Palo Santo Guide: How to Use and Choose
Palo santo — 'holy wood' in Spanish — has long been burned in South American ceremony. Its scent is sweet and woody with a bright citrus edge. This guide covers how to use it, how to choose it, and sticks versus essential oil.
What palo santo is
Bursera graveolens grows in the dry forests of Ecuador and Peru. Rather than cutting live trees, the tradition is to collect naturally fallen wood and let it age for several years, which develops its sweet scent.
Stick or essential oil?
- Organic Palo Santo sticks (Peru) ¥3,080 — light the tip and enjoy the smoke.
- Palo Santo essential oil 3 mL ¥2,860 / 10 mL ¥7,480 and larger — for a diffuser, no smoke.
How to use a stick
- Light the tip.
- After about 30 seconds, blow out the flame and let it smoulder.
- Rest it on a heat-proof dish.
- Put it out fully and store somewhere dry. Short sessions of a minute or two make a stick last longer.
Pair it with Organic White Sage or the Frankincense Ritual Gift Set, or browse Incense & Resin.
FAQ
What is palo santo?
Palo santo means 'holy wood' in Spanish. It is the aromatic wood of Bursera graveolens, a tree of the dry forests of Ecuador and Peru, traditionally collected from naturally fallen trees and left to age for several years.
How do I use a palo santo stick?
Light the tip, let it burn for about 30 seconds, blow out the flame and enjoy the fragrant smoke. Rest it on a heat-proof dish and make sure it is fully out afterwards. One stick can be used many times.
My stick won't stay lit. What should I do?
Angle the stick downwards and hold the tip in the flame for 30 seconds to a minute. Damp wood lights poorly, so store it somewhere dry.
How can I tell genuine palo santo?
Look for the botanical name Bursera graveolens and its origin, wood from naturally fallen and aged trees, and a sweet woody scent even before lighting. The Paraguayan wood also sold as 'palo santo' (Bulnesia sarmientoi) is a different plant.
Prices include Japanese consumption tax (November 2026).
