Wellness Apothecary

Palo Santo, also known as "holy wood," is a sacred wood from the Bursera graveolens tree, primarily found in South America. It has been used for centuries in spiritual and healing practices. Read about the main uses of Palo Santo here.

Palo Santo has a distinctive and pleasant aroma that is often described as sweet, woody, and slightly citrusy. Discover more about what palo santo smells like here.

The preference for the smell of sage or Palo Santo is subjective and depends on personal taste, as both have distinct and pleasant aromas. Sage is earth and strong, while Palo Santo is sweet, woody and uplifting. Read our comparison on the smell of Sage vs Palo Santo.

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, discover the full scent profile of burning Palo Santo here on our guide.

The science behind Palo Santo includes its chemical composition, which provides anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, mood-enhancing, and insect-repellent properties. While the spiritual and energetic aspects of Palo Santo are more difficult to quantify scientifically, its traditional uses are supported by some scientific evidence.

While Palo Santo is generally considered safe and beneficial, there are a few potential side effects of Palo Santo to be aware of, especially for individuals with specific sensitivities or conditions; respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, headaches, pregnancy considerations and environmental concerns.

Palo Santo has gained widespread popularity in recent years for several reasons, many of which are tied to its spiritual, therapeutic, and aromatic qualities. Explore our full article on why Palo Santo is so popular.

Palo Santo is particularly associated with the heart chakra(Anahata) and the crown chakra(Sahasrara), but it can also be used to balance and cleanse other chakras. Read how Palo Santo relates to the heart and crown chakras.

Yes, you can light Palo Santo every day, and many people incorporate it into their daily spiritual or wellness routine. Here’s what to consider when using Palo Santo daily.

Palo Santo has a distinctive and pleasant aroma that is often described as sweet, woody, and slightly citrusy. Here’s a breakdown of Palo Santo's unique scent profile.

Smudging with Palo Santo involves burning the wood and using its fragrant smoke to cleanse and purify spaces, objects, or individuals. Here’s what it means to smudge with Palo Santo.

Inhaling Palo Santo can be both beneficial and potentially problematic, depending on the context and the individual’s health. Learn more about the considerations on whether Palo Santo is good to inhale or not.

Palo Santo pairs well with white sage for deep cleansing, frankincense for spiritual elevation, lavender for calming and healing, cedar for grounding and protection, and crystals for enhanced energy work. 

Palo Santo can be paired with various herbs, resins, and other natural elements to enhance its cleansing, healing, and spiritual properties.

Palo Santo holds significant spiritual meaning as a tool for purification, protection, connection to the divine, healing, and transformation. Its use is deeply rooted in sacred traditions and carries a sense of reverence and spiritual power. 

Opening windows while burning Palo Santo is crucial for proper ventilation, allowing smoke and released negative energy to escape, and for fresh air to circulate, ensuring a complete and safe cleansing process. This practice prevents smoke buildup, reduces irritation, and facilitates the effective removal of stagnant energy, contributing to a balanced and harmonious environment.

While Palo Santo is generally safe, potential toxicity concerns include respiratory irritation from smoke inhalation, especially for those with pre-existing conditions; allergic reactions to its compounds, particularly essential oils; skin irritation from undiluted essential oil use; and caution during pregnancy and with young children, necessitating mindful use in well-ventilated areas and consultation with healthcare providers when necessary.

Palo Santo is generally safe when used properly, but there are some considerations. Inhaling smoke can irritate the respiratory system, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies, so it's important to use it in a well-ventilated area. Some people may experience allergic reactions, such as skin irritation or respiratory symptoms, and should discontinue use if this occurs. When using Palo Santo essential oil, always dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation, and never ingest it unless guided by a healthcare professional. Pregnant women and young children should use caution, consulting a healthcare provider before use. Overall, Palo Santo is safe if used mindfully, with attention to personal sensitivities.