What Is Palo Santo and How Do You Burn It?

Palo santo is a fragrant wood from South America, and its name means "holy wood" in Spanish. To burn it, light the tip of a stick with a flame for about 30 seconds, blow it out, and let the wood smoulder gently, releasing a sweet, woody, slightly citrusy smoke. It is a simple, quiet ritual that many people use to mark a pause or a fresh start.

What is palo santo?

Palo santo comes from a tree related to frankincense and myrrh, and grows in parts of South America. The wood is dense and rich in natural oils, which is why a small piece smells so lovely when it smoulders. In its home region it has long been used in traditional and ceremonial settings, and in recent years it has become a popular alternative to sage for people who prefer a softer, sweeter scent.

Because palo santo is a natural material, take a little care over where it comes from. Many people look for wood gathered from branches that have fallen naturally, rather than from living trees, and it is worth buying only what you will use.

How to burn palo santo

1. Choose a heatproof dish, shell or ceramic holder to catch ash and embers. Our incense holders and burners are well suited to this.
2. Open a window slightly so there is a little fresh air moving.
3. Hold the stick at an angle and light the tip with a match or candle flame for around 30 seconds.
4. Gently blow out the flame. The tip should glow and release a thin ribbon of smoke.
5. Carry it slowly around the room, or simply set it in your dish and sit with the scent.
6. When you finish, press the tip into the dish or a bowl of sand to put it out fully.

A single stick can be relit many times, so there is no need to let it burn right down. If it stops smoking, simply light it again. Some people like to set the intention aloud as they walk, moving from the door through each corner of the room and ending where they began. Others prefer to sit still, letting the smoke drift while they breathe slowly. Both are equally valid, and the best method is whichever feels natural to you.

Palo santo or white sage?

Both are used to freshen a space and mark a fresh start, but they feel quite different. White sage is herbaceous, sharp and clean, while palo santo is warm, sweet and woody. Many people reach for sage for a thorough clear-out and palo santo for something gentler, such as winding down in the evening or opening a meditation. If you would like to try the sage side, our smudge sticks and sage are a good place to start, and you can explore the full incense and smudge collection if you would like to try both.

Ways people use palo santo

• Before meditation, yoga or journalling, to create a calm moment.
• When moving into a new home, or after guests have left, to mark a fresh start.
• Beside a bath or in the bedroom at the end of the day, as part of a wind-down routine. Browse the calm and sleep collection for more ideas.
• On an altar, alongside crystals and candles, as an offering of scent.

Pairing it with a quiet intention can make the ritual feel more personal, and keeping it short helps it stay special rather than becoming a chore. Before you light it, think of a word or phrase, such as "peace" or "welcome", and hold that in mind while the smoke rises.

Safety and care

As with any burning, a little sense goes a long way. Never leave smouldering wood unattended, keep it away from curtains and paper, and always use a proper holder. If you have pets, young children or a sensitive chest, ventilate well or choose a different way to scent your home, such as an oil burner or a room spray from our room and pillow sprays collection. Store your sticks somewhere dry and away from damp, which keeps the scent strong.

Palo santo is not a substitute for ordinary housekeeping or any kind of professional advice, but as a small ritual of presence it is hard to beat. Many people say the scent is enough to slow their breathing and signal the end of a busy day.

Bring it home

If you would like to try it, start with our incense and smudge collection, where you will find palo santo alongside sage, resins and burners. Pair it with a pretty dish and a candle, and you have the beginnings of a small evening ritual of your own.