When burned, Palo Santo smells sweet, woody, and slightly citrusy, with resinous and herbal undertones. The aroma is warm, grounding, and spiritually uplifting. 

Burning Palo Santo emits a distinctive and pleasant aroma that is often described as: 

Sweet and Woody

The most prominent notes are sweet and woody. The scent has a warm, earthy quality that is both grounding and comforting. This sweetness is subtle and natural, making the aroma appealing to many people. 

Citrusy Undertones

There are also noticeable citrusy undertones, often compared to the scent of lemon or lime. These bright, fresh notes add a lively and uplifting dimension to the aroma, balancing the deeper woody elements. 

Resinous

Palo Santo has a resinous quality when burned, which gives it a slightly rich and balsamic scent. This adds depth and complexity to the aroma, making it unique among other types of wood used for smudging. 

Herbal and Minty Hints

Some people detect faint herbal or minty notes in the smoke, which contribute to its overall freshness and enhance the feeling of purification and renewal. 

Spiritual and Sacred

The scent of Palo Santo is often described as spiritually uplifting and sacred, which is why it’s commonly used in rituals, meditation, and spiritual practices. The combination of its sweet, woody, citrusy, and resinous notes creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere. 

When burned, Palo Santo smells sweet, woody, and slightly citrusy, with resinous and herbal undertones. The aroma is warm, grounding, and spiritually uplifting. 

 Author: Coralee Roberts

Coralee is a passionate health and wellness advocate with a deep understanding of holistic living. Driven by a desire to empower herself and others to achieve optimal health and well-being, she has been practicing smudging and energy cleansing for several years. In 2024, Coralee decided to formalize her knowledge and completed a certificate in smudging, deepening her understanding of this transformative practice. Through her writing and teachings, Coralee aims to inspire and support others on their own paths towards wellness and resilience.