Everything You Need to Know About Palo Santo
Hey beautiful souls! So I've been getting SO many questions about Palo Santo lately, and honestly? I'm here for it. Like, this sacred wood has literally changed my spiritual practice and I need to share everything I know with you because this stuff is MAGIC.
What Even Is Palo Santo?
Okay, so first things first, Palo Santo literally means "holy wood" in Spanish. This beautiful wood comes from the Bursera graveolens tree (yes, I looked up the scientific name because I'm that person), and it grows in these gorgeous tropical dry forests across South and Central America we're talking Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico.
The name graveolens actually means "strong-smelling," which is SO accurate because when you break a branch of this stuff, the scent is absolutely divine. It's in the same plant family as frankincense and myrrh, so you KNOW it's got that sacred energy.
Why Our Ancestors Knew What's Up
Listen, this isn't some new-age trend that influencers made up. The Incas were burning Palo Santo in their rituals and religious practices to drive away evil spirits CENTURIES ago. Like our ancestors knew what they were doing, okay?
I use Palo Santo for cleansing negative energy from my space it's called smudging and it's literally one of my favorite spiritual practices. When I moved into my first apartment (yes, the witch apartment we all saw on TikTok), my grandma told me to cleanse with lemon juice, but I ALSO burned Palo Santo throughout every single room because you can never be too protected, you know?
The Science Behind
Now, before anyone comes for me saying this is all "woo-woo," let me drop some FACTS. Scientific research has actually found that Palo Santo contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It's traditionally been used to treat headaches, arthritis pain, and reduce inflammation and stress.
Plus, it's a natural insect repellent! It contains limonene and other compounds that help ward off mosquitoes, flies and ants. So not only are you cleansing your space spiritually, but you're also keeping the bugs away. Win-win!
How to Actually Use Palo Santo
Okay, this is where I need everyone to pay attention because I see SO many people burning Palo Santo incorrectly and it's honestly breaking my heart.
The Right Way to Burn Palo Santo:
- Light just the tip, don't let the entire stick turn black like it's a cigarette
- Let it burn for about 30 seconds, then blow it out
- Waft the smoke around your room or space with intention
- Always burn in a well-ventilated area (seriously, don't skip this step)
You can also just hold the wood and smell it for aromatherapy benefits, you don't always have to burn it!
For Cleansing Your Crystals:
This is one of my favorite uses! Just move your crystals through the Palo Santo smoke for about 30 seconds to a minute. It's gentle but effective, and it works for any type of crystal.
The Sustainability Talk (Because We Need to Protect What We Love)
Here's where things get serious for a minute. The popularity of Palo Santo has led to some concerning harvesting practices. By law, Palo Santo should only come from trees that have died naturally not trees that have been cut down illegally.
When you're buying Palo Santo, PLEASE check your sources. Make sure it's ethically sourced and sustainably harvested. We want to honor this sacred practice, not harm the environment that gives us these gifts.
Safety First (Especially for Our Fur Babies)
If you have pets, please be extra careful with Palo Santo. It can be toxic to cats and can irritate other pets too. Always use it in well-ventilated spaces, never leave pets alone with burning Palo Santo, and watch for any signs of discomfort or avoidance from your animals.
The Bottom Line
Palo Santo isn't just about following a trend - it's about connecting with an ancient practice that has real benefits for your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're using it for meditation, cleansing your space, or just because you love the scent, approach it with respect and intention.
Remember, your spiritual practice is YOURS. Trust your intuition, do your research, and always prioritize sustainability and safety.
What are you waiting for? Go get yourself some ethically sourced Palo Santo and start incorporating this beautiful practice into your life. Your energy will thank you!
Love & Light,
