (~24 g).
What Palo Santo Is — and Isn't
The botanical name is Bursera graveolens. It grows naturally in dry tropical forests across Ecuador, Peru and the Pacific coast of South America. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List — it is sometimes confused online with Bulnesia sarmientoi, a separate species that is endangered. The Palo Santo sold here is sourced from naturally fallen branches, in line with SERFOR (Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre) guidance in Peru.
Scent and Atmosphere
The smoke from Palo Santo is warm, sweet and faintly citrusy with a soft resinous edge. It is lighter and less herbal than White Sage — many people prefer it for everyday use because it is not overpowering. The scent settles a room quickly and clears within an hour or two of putting the wood out.
How to Use
Hold one stick at a slight downward angle and light the tip. Let it burn for 30–60 seconds, then blow out the flame so the wood glows and releases smoke. Walk slowly around the room if you want to spread the scent, or place the stick on a heatproof tray. To extinguish, press the burning end against a non-flammable surface — do not stub it out with your hand. One stick lasts for several short burns.
Frequently Asked
Palo Santo — frequently asked| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Is Palo Santo endangered? | No. Bursera graveolens is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Confusion with the endangered Bulnesia sarmientoi is common online — they are different species. |
| Where does the wood come from? | Our Palo Santo is collected in Ecuador and Peru from naturally fallen trees, in line with SERFOR (Peruvian forestry authority) guidance. |
| How long does one stick burn? | A single stick typically gives 3–5 short burns — light it, blow out the flame, let it smoulder for 30–60 seconds, then set it aside on a fireproof tray to extinguish. |
| Can I use it without a tray? | Always use a heatproof tray, dish or holder. The wood smoulders rather than catches fire, but embers can drop. |
Specifications
- Species: Bursera graveolens
- Origin: Ecuador / Peru (naturally fallen wood, SERFOR-compliant)
- Contents: bundle of 2–4 sticks, ~24 g total
- Use: smouldering smoke for ambient and ritual fragrance
- Reusable: yes, several short burns per stick
Pairs Well With
Palo Santo is often used alongside White Sage in a two-step cleansing ritual: sage first to clear, Palo Santo afterwards to settle the space with a warm, welcoming scent. A wooden incense tray or heatproof dish is a useful companion.