Arruda joins palo santo in this version of the Palo Santo Masala series. One order brings you one hexagonal box of HEM incense sticks. The black box has light green details, and the sticks are made in India.
What is arruda?
Arruda is the Portuguese name for common rue (Ruta graveolens), a grey-green herb from southern Europe that was once a familiar sight in cottage gardens. Its scent is strong, green and bitter, and the woody, slightly sweet palo santo complements it. If you like green, herbal scents, this one is for you.
A protective plant in Brazilian tradition
In Brazil rue is said to protect against the evil eye and ill wishes, so many people keep a sprig by the front door. Some even tuck a little piece behind one ear. Paired with palo santo, it is lit when moving house or after a difficult week to clear the home energetically.
Elsewhere in the series we stock, palo santo is paired with lavender, cinnamon, sandalwood, myrrh or rose. Of these, the arruda version is the only one where it meets a green, bitter herb.
Lighting it step by step
- Light the tip of the stick and wait for it to catch.
- After a few seconds blow out the flame, and the ember keeps burning.
- Stand it in a heat-resistant incense holder, away from curtains, as the ash will fall.
- Do not leave it unattended, and air the room afterwards.
Keep an opened box in a drawer or cupboard, away from heat and damp.